Waroona coach Matt Templeton is hoping his side can turn the tide on Pinjarra when the two face off on Sunday.
The reigning premiers had the wood over their rivals in all of their meetings in 2018 and beat them in the 2017 grand final, but the Demons are out to spring the upset of the season on the heavily favoured Tigers.
The clash could prove to be a measuring stick for what looks like an improved Waroona outfit, as they get the chance to test themselves against the benchmark of the competition following a wooden spoon effort last season.
A former coach of Pinjarra himself, Templeton said he was looking forward to renewing the fierce rivalry between the PFNL's two most southern clubs.
"Each side seems to hate each other's guts for two hours before they go back to being mates, so I'm excited to see the rivalry heat up again," he said.
"They've got some key pillars I think we need to shut down. Guys like the O'Briens, Beswick, Martin, they all have a big impact so if we can level what they do and turn it into our young guys against their's, I'd be pretty happy with that.
"You've gotta stop them off half back, that's where they're really dangerous, so if we can force them to get it into their forward line ugly then we have a chance."
The Demons opened the season with a shock win over 2018 grand finalists Centrals, before being bounced by Mandurah in round two.
Templeton said it was hard to gauge where his side sat just two rounds in, but said his outfit had improved while relishing their underdog status.
"It's the first time in more than 10 years that Waroona hasn't been expected to win a flag," he said.
"We were wooden spooners last year, so we don't feel any pressure this season and I think that's helping our boys just enjoy playing their footy."
Pinjarra are two from two to start 2019, after picking up wins over Halls Head and Baldivis.
They'll be looking to continue that form when they visit Waroona, with the clash set to be held at Parnell Street Oval this coming Sunday, 2.30pm.