This weekend should be no exception when the old foes meet for the first time of the AWFA season at Savoy Park on Sunday.

Myrtleford co-coach Matt Park has been involved in plenty of tight matches with the Devils in his three years with the club and is expecting a similar showing this weekend.

“There’s definitely a bit of fire in the belly from both sides, which is always good, as long as it’s played in fair spirits,” Park said.

“One tackle in a game can fire things up and I’m sure there will be a few tackles flying.

“A few of the boys know each other and we’ve been very competitive against each other, both trying to win the league and win the cup.”

Myrtleford went down 2-0 to Cobram last start, while Wangaratta had its first loss of the season at the hands of Melrose, leaving neither side short of motivation. 

“At the end of the day, there’s pressure on both sides, it’s a derby,” Park said.

“We’re in front of our home fans, so we want to put on a good performance for them, but they (Wangaratta) want to stay on top, so the pressure is probably the same for both sides.

“We’re still only three points behind Wangaratta on top, so it’s all to play for now.”

In other games, Albury Hotspurs host Cobram, Twin City Wanderers meet Albury City, Albury United faces Wodonga Diamonds, Wodonga Heart and St Pats will chase their first points of the season, while Boomers take on Melrose.