COULD there be any more tantalising a season opener for local Ovens and Murray fans than a Wangaratta Magpies-Wangaratta Rovers derby?

Season 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the rivalry between the city's two O&M clubs, which began with the Hawks' entry, in 1950, to the league in which the 'Pies had been competing on and off for about 50 years.

Plenty of water has flowed under Wangaratta's 300-odd bridges and culverts in the years since, but when hostilities resume this Saturday on the WJ Findlay Oval and its adjoining netball facilities, the level of feeling between the two sides will be just as fresh as it was seven and a half decades ago.

There are always interesting little morsels of detail tossed around town and down Golf Links Lane in the couple of weeks leading into a derby game: the mates who rile each other with brown-and-gold/black-and-white spiced banter; players new to either club who eagerly anticipate the unique derby experience; and, more often now than in the past, siblings or couples lining up for opposing clubs - sparking divided households while battles are in their depths.

Among those who know well the idiosyncrasies of Wangaratta football are good friends Wendy Lester, co-president of the Rovers, and Annalee Nolan, who is part of a multi-generational link to the Magpies and will this year co-coach the club's under 15 netballers.

Both will be watching on-court and on-field contests closely across the day hoping their club prevails, and say the rivalry is something for the city to celebrate and appreciate.

"It is unique," Wendy said.

"We have new players come to our club who can't get their heads around two clubs located side-by-side; they've never seen anything like it, and they look forward to the chance to play in those games.

"It's a different version of the rivalry now, a modern-day version, but it still exists."

Annalee said: "Both clubs provide so much for the city to celebrate, you only have to look at the long-awaited success Rovers achieved in the footy, to Maggies taking out the O&M club championship in season 2024," she said.

"The depth of talent provided for at both clubs is something everyone in Wangaratta can be very proud of."

Wendy said there was always good banter around derby games, and she enjoyed the experience of the parochial crowd, and games played in good spirit which lifted teams no matter their ladder positions.

Annalee said she felt everyone stood a little taller and was extra proud to wear their club colours on derby day.

"Growing up, I think the derby was almost like Christmas Day; so much anticipation and everyone coming together from many corners of the community to enjoy the atmosphere," she said.

Wendy, whose connection to the Hawks began when she directed her nephew to the club, said she loved the family culture and the people involved.

Annalee spent much of her childhood and teen years around the Magpies, where her dad Phil was a premiership-winning playing coach (against the Rovers) and her mum Kerry a dedicated volunteer.

"It's one of those nostalgic places that reminds me of a very happy childhood and of the many wonderful friends that my family and I have made through being part of it all," she said.

"And now, I think every parent appreciates the opportunity for our kids to play competitive team sports. It breaks down barriers and gives the whole family real purpose in spending time together doing something that we all still enjoy at any age."

Wendy said she had a few friends whose loyalties lay on the opposite side of the lane to hers, and "the phone either goes quiet or rings off the hook, depending on the result of the game".

According to Annalee, there is 'respectful silence' between the Nolans and Lesters in the lead-up to derby games, but "there are certainly plenty of spirited discussions around all things football at other times of the year".

"Wendy always takes a good interest in how my girls have played in the netball, and watches as much as she can on game day, but I leave the footy talk to her and my Dad," she said.

As hosts for this standalone match as the O&M kicks off for 2025, Rovers footballers will have the satisfaction of unfurling their 2024 seniors and thirds premiership flags in front of their hometown rivals.

The Magpies and new senior coach Jason Heatley will be out to spoil the party and reverse the results of last year's derby matches, following a reserves match featuring the 2024 premiership-winning 'Pies.

On the netball court, where battles have been contested by the clubs since 1993, the competition will be just as fierce, with the 'Pies' C grade side coming off a flag last year and some personnel changes on both sides offering opportunity to rising stars.

The Hawks will also use the season opener at home to pay tribute to their late 'superboot' Steve Norman, who passed away last year, with the Findlay Oval's city-end square to be named after the prolific goalkicker and seven-time premiership player.