Wally's candid comments

VANCOUVER - Wally Buono hated playing against the rival Edmonton Eskimos in 10 years as a player with the Montreal Alouettes and his competitive dislike for them has not changed in his 22 years as a coach.

"I hate Edmonton…but I say that in a competitive way," Buono said on Saturday in preparation for Sunday's West Division final against the Eskimos at B.C. Place Stadium. "It's these 3½ hours (facing them on the field). It's not the time after that."

Buono heaped high praise on the organization, which won five consecutive Grey Cups during his playing career.

"They've always supported the club, always supported the coaches and given them what they need," he said. "They don't always win. They were the model (franchise). They were willing to pay the price. We are competitive. We are bitter rivals. That will never change. When you look at the CFL, they were the model, but we've caught up to them."

But Buono became emotional when talking about the supposed lack of support the team has received in terms of ticket sales for the West Division Final. The game is not expected to fill the 50,000 seats in the renovated B.C. Place Stadium, and to some that is seen as indifference toward football in B.C. and, in particular, the city of Vancouver.

"Football is alive in the province of British Columbia. I think our fans have been very supportive," he said. "Our fans have been tremendous. It's not cheap (to buy a ticket). Every ticket that is sold is sold from November 6 on (the day after the Lions had clinched first in the West). Our fans have been no better, no worse, than the other fans (of the other teams) across the country."

Buono, who has won eight division finals in 17 tries, said he will not be satisfied with the Lions' season unless they win on Sunday and a week later in the Grey Cup. The Lions started off the season 0-5 and were 2-6 after eight games and appeared hopelessly out of the playoff race.

"I will not feel it was worth it if we don't get it done," he said. "It's what you do in your last game that really counts…I can't speak for other people, but the coach's business is all about winning."

Perry Lefko keeps you connected to all the news in the CFL on Sportsnet.ca.