A 4-2 win back in round 18, 2015, is one of the Border club's two victories against the Suns - the second coming at Shepparton, with the same scoreline, at this point last season.

Murray's season hasn't come to life just yet, but never underestimate the role a derby clash can play in lifting the intensity.

Goulburn Valley has had a similar start to Murray, winning just two of its first eight games.

The hosts welcome back former Socceroo Archie Thompson for his first home appearance of the year.

Murray captain Ashley Dunn hopes his side can close the gap of the 5-2 head-to-head in the Suns' favour at La Trobe on Saturday.

"Derby days are always really special occasions, I think form goes out the window and it's whoever wants it more on the day," Dunn said.

"If you can't get motivated for a derby, you shouldn't be playing.

"It's obviously just another game, but you want to get one over your rivals.

"Away from football we know them a bit, but as soon as we cross the line it becomes a real battle.

"This league is really close and if you string two or three wins together you can be back up in the top-two or three.

"It's always a tough game, they've got five or six English players in the team."

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Dunn believes the burden of scoring has been lessened on Zac Walker up front with the addition of import Tom Youngs to the side.

But there's no shortage of quality at the Suns either, with coach Craig Carley leading the league in goals with seven.

"Jamie England has been there a few years and Billy Marshall as well," Dunn added.

"If we can stop them, we do see chances that they can be quite vulnerable at the back and we'll definitely try to exploit that.

"We definitely fancy ourselves against any team on our day.

"Zac has pretty much carried the team for the last four or five years in terms of scoring goals, so having Tommy takes pressure off Zac.

"We've always created chances, but we've never had that real 'killer instinct' striker.

"Tommy has been able to finish those chances and there will be plenty more goals from him."

Thompson trained with the group on Monday and Tuesday and Murray coach Elliot Jones couldn't have asked for a better time to have the veteran back.

"This doesn't carry any extra meaning than previous games, but it's an opportunity to perform in a big game and get a win against our rivals," Jones said.

"So in that sense, it's an exciting fixture and one that we always look forward to.

"We prepare the same, but we understand there is a bit more attention surrounding this fixture and we enjoy and embrace the build-up."

Kick-off is 3pm.