Savoy Park will come to life on Sunday when the fierce rivals clash for the first time in the league season.

Wangaratta has won the last four meetings between the two sides, including the 2019 cup final, but the pair have been at the pointy end of the ladder for the past five seasons and are separated by just two points this year.

You don't need to tell Myrtleford striker Nagus Henry just how big this derby is.

"For a Wangaratta game, everyone is pumped. We don't need to talk in the changerooms or anything because we know what mood we're in," Henry said.

"Out of the whole season, Wang is the big game for us.

"They're our main rival and we're determined to win against them.

"Playing in a derby is a big thing in the league and you want to be involved."

Myrtleford's depth will be tested with striker Daniel Kioses and Jayden Vescio both suspended after red cards in the 6-1 loss to Albury United last start, while captain Brenton Cook has been ruled out for the season with a dislocated hip.

But reinforcements are on the way with Fletcher Caponecchia and Jack Milford in hotel quarantine after returning from college in the US, while Jack Kioses made his first senior start for the year last weekend.

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Ryan Luty is in his second season at Wangaratta, but is yet to experience the Myrtleford rivalry until now.

"I've played in a lot of derby-type matches, but this is the game we all circle on the calendar," he said.

"As much as there's a rivalry and there can be a bit of hostility, I think there's a joint respect from both sides.

"We know what Myrtleford has done in the past and what they're capable of, so they're not a team to be taken lightly. It's probably a bad thing for us having to come out and play them after a big loss last week, so we'll have to be on our game."

Lachlan Campbell will stand in as captain for the remainder of the season to replace the injured Nikola Bukvic, who requires knee surgery.

"It sucks for him (Bukvic), he's a huge part of the squad on and off the field," Luty said.

"We've been able to fill the void with Raul Pahina, who is an ex-Myrtleford boy and has slotted in nicely at centre back, and we've got a lad that turned up at the start of the season in Jordan Vellien.

"He's only played one game of seniors, but he looks the part.

"As much as we're going to miss Nikola, we've been pretty good at adjusting and we've got a bit of depth now. Hopefully it won't impact us much throughout the season."

Also this weekend, leaders Albury United host fellow title hopeful Boomers at Jelbart Park, Cobram takes on Melrose, Albury Hotspurs face Twin City, St Pats clash with Albury City, while Wodonga Diamonds have a bye.

In the senior women, St Pats await Albury Hotspurs, Albury United lines up against Boomers, with a bye for Wangaratta.

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