{{Infobox
| name = West Derby
| label1 = Location
| data1 = [[Victoria_(Oceania)|Victoria]], [[Oceania]]
| label2 = Teams
| data2 = [[Little River Lions]] [[Fireupsuckers]]
| label3 = First meeting
| data3 = 7 January 2024 Little River Lions 3–2 Fireupsuckers
| label4 = Latest meeting
| data4 = 14 December 2025 Fireupsuckers 2–2 Little River Lions
| label5 = Stadiums
| data5 = Little River Recreational Reserve (LRL) Suckers Squire (FS)
| headerstyle= background: lightgrey
| header6 = Statistics
| label7 = Meetings total
| data7 = 11
| label8 = Most wins
| data8 = [[Fireupsuckers]] (6)
| label9 = Largest victory
| data9 = 28 September 2025 Fireupsuckers 5–0 Little River Lions
}}

'''The West Derby''' is the rivalry between [[Little River Lions]] and [[Fireupsuckers]], two football clubs based in western [[Victoria_(Oceania)|Victoria]]. It is considered one of the most heated rivalries in Oceanian Hattrick due to its competitive matches, supporter hostility, and long-standing social divide between the clubs.

== Overview ==

The rivalry began shortly after the foundation of the Little River Lions, who established themselves as the dominant club in western Melbourne. Within days, Fireupsuckers were founded nearby, creating an immediate local rivalry.

The clubs have developed contrasting identities. The Lions are associated with a loyal working-class supporter base, while Fireupsuckers have traditionally attracted wealthier supporters. These differences have intensified the rivalry both on and off the pitch.

== History ==

The origins of the West Derby date back to early 2024, when the [[Little River Lions]] established themselves in western [[Victoria_(Oceania)|Victoria]]. Just days later, [[Fireupsuckers]] were founded nearby, immediately creating a local rivalry between the two clubs.

The first meeting took place on 7 January 2024, with the Lions securing a 3–2 victory. While the match was fiercely contested, relations between the clubs remained relatively respectful during the rivalry's early stages.

That changed during the second derby. A violent altercation between players escalated into a major brawl, resulting in Lions midfielder Carson Almond suffering a traumatic brain injury that ended his football career. The incident became one of the most controversial moments in Oceanian Hattrick history and transformed the rivalry into one of the most bitter in the region.

In the years that followed, West Derby matches became known for intense atmospheres, passionate support, and frequent controversy. The rivalry was further fuelled by the contrasting identities of the clubs, with the Lions drawing support from a largely working-class fanbase while Fireupsuckers became associated with wealthier supporters.

By the end of 2025, Fireupsuckers held the advantage in the all-time record and had recorded the largest victory in derby history, defeating the Lions 5–0 on 28 September 2025. Despite this, the fixture remained highly competitive, with neither club able to establish complete dominance over the other.

== Rivalry Culture ==

=== Supporters ===

West Derby matches regularly attract some of the largest attendances in Victorian Hattrick. Chants, banners, and tifos are common features of derby day.

=== Social Divide ===

The rivalry is often described as a clash between two different communities. The Lions are traditionally viewed as the club of local workers and long-time residents, while Fireupsuckers are associated with wealthier supporters.

== Head-to-Head Record ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Statistic
! Little River Lions
! Draws

| ! Fireupsuckers |
| --------------- |
| Matches Played |
| 11 |
| – |
| 11 |
| - |
| Wins |
| 4 |
| 1 |
| 6 |
| - |
| Largest Victory |
| 3–2 |
| – |
| 5–0 |
| } |

== Records ==

=== Player Records ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Record
! Player
! Club

| ! Total |
| ----------------- |
| Most Appearances |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| - |
| Most Goals |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| - |
| Most Assists |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| - |
| Most Clean Sheets |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| } |

=== Team Records ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Record
! Club

| ! Achievement |
| ---------------------- |
| Longest Winning Streak |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| - |
| Biggest Home Win |
| Fireupsuckers |
| 5–0 (2025) |
| - |
| Highest Attendance |
| TBA |
| TBA |
| } |

== Notable Matches ==

=== 7 January 2024 ===
'''Little River Lions 3–2 Fireupsuckers'''

The first West Derby and the beginning of the rivalry.

