Like any annoying little sibling, Mitch McGovern will try and get under older brother Jeremy’s skin ahead of Adelaide’s clash with West Coast at Domain Stadium on Saturday night.

If both McGovern boys are selected, it will be the first time ever the pair has played on opposing football teams.

Mitch, 21, is in his debut AFL season having been recruited by the Crows in the 2014 National Draft. 

Jeremy, who started his career as a rookie, is preparing to play his 44^th game for the Eagles. He missed last week through illness.

Mitch said it shaped as a ‘dream come true’ for the brothers this weekend.

“Potentially, playing against ‘Jez’ is a huge opportunity for the both of us,” Mitch said.

“We had a lot of dress rehearsals in the backyard growing up. We were always fighting each other, and mucking around kicking the footy.

“Jeremy and I have always been very competitive, and I’m sure a bit of that will rub off on the field on Saturday. To play (against each other) at the highest level will be quite amazing.”

There is a chance Mitch and Jeremy might be direct opponents at some stage on Saturday.

Mitch is forging a career as a crafty and athletic mid-sized forward in Adelaide’s potent attack.

Jeremy, 24, started his AFL career as a forward, but has since established himself as one of the best intercept defenders in the game.

Jeremy (195cm) is a bit taller (191cm), but Mitch’s impressive vertical leap enables him to play ‘tall’ if required.

“We haven’t always played in the positions we’re playing now in the AFL. We’ve always been ‘swingmen’,” Mitch said.

“I’m not sure if we’ll end up on one another on Saturday, but hopefully it happens. He’s been playing down back all year and I’ve been up forward, so potentially … I’d like to see what happens if we do!

“There could be a lot of banter. I’m not sure how I’m going to react when I’m standing next to him on the footy field, to tell you the truth, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Jeremy, who has been in the AFL system for six years, has been a good sounding board for Mitch.

Mitch lived with his older sibling in Perth after Jeremy was drafted by the Eagles, and got an early insight to the demands of being a professional footballer.

Mitch also sought advice as he prepared to start his own AFL career at the Crows. 

These days, the boys try not to talk about footy.

“I try to keep it (our conversations) strictly like a brother. We do talk every now and then about footy, but it’s just a general chat,” Mitch said.

“Leading into this week, I’ll try and get under his skin a bit more, I think!”

Saturday night’s game will also test the allegiances of Andrew and Michelle McGovern – Mitch and Jeremy’s parents.

Prior to Jeremy and then Mitch being drafted, the family followed Fremantle where Andrew played 63 games (as well as 20 for the Sydney Swans).

“I’m not sure how Mum and Dad are going to handle this one. They haven’t had the opportunity to be barracking for us both at the same time before,” Mitch said.

“It’s going to be a divided family, I think.

“Growing up, it was always Fremantle for the whole family. With ‘Jez’ at West Coast, I think they’ve sort of drifted across. I’d like to think they don’t have favourites but I think Adelaide, in their heart deep down, is who they go for!

“It’ll be good to see them and have a chat to them after the game.”