Sunday's Wangaratta derby will feature great mates, who've compiled one of the most fiercely contested rivalries off the field.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The pool competition between Wangaratta's Jessie Smith and Wangaratta Rovers' Dylan Stone is quickly gaining cult status.
"We've had the pool table for just over a year and we've played more than 1000 games and he's 10 up on me," Stone said.
"He's won roughly 520 games and I'm around 510."
The pair played junior football together, sharing an under 14 premiership with Wangaratta District Junior Football League outfit Tigers.
Smith was a year above at high school.
"And pretty much after that, it's just been drinking beers together," Stone laughed.
Coincidentally, the pair are similar players, relying on their pace and class.
"He's very skilful, quick, knows where the goals are and is a good reader of the play," Smith said of Stone.
And while little separates the pair at pool, they're also close when it comes to goals after seven rounds.
Stone has 14, while Smith boasts 10.
"He's very elusive, super quick and very dangerous around goals," Stone said of Smith.
The Pies' forward kicked the goal of the match in a crackerjack contest against Lavington a month ago, swooping on the ball, picking it up one hand and manufacturing a goal from a tight angle.
Smith's blistering pace was the difference, so it begs the question, who's quicker of the two?
"I'm not too sure, I think I had him when I was younger, I'd like to think I'd just have him," Smith laughed.
Rovers are buzzing after snapping a 12-year drought against Yarrawonga last Saturday, but toppling the flag fancies is an enormous challenge.
Wangaratta has won eight of the duo's last nine meetings at an average of 65 points.
The Hawks haven't beaten the Pies since round 5, 2016, but there's a sense that a combination of Rovers' resurgence and Wangaratta missing four star players, including Doug Strang medallist Michael Newton, will lead to a more competitive game at WJ Findlay Oval.
Newton and Bordignon were also suspended from the last clash, adding to the different mentality.
"Yeah, absolutely just because you know everyone and we're also friends with some of their players," Smith said.
"It's a game you've been waiting all year for, there's a completely different vibe around town."
Smith is now hoping to retain his advantage - both on and off the field.
- Receive our daily newsletter straight to your inbox each morning from The Border Mail. Sign up here