Cooke missed last year's grand final victory, but was a part of the club's successful team in 2007-08 when it lifted the trophy against Tuggeranong at Manuka Oval.

Among his teammates on that day were also his former ACT under-19 representatives Lyon and Carters.

Cooke still keeps in touch with the pair, engaging in some friendly sledging of Lyon at the Boxing Day Test and catching up with Carters during the recent Sheffield Shield game in Canberra.

That ACT under-19 team, which also featured WA's left-arm paceman Jason Behrendorff, is considered one of the best in the region's history, finishing second at the national titles.

"It was a red-hot team, no doubt about that,'' Cooke said.

"It was an unbelievable experience. At that time there's always a lot of hype about will they reach their potential or what their actual potential is.

"To sit down and watch TV and watch the likes of Ryan and Nath and Jason now ... it's always something special to know you play with those guys.

"To be able to have a chat to those guys and have an insight into the game that those guys have had the exposure to is always something a bit special.

"They're still the most humble guys and everyday blokes and how good they are at what they do."

Carters gave a glimpse of his immense talent in the 2007-08 final with a patient century, showing how he has gone on to become one of the leading run-scorers in the Shield this season.

"I was lucky enough to have a partnership with Carts the day we won it,'' Cooke said.

"It was that innings a lot of people knew Ryan had the potential to make it.

"He scored 146 not out and he showed the concentration and application we thought was required to play first class at that time."

There's now another Carters in the Wests/UC team, with younger brother Sam enjoying a standout season with the bat.

Cooke has spent the past seven years with Wests/UC, but missed the second half of last season when he went overseas.

He is eager to make amends and help the club claim its second straight two-day title.

"I'm really keen to play in the final, it's been a few years since I've played in one, especially with the bunch of lads we've got,'' he said.

"You play cricket to play finals and that's where you're tested the most.

"It was tough not to be there, but it was good to see the boys get the job done and at the end of the day that's the main thing.

"I get my chance this year."

DOUGLAS CUP GRAND FINAL: Queanbeyan v Wests/UC at Manuka Oval from Friday to Sunday. Play starts at 11am each day.