IT'S his first taste of the local rivalry, but it hasn't taken long for Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong coach Sam Martyn to notice the extra spice in 'Coolamon week'.
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The respect between the two towns that lie around 15km apart is there, but the tension will go up a level on Saturday.
Not only has each team been beaten just once this year, both by unbeaten Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes, but the Lions' 1991-92 premiership stars will be keen observers when they hold a reunion at Ganmain Sportsground.
"Internally you do feel the passion they have for this game and you want to make sure you win for the past players too, not just the players that are there," Martyn said.
"Coolamon and us have only lost one game, it's enormous for both teams and you want to stamp your flag in the ground so to speak. Being arch rivals as well you want to have that one-up on them.
"It's only good for Riverina footy too having these rivalries and big crowds.
"They've got a really strong midfield and we have to be very wary of (Jeremy) Maslin and (Jake) Barrett, they're very good footballers."
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Both teams named key weapons to return on Friday with Jeremy Sykes back after a month out with a knee injury for Coolamon, while Zac Burhop will pilot the Lions' midfield.
Burhop played for the Lions last year and is contracted to the Wodonga Bulldogs this year, but will use the Ovens and Murray hiatus to return from a broken hand.
However Josh Walsh wasn't named after he limped off with an ankle sprain late in the Lions' win at Griffith last week.
"He (Burhop) hasn't played for six or seven weeks with a broken hand. He's one we'll really look to bring back into the fold next year or the year after as well," Martyn said.
"We haven't reached out to anyone (Ovens and Murray players) who haven't been part of the football club previously."
Martyn said it's a chance for both teams to prove they can stand up against a fellow top three side.
"This is the game we've been looking for," Martyn said.
"There's a lot to play for as it is, but also with the reunion where a lot of guys who have won the jumper will show their support.
"There is that pressure to perform but from a coach's perspective you've probably got to block out that external noise a little bit, and treat is as another game."
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