RIVALRIES in football can start in many different ways.

Some are inherited from previous generations, while others have been built on more recent foundations.

But the one developed between Melbourne and Geelong is unique on all fronts.

These clubs were established in 1858 and 1859 respectively, making them the oldest this league has.

The pair have met eight times in the post-season to date, with the Dees taking out the only Preliminary Final encounter in 1954.

Now, we are set for another do-or-die clash, and it's the recent records that are building the anticipation.

“I’m big on the history of these two clubs,” Demons' skipper Max Gawn told Melbourne Media.

The new-era rivalry began in 2018, at the hands – or foot – of Gawn himself.

It was a missed set shot in the dying stages of the season opener which gave Geelong a famous three-point victory.

But fast forward 18 weeks and the drama intensified.

From 29 points down in the final term, the Cats stormed home at GMHBA Stadium to pinch a two-point win, thanks to Zach Tuohy who kicked truly after the final siren had sounded.

The Demons got their redemption when it mattered most, with a drought-breaking Elimination Final win in front of 91,767 fans at the MCG.

But the madness didn’t end there.

Round 4, 2020, back on the hallowed turf, these two teams met again; this time, without a single spectator in the stands.

There was nothing but eerie silence echoing around the ground as Adam Tomlinson lined up from beyond the arc in the final seconds that Sunday afternoon.

But as the new Demon’s attempt sailed wide, it was Geelong claiming the ‘W’ yet again, with another three-point win to its name.

This year, after a seemingly lacklustre Round 4 battle, Round 23 was looming large.

With the minor premiership up for grabs, it was one-way traffic to half-time for the home side down the highway.

But an inspired comeback saw the Dees transform a 44-point deficit into a one kick game.

Melbourne’s fate was left with Gawn once again, and while the odds were stacked against him, the ruckman didn’t read the script.

With one straight kick, Gawn changed the narrative, closing the most recent chapter of this four-year rivalry which saw just 12 points separate the sides across four epic battles.

“There’s four games there, it’s pretty crazy how close they are,” Gawn said.

“I’m presuming it’s going to be something similar.”

Now, a new chapter opens, and it’s the most important one yet.

“I just can’t wait,” Gawn said.

“Hopefully a full house as Melbourne supporters over here in WA are going to get a good taste of finals football, and hopefully we can get a few Eagles and Dockers fans as well.”

A spot in the big dance awaits the winner, as this show hits a new venue: Optus Stadium.