Floreat Athena coach Chris Barbas will relish the challenge of one of the biggest games on the WA football calendar when his side travels to Macedonia Park to take on Stirling Lions on Saturday.

The fixture is one of the highlights of the National Premier Leagues WA’s inaugural Rivalry Round, which on Saturday will also pit ECU Joondalup against Sorrento, Perth against Bayswater City and Inglewood United against Balcatta, while top-flight newcomers Perth Glory and Subiaco meet on Sunday.

The southern derby between Cockburn City and Armadale has been scheduled for May 7 due to the availability of Dalmatinac Park.

Former Floreat goalkeeper Barbas is looking forward to the clash against Stirling, who registered their first win of the campaign last weekend.

“I used to love the challenge when I played and it should continue forever,” Barbas said of the rivalry between Floreat, which has a strong connection to the Greek community, and Stirling, whose history is linked to the Macedonian community.

“I think those days when it got a bit rough around the edges are done and dusted. It’s a great concept and it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

Lions coach Gary Williams was also anticipating an exciting match.

“It’s quite a healthy rivalry between two clubs with great tradition and history,” Williams said. “I’ve been involved in these games since 2006 and they’ve always been great games.”

Sorrento co-coach Trevor Morgan acknowledged the extra edge to a game against the Gulls’ local rivals ECU Joondalup.

“There’s always been a great rivalry between the two clubs and a lot of the players know each other and socialise off the pitch,” Morgan said. “Bragging rights in the northern suburbs is up for grabs.”

ECU Joondalup coach Dale McCulloch looked forward to the big derby matches.

“I think everyone enjoys these rivalries and the games are always entertaining,” he said. “Form goes out the window in these games, which can be a bit feisty and there’s normally a few goals.”

Bayswater coach Chris Coyne will return to the club which launched his overseas playing career 18 years ago.

“Perth was my club when I was a kid and I always enjoy going back there,” Coyne said. “I remember the history and the tradition and how much it meant. This is a special round and it’s important to the club and the community.

“We should never lose sight of the ethnic ties and the foundations of these clubs because without that history you’re not playing for a lot. It’s important for the players to realise and respect that.”

Perth coach Taki Nicolaidis acknowledged how the tide had turned in Bayswater’s favour in recent years after Perth had dominated the local scene for so long.

“The rivalry has been going on for many years,” he said. “They’ve also been very successful while we are coming off one of the worst years in decades. (But) it’s a new squad, new players and a new challenge that we are all looking forward to.”

Balcatta coach Ramon Falzon is wary of a wounded Inglewood United.

“They are a very dangerous opponent and desperate for points,” he said. “I heard they played well against Sorrento and Bayswater and were very unlucky to lose in the last minute. We won against Armadale but need to work smarter on the pitch and harder at training for more results to come.”

Perth Glory coach Scott Miller was pleased with his side’s improved performance in their loss to Stirling Lions and will take on fellow top-flight newcomers Subiaco on Sunday night.

“I’ve known (Subiaco coach) Gerry (McEwan) a long time and they will be really focused and disciplined and a great test for us,” he said. “We want to win games. That’s the whole point of football.”

Subiaco will be fresh from a weekend off but have had disrupted preparations.

“We usually train at Rosalie Park but that’s been closed down for three weeks by the council for the changeover between sports,” McEwen said. “We’ve been all over the place but our team will be ready for it.”

Rivalry round, Saturday, 3pm: Perth v Bayswater City (Dorrien Gardens); ECU Joondalup v Sorrento (ECU Football Stadium); Inglewood United v Balcatta (Intiga Stadium); Stirling Lions v Floreat Athena (Macedonia Park). Sunday, 6pm: Subiaco v Perth Glory (WA Athletics Stadium).