For anyone who has been down at Yeronga watching the Lions men’s team train this pre-season, they’ll be quick to notice Jarrod Berry and Hugh McCluggage leading the charge in what seems like endless laps around the oval.

The leader often alternates and it’s clear the pair push each other every time to their absolute limit.

But what many don’t know, is this friendly rivalry dates back to when they were both students at Ballarat Clarendon College.

“We went to school together and it started there when we were in Year 12 together and we were always comparing school marks,” McCluggage told lions.com.au.

“It’s filtered through really to pre-season up here and then in season.”

The pair live together with Jarrod’s younger brother Thomas who also encourages it.

“Everything we do – we have that competitive nature,” Berry said.

“Not in a bad way, just challenge each other as best we can.

“It’s one of those things we know we’re serious at the time, but we always have a laugh about it in the car afterwards.”

Recently the pair ran a three-kilometre race, with Berry just inching McCluggage.

“I will be working hard to try and get him next time but I think he’s got that mental edge,” McCluggage said.

“He saw me coming in the last strait and pulled out a little bit and then gave me a little elbow I reckon. I tried to call him for a disqualification [laughs]

“I’ll see what I can do next time.”

But in all seriousness, the pair inspire and motivate each other to be the best they can.

“Watching Hugh do so well drives me to try and match him to get where he is,” Berry said.

“It’s definitely an influence and we’ve both looked up to each other.”