There is a good reason for Andrew Brayshaw’s defensive edge.

Tackling would feature heavily in the first-year Fremantle midfielder’s highlight reel.

Tonight, Andrew does battle for the first time with the person he credits for his tenaciousness — older brother Angus.

Darwin might have seemed like an unlikely setting for the first clash between the siblings since their backyard battles as children, but the whole family have been eagerly anticipating the showdown since the youngest Brayshaw made his way to the Dockers in November’s national draft.

Parents Mark and Debra will be watching proudly from the stands at TIO Stadium. Andrew has already had a win over his brother after going one selection higher in the draft at No.2. Angus was taken at No.3 in 2014.

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

“It’s hard to imagine we ever would have been playing each other at this level, let alone in Darwin,” Andrew said.

“It’s all pretty exciting and a little bit surreal.

“There always has been that sort of healthy competitiveness between the two of us. This will definitely be bragging rights for the rest of the year and hopefully it’s me having this one over him. Growing up playing footy, there have always been little milestones that he’ll try and hold over my head and some that I’ll get back on him so I think it just makes me try and work harder and likewise for him.

“If we do come across each other there might be a bit of rough and tumble, but all within the rules and I think we’ll let our footy do the talking. He’ll probably try and give me a little scrap before the game or something like that but I’ll just stick to the plan and hopefully get the win.”

Angus played 21 games in his first year in 2015, racking up 99 tackles along the way. Andrew is on track to match that with 59 tackles in 14 matches.

Camera Icon Andrew Brayshaw continues to grow in his first season. Credit: Getty Images

The 18-year-old Docker says he has learnt plenty from his brother.

“I remember his first game against Gold Coast,” Andrew said. “I’m pretty sure he laid nine tackles and was leading for that week in the AFL.

“It’s always been a massive focus of his, that defensive mindset, tackling, chasing and I guess I’ve always looked up to him and tried to model my game on him.

“That’s why that side of my game is starting to shine now.

“It’s because I’m trying to be like Angus. Angus is a little bit more developed in his career and he’s four years in now, but if you wound the clock back to his first year and compare it to mine I’d say we’d be quite similar.

“He was probably a bit bigger and stronger at the time and I probably would be able to get on the spread a bit more and am a little bit faster.”

Debra said she used hypnotherapy to help overcome her anxiety amid Angus’ persistent concussion issues which have restricted him in recent seasons.

Andrew said it was frustrating for the family, but he never doubted Angus would get back.

“Mum was probably more nervous than anyone but I always thought that he would get through it. He has chucked the helmet on ever since and he’s been all right,” Andrew said.

“I’ve had a few knocks in my time but never have been badly concussed so I never really worried for myself, I just more worried for him.”

The fact he has ended up at the club Angus grew up barracking for is not lost on either of them.

“He’s looked up to a lot of the boys I’m playing with now,” Andrew said.

“Whenever I talk to him about Aaron Sandilands, Nathan Fyfe, those sort of guys, you can just see a sort of childish smile that comes on to his face that he is somewhat a little bit jealous that I’m playing with his idols. He is at an AFL club and doing what he loves but he couldn’t be happier for me and he’ll have a massive smile on his face (tonight).”

Camera Icon Angus has had a strong year at the Dees. Credit: Getty Images

Both teams go into tonight’s match desperate for a win, with the Demons battling to stay in the eight and Fremantle coming off a belting from Brisbane.

“It will be a hot temperature and hot at the coalface,” Andrew said.

Middle brother Hamish, 19, is still working towards his West Coast debut.