Both former Roslyn-Wakari players are heading for Melbourne in the new year to try the Australian scene, and the gap they leave will produce a challenge for aspiring players, as well as the Otago coaching duo of Richard Murray and Andy Duncan.
Many Otago fans will turn up for the 2pm kick-off, keen to show their appreciation to the talented duo who have contributed to Otago's healthy start and fourth place in the ASB Premiership.
Having an entirely Dunedin-based United side has given local talent a chance to progress, and the challenge to young players is whether they can continue to bridge the gap from local to national league standards.
"Our last league outing versus Hawkes Bay demonstrated what local talent can do, gaining a satisfying 2-0 win over much higher-fancied opposition," Duncan said.
"To see performances such as those of Morgan Day, Harley Rodeka or man of the match Matt Joy was, I think, a great advertisement for the player pool we do have here in town.
"It was a result built on hard work and southern determination and one we are all proud of."
Canterbury, two competition points above Otago, will be a tough nut to crack. Coach Keith Braithwaite's team's scoring statistics merit respect, with 10 goals scored in four matches and only three conceded.
Interestingly, Canterbury has turned the clock back by importing English players this season, and seems to have struck gold in striker George Stefendorfas, whose six goals make him leading scorer in the league.
Historically, both teams have won four games in the last eight matches, with no draws.
Both teams have also inflicted five-goal defeats on each other in recent years, so there are likely to be no holds barred tomorrow.
For Canterbury, Dan Terris makes his long-awaited return from injury after appearing as a sub in last week's White Ribbon Cup loss.
Adam Highfield is back in goal after missing the cup fixture and Joe Murray is also back after a fortnight's break.
Sam Miles, Russell Kamo and Murray were all on target for Canterbury as it romped home to a 3-1 win over Otago the last time these two sides met.
However, Canterbury did suffer a heavy 3-0 defeat last week to Wellington in the White Ribbon Cup, and "anything Wellington can do, Otago is capable of repeating if we hit top form," Duncan said.
Otago v Canterbury
Forsyth Barr Stadium, tomorrow, 2pm
Otago United: Oswaldo Rodriguez, Tristan Prattley (captain), Matt Joy, Morgan Day, Regan Coldicott, Donnie McGregor, Ant Hancock, James Govan, Sam Mepham, Darren Overton, Harley Rodeka, Matt Brook, Michael Cunningham, Peter Evans, Joel Stevens, Craig Ferguson, Tom Connor.
Canterbury United: Dan Terris, Mark Johnston, Nick Wortelboer, Tom Schwarz, Darren White, Aaron Clapham, George Slefendorfas, Russell Kamo, Andy Barton, Julyan Collett, Joe Murray, Cole Peverley, Calvin Opperman, Ken Yamamoto, Adam Highfield, Jeremy Wild.
