A grinning Chris Fagan has declared the "gloves are off" as Brisbane aim to snap a 12-game, 19-year AFL losing streak in Geelong.
Cats coach Chris Scott, Fagan and a host of senior players from both sides exchanged fierce words and had to be separated during quarter time of the corresponding game at GMHBA Stadium last year.
Geelong finished one-point winners, with Brisbane's Zac Bailey denied a free kick at the death that would have offered him a simple kick to win for the first time at the ground since 2003.
Premiership glory aside, a win in Geelong would act as a final frontier of sorts for a team that has routinely ended hoodoos in their rise up the ranks under Fagan.
Again shaping as premiership threats, the coach says his team is eager to embrace the "intense rivalry" in a spicy, sold-out Friday night clash.
"When the better sides play each other, it's on, the gloves are off," Fagan said.
"I wouldn't have thought it would be any different tomorrow night.
"What we hope is our players remain calm in that high-octane atmosphere, hopefully we can show them we're really maturing as a team.
"I'm sure it will be (spicy), I'm certain of that. That's what it's all about."
Fagan suspects the rivalry spawned when former Cat Lincoln McCarthy's late mark and goal stole the Lions a one-point win at the Gabba in 2019, shooting them to the top of the ladder late in the season.
Scott agreed their standing as top sides since then had fanned the flames.
"They're real rivalries when you get two contenders," he said.
"The fake rivalries are the ones (where people say), 'It doesn't matter where we are on the ladder, it's always a big game'.
"That's not really true, is it? I think we know that.
"You only get the privilege to be part of a genuine rivalry when both teams have been contenders.
"You're not only trying to win your game but you're trying to take one away from the other (team).
"That always adds a bit more spice to the genuine rivalries."
Former Cat Darcy Fort will assume the primary rucking duties for suspended Oscar McInerney, with Tom Fullarton into the side as his deputy.
Cats skipper Joel Selwood will be rested while Mark O'Connor, who could tag Lions gun Lachie Neale, and Gryan Miers will return to play their first senior games of the season.
