Past and present club members, including fans, are invited to the Gunning Shire Hall for a night of live music, dinner and a trip down memory lane.

Replicas of the 1987 jersey will also be on auction and attendees will be able to join the raffle on the night.

Former player and captain/coach Robby ‘Poido’ Poidevin now lives in Yass.

He said the team planned to arrive in Gunning early to support the current Gunning side.

“It is a year I would never forget,” he said.

"We used to have great times in those days.” 

At 17, Poido was living in Newcastle working on the railway. 

Long shifts meant he was unable to focus on football. 

So he left the railway behind, and moved to Yass to play for the U19 side.

Over 1979 and 1980 he played for North Canberra. 

Both teams reached the finals. On both occasions the teams lost. 

By 1986, Poido was 33, with thoughts of giving up the sport for good.

But instead, decided to start coaching, giving himself one more year.

Rounding up his contacts in Yass, he flagged his decision to coach and play for the Gunning 1987 team.

Looking back, the coach said he knew he was tough, but committed to getting the players fit and ready for the season.

Only 10-15 players attended the first couple of training sessions. But after a conversation with the players at the pub, up to 25 players were training every week. 

“They didn’t like me at times,” he joked.

“But, we were a very close knit side. 

“They were good boys, committed, and never let me down in training. We were a very fit, that was one thing I wanted to do.”

It was a misty, wet day when the Roos came up against Canberra’s Valley Statesmen for the 1987 grand final.

Rain hung in the air as the players walked onto a slippery ground fuelled with the ambition to win. 

But by half time the Roos spirits reflected the weather, as they trailed the Statesmen 8-6. 

It was then that runner and young hooker, Scotty Dickson, who was 17 at the time, was subbed in. 

Running for the tryline, the youngster made a clever play which allowed Dave Pope to cross and put the team ahead, 10-8. 

Soon after, Pope converted to take the score to 12-8.

Although the teams slugged it out for the final 12 minutes, the Roos maintained their lead up to the final whistle. Looking back, Poido said it felt like an hour.

The winners celebrated for four days after the game.

“It was my third grand final, and the only one I’ve won. It was the best feeling,” he said.

Excited for the reunion next weekend, he said most of the players will return to Gunning for the night. 

Over the years he has kept in contact with only a few players, many he hadn’t seen since the grand finals celebrations. 

“When you haven't seen mates for a while, great feeling to see them all again,” he said.

Current Rooettes player Alicia Hull, whose uncle played in the team, said it was good to get the players back together again.

“I’m born and bred in Gunning and know a few of the 1987 players,” she said.

“At the club, we’re all very close. I play alongside my cousins, and have family that play in the Roos. In 1932 my great-grandfather also played for Gunning.” 

The reunion will start at 6pm. 

Tickets are $50 each at eventbrite