They duo went to school together at Catholic College Bendigo and spent countless hours at each other’s houses.

They were like any regular teenage boys - chased girls, kicked the footy and dreamt of forging AFL careers.

After honing their skills in the Bendigo Junior Football League, the duo graduated to the Bendigo Pioneers.

But from that point on, their footballing careers took a different path.

Selwood was the blue-chip draft pick. He was always going to be drafted, it was just a matter of where.

He found his way to Geelong, the club he supported growing up, and went on to produce one of the most outstanding debut seasons in AFL history - a premiership and Rising Star award.

The number 14 for the Cats is now a genuine superstar of the game.

Geary was a different story.

Despite winning the Pioneers club champion award, he was always on the fringe of draft selection.

His name wasn’t read out on national draft day in November, 2006, but his persistence and work ethic were rewarded the following month when St Kilda took a punt on him in the rookie draft.

While Selwood took the footy world by storm in 2007, Geary was forced to make his way with Casey Scorpions in the VFL.

Geary’s dedication paid off when the Saints promoted him to their senior list for the 2008 season. He played 10 games in 2008, has played every game this season, and earned himself a Rising Star nomination.

Tomorrow afternoon Selwood and Geary’s football paths cross for the first time at AFL level when the Cats and Saints do battle in the most anticipated home and away game in modern times.

Up for grabs - premiership favouritism and bragging rights between two mates.