AUSTRALIAN RULES
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Bomaderry Tigers will take winning form into the South Coast AFL finals in a fortnight after a confidence-building 90-point victory over Figtree Kangaroos at Figtree Oval.
The Tigers responded to tough losses to premiers Wollongong and Northern Districts with a 20.10 (130) to 5.10 (40) victory on Saturday.
Bomaderry have a bye in the final round and will finish fourth.
They face third-placed Northern Districts in Saturday week's elimination semi-final clash.
The Tigers kept Figtree pointless in the first term and kicked six goals to ensure they would not be upset by a Kangaroos side certain to finish sixth in their best of four seasons in first grade.
Both sides scored two goals in the second term before the Tigers kicked 12 goals, and conceded three, in the second half.
"The boys were a bit down after [the] loss to Norths but this has picked them up," Bomaderry player-coach Sean Byrne said.
"It's good to get a win. There's plenty of belief we can make a mark in the finals.
"We haven't beaten the top three teams but we've played well in patches against all of them and it's just a matter of sustaining our best when we have the momentum."
Bomaderry vice-captain Brent Herdman had a big game in the ruck against Figtree, while Michel Bennet was also strong with four goals and Matt Wyles made some courageous plays in defence.
Meanwhile, Northern Districts should also be in prime condition for the finals after Saturday's forfeit win over Nowra.
Wollongong and arch-rivals Kiama continued their battle for the minor premiership with both clubs enjoying big victories.
The clubs played in the past three grand finals and begin a huge month of rivalry by meeting in Saturday's final round.
The Power and Bulldogs then back up in the major semi-finals the week after and would meet for a third time in four weeks if they reach the grand final at North Dalton Park on Saturday, September 6.
Kiama outclassed Albatross 29.19 (193) to 1.2 (8) last Saturday as Ben Williams booted nine goals.
Matt Mahony kicked six goals and Travis Lothian five goals for the Power.
In the tightest minor premiership battle ever, Wollongong maintained top spot by the slimmest percentage, after they thrashed Port Kembla 203 to 2.
Tim Coggan was best on ground for the Bulldogs, who had 16 goalkickers.
The Power have home ground advantage for Saturday's game while Shellharbour host Albatross, Port Kembla welcome Norths and Nowra host Figtree.