And then:“Maybe five!”

Competitive in and at everything these past 26 years,the McKays have only once previously jousted in a formal way,in a VFL game a few years ago. Otherwise,it’s as if they’ve been magnetically repelled. Injuries,form and suspension have conspired wickedly.

Even that one glancing contact contains a story. Both wear contact lenses of the same strength,you won’t be surprised to learn. Ben’s came loose after a punch in the face and could not be found,so Harry retrieved his spare set from the rooms,allowing Ben to play the match out. This insight is also thanks to mum Tracey.

The way they have skirted each other for nearly a decade in the AFL system has given rise to a standing joke that they are the same person,doubling up. Though not above the occasional identical-twin prank in the past,they now team in the most modern way,as co-podcasters.

The brothers grew up in Warragul as Essendon supporters,and Harry said that maybe it was Ben’s move from North Melbourne to Essendon this year that broke the hex that was keeping them apart on the field. “It does feel a bit surreal,but maybe it was waiting for a big occasion like this,” he said. “Both teams are going well and it sort of feels right.

“Obviously,it’ll be unique playing against each other on an AFL field,but (there’s an) added layer of Ben playing for Essendon. Seeing him in those colours is still a bit strange. But he definitely looks at home in the red-and-black,so it should be a really good challenge.”

They’ll not tempt fate now. Harry had his fingers crossed as he watched Essendon play against Gold Coast last Sunday evening,and both note that they have to get through training yet.

But the family was trying to organise a corporate box and were “excited,nervous,a bit of everything”,said Harry. They’re all in a WhatsApp group,but it’s been quiet so far. If it’s possible for two sturdily-built 200-centimetre-plus men to walk on eggshells without breaking them,the McKays are.

Both brothers said the clash would be part mega-meeting,part backyard hijinks. Ben compared it to his first match against North a couple of weeks ago. “It was a bit strange for the first five or 10 minutes,then it becomes pretty normal,” he said. “I’m sure if there’s a moment we can get stuck into each other,we will.”

As footballers,they both have to deal with the new,stricter interpretation of “holding the ball”. Harry said neither had a natural advantage. “To be honest,I don’t get too many ground balls and Ben doesn’t lay too many tackles,” he said.

Ben:“You obviously weren’t watching very closely (on Sunday).”

Harry:“I saw the barrel you tried with two minutes left.”

Ben:“We won’t talk about that.”

They might be wearing kid gloves,but they’re off now.

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