They are the only two options open to Albury mayor Kevin Mack following the retirement of his long-time sparring partner, Greg Aplin.

Cr Mack has rightly used his role as leader of his city to argue the case for more love from Mr Aplin’s NSW Government and the latter has been entitled to fightback and defend the government’s record.

They will agree to disagree on the finer details around big-ticket items including the Murray Art Museum Albury, Riverina Highway, Davey Road and Lavington Sportsground redevelopment.

What is beyond doubt is Cr Mack has had his sights set on Mr Aplin’s job for some time.

In 2015, Cr Mack was acting very much as a likely challenger and Camp Aplin was worried even though they would never admit as much.

But something happened, he blinked and Mr Aplin waltzed to another victory against Cr Mack’s council colleague at the time, Ross Jackson.

Three years later circumstances have changed totally.

Mr Aplin won’t be a starter and Cr Mack can take on a rival with far less of a profile than the incumbent.

Cr Mack will have the added bonus of being mayor in the campaign unless he is spectacularly rolled.

Late last year he said: “I would be standing whether he (Mr Aplin) stands or not”.

Not much wriggle room there, but until he categorically states he is a starter in the context of Mr Aplin’s retirement, doubts will linger whether he makes it to the starting line again.

The Nationals are out, Labor and Greens are longshots, so a high profile independent is the only threat to the Liberals.

Mike Eden, Annette Baker, Fred Longmire can all make life interesting in the months ahead.

Your call, Cr Mack.