The parallels between what's ahead for the 2024 Bulldogs, if they are to win the title, and what transpired 29 years ago are clear.
This season Canterbury have also finished sixth and based their title quest around defence. In 1995 the Bulldogs conceded just 28 points in the finals series in winning four sudden-death games on the trot, the only team to ever do it. The finals were top 10 in 1995 but no club has won the competition since from outside the top four.
Back then the Bulldogs boasted inspirational skipper Terry Lamb, who won his third premiership in 1995. This year they have three-time title winner Stephen Crichton in charge.
In the 1995 decider the Bulldogs, rated no hope, beat Manly 17-4. On Sunday, on the back of two hidings, they host the Sea Eagles at Homebush with pundits tipping their bubble has burst.
"We were rank outsiders in 1995. That year we were beaten 42-0 by Newcastle at one point and just fell into the finals," Hetherington told AAP."The biggest thing I recall from that finals series is the belief that was right through the whole side. Outside our four walls they didn't give us a chance but it was our belief, camaraderie and defence that was the difference.
"This Canterbury side can go on a roll like we did. They've had a tough few weeks but just needed a wheel alignment to get back on track.
"They averaged 16 points against with their defence for most of the year. They work hard for each other, like us, and have a really good chemistry and bond."
Hetherington identifies striking similarities in Lamb and Crichton.
Canterbury legend Terry Lamb (left) captained the 1995 side to a 17-4 grand final win over Manly. (Paul Miller/AAP PHOTOS)
"Baa (Lamb) was huge with his leadership and galvanised the whole club," Hetherington recalled.
"He didn't care if you were under 19 or had played 30 Tests, he would treat you the same way.
"I remember Laurie Daley beat Baa on his inside shoulder not long after I started and and I made the tackle for him. He congratulated me. It made me feel that good and had a lasting impact.
"In the big picture, little things build up.
"Crichton has an aura. He is a big, strapping fella and I like how he brings the boys together. When they score a try or do something well he is the first one there slapping them on the back. All that stuff is very important and shows the togetherness of the team."
Hetherington is a fan of current Bulldogs forwards like Kurtis Morrin, Reed Mahoney and Jacob Preston, as much for their heart and soul as for their fine attributes as footballers. It is the sum of the parts that make Canterbury tick.
"The forwards aren't big but they use the ball and all understand their roles," Hetherington said.
"If a bloke misses a tackle on the inside shoulder he can count on someone being there to tidy up. Their line speed, aggression and intent is good.
"We weren't a big pack but defence was our weapon. We had a simple game plan. Kick long and bash them until they dropped the ball."We just poked along in the finals. It was the most serious month I've ever had in my life.
"Game one. Bang. Won it (12-8) against St George. Game two. Bang. Beat Brisbane (24-10). Game three. Bang. Beat Canberra (25-6).
"Each week we grew in belief and by the time we got to Manly in the grand final there was no doubt in our minds. We tackled them out of it. We stepped into the 'Dogs of War' mentality."In 1995 Canterbury had the late Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore, the Godfather of the club at the helm. In 2024 they have Phil Gould, general manager of football. Both have inculcated into all players an understanding about what it means to be a Bulldog.
"There was only one Bullfrog," Hetherington said.
"He had very strong values and integrity levels around what he expected from each individual. When I arrived he sat me down in his office for an hour-long talk on the history of the club and what it means to pull the jersey on.
"As I walked out big 'Punchy' (Barry) Nelson, Bullfrog's right-hand man, grabbed me on the arm and he said, 'we expect a lot from you'.
"Gus Gould played for Canterbury and coached the club to a premiership (in 1988). He gets it. I feel he has brought a lot of stability to the place."
A crowd of more than 50,000 is expected on Sunday and blue and white will dominate in the stands.
"Canterbury supporters get behind you win, lose or draw but when they think you are having a crack they will really support you … and this team is having a crack," Hetherington said.
