 After consecutive flags in 1986 (a 16-point defeat of Manly-Warringah) and 1987 (by 62 points over Bankstown Sports) the side was ready for a 3rd stint at the SFL.After a wooden spoon in 1988, the students began to make steady progress.By 1992, under the expert guidance of former Sydney Swans stalwart Rod Carter, the Students were ready to take a serious tilt at the flag, and after finishing as minor premiers they qualified to meet reigning premiers North Shore in the premiership decider and won by 65 points.