Bayswater City and Perth SC will put tradition on the line when they clash in a National Premier Leagues WA Rivalry Round match at Frank Drago Reserve clash on Saturday.

Bayswater and Perth have strong links to the Italian community and both have established themselves as heavyweight teams.

Pictured: Bayswater's Trent Kay and Perth's James Marocchi. Photo: 3P Photography

Perth’s James Marocchi, whose family name is synonymous with the club, said the rivalry had intensified recently through the on-field success of both clubs.

“In the last couple of years we’ve established ourselves as two of the cream of the crop in the league,” Marocchi said. “It will be a huge match and we’re really looking forward to it.”

After winning their first 10 games of the season, Bayswater have stumbled recently, winning one of their past four matches.

When they were held to a 0-0 draw by Inglewood United on Saturday, the door was ajar for Perth to close the gap but Marocchi’s team was beaten 2-1 by Sorrento.

Bayswater coach Chris Coyne has not been concerned by recent form, insisting he had expected a mid-season “blip.”

“We’ve dropped a few points and that’s given teams an opportunity to close the gap but I’d much rather have a blip in the middle of the season than at the end,” Coyne said.

“This is a massive game and if we can win it will probably put Perth out of the title race.”

Coyne, who played junior football for Perth, said the sense of history had not been lost on him or his players.

“The players understand the importance of this game and what it means to the people at the club,” he said.

“We respect the tradition and history and I’ll be reminding the players about that on Saturday.”

Bayswater are top of the NPL WA with a four-point buffer over second-placed Balcatta. Third-placed Perth is a further point adrift.