FOR West Wyalong and Tullibigeal Lakes United on Sunday, the history and future of both proud clubs will be on the line for 80 minutes.
Every try, every hit-up and every tackle will resonate through the annals of Group 20 history as the Mallee Men and the Sharks do battle in one of the most-anticipated grand finals ever.
Every finale to a season brings with it hype and expectations of what might unfold but 2012 is something different.
Memories of past battles fought will again bubble to the surface as the current generation of gladiators seek to write new chapters in their respective club's history.
For West Wyalong, a chance to earn back-to-back titles for the first time in more than 40 years has them on edge to prove why they are the holders of the crown.
While the Sharks are ready to show they are as far removed from the competition's whipping boys as humanly possible, as they play in their first grand final since 1989.
TLU coach Anthony Chambeyron said the week's build up is something every players dreams of being a part of, as they countdown the seconds to kick-off.
"I was talking to (Group 20 president) Terry Brady during the week, and he said in his time involved with the comp, he's never been involved with a grand final where there seems to be so much of a buzz between the two teams.
"The other night at training, probably about 50 people came down to training just to watch, people have painted their cars and their houses and shops have got the club colours in them,
"You're always going to be up for a grand final, but the fact we're playing West Wyalong, it's the northern derby - makes it massive."
Despite earning a direct passage through after pipping West Wyalong 32-30 in their semi-final, Chambeyron said his men realise the job is only half done.
"As much as we're all excited to get out there and play, we're not goign out there believing it's going to be an easy game," he said.
"They've got a lot to play for as well with the pride of getting back-to-back titles, so we know we're going to be have to be at our to beat them because they're a quality side."
West Wyalong president Greg Blackstock said the team was settled in its preparation to the big game, and said the side was quietly confident of holding on to the Group 20 title.
Blackstock said the fact most of the side is backing up fro their win against Leeton in 2011, will help when nerves will be frayed and tension filling the air.
"I think it has got to help, I'm not taking anything away from lakes, they have a good side, but I think it's an advantage for our boys, but I doubt they'll be relying on it entirely," he said.
Brothers Mick and Rohan Loudon will be two not-so-secret weapons for the Mallee Men, after the pair put on a superb performance last weekend.
"That's the best I have seen Mick play for a while, he was outstanding for us last weekend, and Rohan directs play well so both of them really add to he side.
"So if you take those two, Willy (Jones) and Matty Nicholson out in the centres and Jared Carruthers at fullback, there's some experience there that's for sure.
West Wyalong have no injury concerns ahead of the game, while Chambeyron reported Michael Mitchell (hamstring) and Michael Mogliotti (groin) and Travis Lightfoot have all been passed fit.
"Michael Mitchell at training Tuesday, it's probably the first time I have seen him move the way he did then," he sad.
"The physio said he's confident they are all 100 per cent and Travis trained very strongly as well."
