For University of Canberra quarterback Luke Job, Firebirds captain and centre Sam Babic is like a "well-worn couch".
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So he'll be using every tip of the trade he learnt from former NFL quarterback Shane Boyd in a bid to send Babic out a winner in the ACT Gridiron Capital Bowl.
The League's two remaining foundation clubs will battle in the decider when defending champions University of Canberra face the Tuggeranong Tornadoes at Greenway Oval on Saturday.
Veteran centre Babic is eyeing his ninth title in a game that could bring down the curtain on a remarkable career that started with a title for Tuggeranong as a 19-year-old in 1997.
Now he could ride into the sunset as a champion a la NFL great Peyton Manning - that is, if he decides to hang up the boots.
"I've been contemplating finishing up. I kind of figure I probably should quit before I overstay my welcome, before I become an embarrassment rather than an asset," Babic laughed.
"It's funny, it's kind of all become one big blur. [The highlight was] that feeling we had after that first championship win we had in a string of them, we broke the championship drought, the first in a string of four or five.
"The feeling of winning that was just amazing. After a few years without a championship, that was good. It's hard to detail what happened but that emotion, that elation of winning was awesome."
The undefeated Firebirds have given up just 20 points en route to a 12th Capital Bowl appearance in 14 years and a Tuggeranong fairytale is all that stands between them and another championship.
Two-time league most valuable player winner Job is already one of the region's best ever quarterbacks.
Firebirds coach Nathan Long has never found anyone that matches his efficiency mark in a season boasting 75 completions, 119 attempts, 1034 yards, 15 TDs and 5 INTs.
He says he's only getting better having enlisted the help of Arena Football League quarterback Boyd - husband of Canberra Capitals star Mistie Bass.
"What an experience and a privilege. It's not often that you're able to meet an NFL quarterback, let alone have that person offer some tips to the position that I'm playing," Job said.
"We've only spent 10 hours or so of time together, and in those 10 hours I've probably learnt more about my fundamentals and my game than I probably have in the past 17 years playing the sport."
He'll squeeze 10 hours of mentoring into an hour of play in a bid to give Babic the farewell he deserves for the club they both liken to a family.
"Sam's not only been a pillar for the club, he's also been my centre for the whole time I've been with the club," Job said.
"To hear that this may be his last game saddens me, but I'm also very privileged to play with a talented sportsman who represented Australia in the sport, but just a down to earth, genuine man, which is hard to come by."
ACT GRIDIRON CAPITAL BOWL
Saturday: University of Canberra Firebirds v Tuggeranong Tornadoes at Greenway Oval, 4.30pm.
