Set to become an annual fixture on the sporting calendar, the game will host the best of the Upper Spencer Gulf and Whyalla Football Leagues as they go head-to-head in a one-off clash for glory.

The game will kick off at 2pm, and is expected to draw a strong crowd, according to Upper Spencer Gulf League president Ken McLean.

“We’re hoping to see about 2000 people at the game, which will provide a great atmosphere for the players,” McLean said.

The two leagues have not played each other for about seven years, he said.

McLean said the league was pushing to make the match an annual event, with next year’s match in Whyalla.

Mr McLean was confident it would be a competitive and well-fought game.

The Upper Spencer Gulf squad trained in Port Pirie last night, while training at Central Oval tomorrow night will determine who will be picked in the team.

Mr McLean said the league had a lot of good players this season, and it would be hard to say what the line-up would look like.

“Choosing only 22 players out of a lot of experienced players is difficult to say the least,” he said.

“It’s obvious there’s a lot of talent in both Port Augusta and Pirie teams.”

The opportunity to play presents a great experience for players.

“To see what you’re competition is in other leagues is important to a player's development, to see how they are faring,” McLean said.

Along with the league match, games will also be held between the under 15 and under 18 sides.

There will be no minor round matches this weekend due to the event.

A shield has been donated by Port Augusta, Port Pirie and Whyalla councils for the winning team.

Famous players, matches celebrated

Former stars of the Great Northern Football League and Whyalla League will be commemorated at the Upper Spencer Gulf Championship this Saturday.

Before Saturday’s match starts, players involved in the famous 1959 combined match have been invited back to watch the weekend's game .

They will be remembered as those that played in “one of the most famous matches of the league” in a celebratory luncheon.

In the match, 51 goals were kicked, however it ended in a draw.

Players such as Dennis Modra who played in Norwood, and Allen Grear from South Adelaide Football Club were in the team.

Upper Spencer Gulf League president Ken McLean said it was an exciting game that went down in history, and it was exciting that the players were coming back.