The enmity has simmered away since the clubs were founding members of the association in 1973.

That simmer, however, has been slowly rising towards boiling point since former Diamonds star Pedro Afonso arrived at Kelly Park to coach the Wanderers in 2007, with several other Diamonds in tow.

The intensity of the rivalry was clear at last year’s grand final, where a group of Diamonds supporters offered parochial support to SS & A, which threatened to spill on to the pitch.

But while TCW versus Diamonds clashes have never lacked emotional spice, they have lacked meaning in the context of the competition.

That will change at Kelly Park tomorrow, with both sides trying to assert in the five-team pack chasing second spot.

The ingredients are there for a fiery clash, but Diamonds coach Lee Botting said he wanted his side looking for a win, not a fight.

“What TCW have to understand is that we’re very disciplined this year and we won’t be bought into any stupid stuff,” Botting said.

“The boys have given me their word that they’ll be playing disciplined football, and I believe that.

“We’re there to win the game, full stop.”

Afonso also hosed down talk of a spiteful encounter.

“There is a rivalry there, but that’s healthy. It’s good for the sport,” Afonso said.

“It should be a good, tough game.”

Diamonds, who knocked Myrtleford out of the top-four last week, will welcome Jarrod Herzina and Taylor Hartwig (overseas) back into the line-up.

But in a blow, captain Brett Delphin could be rested with an ankle injury and Paul Brunec will miss with a recurring knee injury.

Delphin scored twice last week.

Meanwhile, Afonso said Twin City will field a full-strength line-up as the defending cup winners look to return to the top four.

“A lot of people have been writing us off and seem to be forgetting that we’re cup champions,” Afonso said.

“(But) we’re playing like cup champions at the moment and we won’t be giving the cup up easily.”