But ACT Brumbies forwards coach Laurie Fisher says a Super Rugby title this year would be the most rewarding of his career.

Fisher was also an assistant to head coach David Nucifora when the Brumbies won their last title, in 2004, against the Canterbury Crusaders.

Fisher then took over from Nucifora as the head coach in 2005, but couldn't make the finals in his four years in charge.

After a stint in Ireland, Fisher returned to the capital last year.

Still sporting the same hairstyle and bucket hat he's worn for eight years, Fisher is adamant winning the competition this year would be the sweetest victory of all.

''This would be far more rewarding because I can feel my hands all over how we play,'' Fisher said.

''I didn't feel that in 2004. I felt a part of the team, but there were a lot of guys in that team that had international experience and knew the direction they wanted to go.

''We've started from scratch here, so the coaching staff has had an impact on how we play and how we go about things.''

Fisher joined Jake White's coaching team last season.

He looks after the forwards while Stephen Larkham takes care of the back line.

Some coaches would have baulked at the idea of returning to a club they've previously been in charge of.

But Fisher was keen to return after a stint at Munster and said there had never been a power struggle among the coaching staff at the Brumbies.

''The beauty about not being the head coach is that you coach more,'' Fisher said.

''That's what I've always wanted to do. I'd rather coach than be a guest speaker. That's what I get to do with the forwards.''

In Fisher's first three years in charge, the Brumbies only missed the finals by the smallest of margins.

In 2005 they finished fifth and were five points out of a play-off spot. In 2006 and 2007 a lack of bonus points saw them miss the finals by tiny margins.

In 2008, after Larkham, George Gregan and Jeremy Paul retired, the Brumbies dropped down the ladder.

''There aren't a lot of household names here now, it's a totally different team,'' Fisher said.

''It doesn't matter if they do become household names, all that matters is I think they've got the potential to win a Super Rugby championship.''