West Derby

Location	Victoria, Oceania
Teams	Little River Lions Fireupsuckers
First meeting	7 January 2024 Little River Lions 3–2 Fireupsuckers
Latest meeting	15 March 2026 Little River Lions 1-7 Fireupsuckers
Stadiums	Little River Recreational Reserve (LRL) Suckers Squire (FS)
Statistics
Meetings total	12
Most wins	Fireupsuckers (7)
Largest victory	15 March 2026 Little River Lions 1-7 Fireupsuckers
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The West Derby is the rivalry between Little River Lions and Fireupsuckers, two football clubs based in western 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. 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

Statistic	Little River Lions	Draws																	Records Player Records Record Player Club Player Records Record Player Club Juraj Gligora holds the record for the most goals scored by a player in a single West Derby match after scoring three goals for the Little River Lions in a 3–2 victory on 7 January 2024. As of 2026, he remains the only player to have scored a hat-trick in a West Derby. 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