Feathers to fly as rivalry heats up

One normally harmonious Albany couple will be enemies for one day this weekend when their favourite football teams clash in the most important match of the season.

Regan Lloyd, 24, and Kylie Tschabotar, 30, are lifelong Collingwood Magpies and West Coast Eagles fans respectively.

The pair, whose football team allegiances hark back to their earliest days, were both surprised their teams had made it to the grand final this Saturday.

“I thought (Collingwood) were a chance, but how they won (last weekend) was pretty impressive, it was nice to be able to enjoy it,” Mr Lloyd said.

“I definitely didn’t think either team would make the grandie,” Ms Tschabotar said. “I thought it might make a nice (event) for our household, but we’ll see.”

They have managed to avoid their spirits boiling over since both teams’ preliminary final victories over Richmond and Melbourne, but tensions are expected to rise closer to game day, and they expect the rivalry will simmer until the final siren.

“During the week there should be a bit of tension,” Mr Lloyd said.

“I don’t know if we’ll watch it together — we’ll see what happens.”

Ms Tschabotar appeared more confident on Tuesday, saying “there’s definitely something on the cards” for the loser.

“Maybe do all the cleaning for a little while,” Mr Lloyd said.