The arch rivals will meet in the Tallangatta League finals for the first time in Sunday’s elimination semi-final at Sandy Creek.

Wahgunyah fell to Kiewa-Sandy Creek in last weekend’s qualifying final, while Rutherlgen came from 17 points down in the final term to eliminate Mitta United.

Ironically, the sides’ two meetings this season have been spilt and were both decided by 12 points.

Lions’ coach Brett Skinner said there is genuine excitement around the club ahead of the do-or-die clash.

“I don’t think the form of each club matters, both sides lift for this game and it won’t be won easily,” Skinner said.

“I think there’s a lot of respect between both clubs and what they’ve been able to do over the last two or three years, especially the last 12 months.

“I know Damien (Cats’ coach Damien Wilson) quite well, we played footy together at Corowa and we’re all mates, but come two o’clock on Sunday that will all be forgotten.

“Wahgunyah and Rutherglen are playing in the reserves as well, so it will be a big day and will feel just like a Wahgunyah and Rutherglen home game through the year, with a bit more to play for.”

Despite the Lions playing in their first finals clash since 2011, Skinner didn’t sense any nerves from his camp.

“Scores were level at quarter-time, so I would have thought if there was any nerves, Kiewa would have sensed that pretty early,” Skinner said.

“We felt like we were in the game, we just couldn’t string it together consistently.

“We’ll take some positives from it, we’ve been up there now so we know what it’s like and we’ve got a better feel of the ground.”

Kodee Lowe returns for Wahgunyah following a knock to the leg at training last Thursday, while centre-half-back Angus Lingham makes his way back after missing the last three games.

Wilson’s side has finished strongly in its last two games against Mitta and Kiewa, but the Cats’ mentor believes the midfield battle will hold the key to victory.

“Both times we met, both sides had a few out here and there, so hopefully we’re both pretty well full-strength and have a good hit-out on Sunday,” Wilson said.

Assistant coach Nathan Waite may be the only change and will be given until Sunday morning to prove his fitness with a hamstring complaint.

“He’s a massive leader of our footy club and we’ll give him the week to get himself right,” Wilson said. “It’s hard to change a winning culture, so we’ll keep soldering on and keep playing good footy.”

The winner will face the loser of Saturday’s second semi-final between Thurgoona and Kiewa-Sandy Creek.