=== 2024 Almond Incident ===

The second derby became infamous after the violent confrontation that ended Carson Almond's career.

=== 28 September 2025 ===
'''Fireupsuckers 5–0 Little River Lions'''

The largest victory in West Derby history.

== See Also ==

* [[Little River Lions]]
* [[Fireupsuckers]]
* [[Victoria_(Oceania)|Victoria]]

[[Category:Derbies]]
[[Category:Oceanian football rivalries]]
[[Category:Little River Lions]]
[[Category:Fireupsuckers]]

2026-01-03T23:07:18Z

Butterlandings99:

Little River Lions Are A Oceanian Team Based In Little River, [[Victoria]] They are currently in the [[V.2 (Oceania)]] They have one the league once in season 74 and where involved in a tough race to the top which would be won by the [[Fireupsuckers]] in season 75 coming down the last game day where [[Fireupsuckers]] would win on goal difference

{{club
| teamname = Little River Lions
| teamid = 422974
| htuser = Butterlandings99
| region = Little River, Victoria
| country = Oceania
| arena = Little River Recreational Reserve
| fanclub = Lions Legion
}}

Little River lions were founded on The 6 Of Novemeber 2023
This means the teams exists for {{Age|2023|11|6}} (Hattrick time).

2024-06-28T23:00:52Z

Butterlandings99:

The Fireupsuckers Are A Hattrick Team Based In North West Melbourne, [[Victoria]] They Currently Compete In The [[V.2 (Oceania)]]

Fireupsuckers

2024-06-28T22:58:04Z

Butterlandings99: Created page with "The Fireupsuckers Are A Hattrick Team Based In North West Melbourne, Victoria They Currently Compete In The V.2"

The Fireupsuckers Are A Hattrick Team Based In North West Melbourne, [[Victoria]] They Currently Compete In The [[V.2]]

Little River Lions

2024-06-06T08:09:21Z

Butterlandings99:

Little River Lions Are A Oceanian Team Based In Little River, [[Victoria]] They are currently in the [[V.2]] They have one the league once in season 74 and where involved in a tough race to the top which would be won by the [[Fireupsuckers]] in season 75 coming down the last game day where [[Fireupsuckers]] would win on goal difference

{{club
| teamname = Little River Lions
| teamid = 422974
| htuser = Butterlandings99
| region = Victoria
| country = Oceania
| arena = Little River Recreational Reserve
| fanclub = Roaring Lions
}}

Little River lions were founded on The 6 Of Novemeber 2023
This means the teams exists for {{Age|2023|11|6}} (Hattrick time).

Little River Lions

2024-05-29T22:21:53Z

Butterlandings99:

Little River Lions

2024-05-29T22:12:31Z

Butterlandings99:

Little River Lions

2024-05-29T22:12:20Z

Butterlandings99:

Little River Lions

2024-05-29T22:11:25Z

Butterlandings99:

== Level 2 == Little River Lions

Little River Lions Are A Oceanian Team Based In Little River, [[Victoria]] They are currently in the [[V.2]] They have one the league once in season 74 and where involved in a tough race to the top which would be won by the [[Fireupsuckers]] in season 75 coming down the last game day where [[Fireupsuckers]] would win on goal difference

Little River Lions

2024-05-29T22:08:03Z

Butterlandings99:

Little River Lions

2024-05-29T22:00:04Z

Butterlandings99: Created page with "Little River Lions Are A Oceanian Team Based In Little River, Victoria They are currently in the V.2"

Little River Lions Are A Oceanian Team Based In Little River, [[Victoria]] They are currently in the [[V.2]]