Premiers Wollongong and Kiama play for the South Coast AFL minor premiership on Saturday but the bigger prize of a grand final spot awaits next weekend in the major semi-final.

The dominant clubs have delivered the closest minor premiership race in South Coast AFL history with barely a goal between the teams after 17 rounds.

Wollongong cling to top spot on percentage, with their only losses to Figtree in round five and to the third-placed Northern Districts in round 13.

The Power's only defeats were in the opening game to Northern Districts by less than a goal and a nine-point defeat to Wollongong in round 12.

The Power improved significantly during the season and were ultra-consistent in thrashing the weaker teams on a weekly basis.

Kiama coach James Walton said the minor premiership is not a priority, but facing the leaders a week out from finals will be a good test.

"Finishing first or second isn't important given we've secured the double chance but the players should be a little bit more relaxed going into a game like this," Walton said.

"We'll probably try a few things and adjust the game time of a player or two and certainly we'll see where we are at given we face Wollongong the following week."

Kiama will be without Rob Beaumont, who will return for the major semi, while sharpshooter Ricky Neels is also out Saturday and won't play again until the preliminary final or grand final.

Kiama and Wollongong played in the past three grand finals.

Wollongong won their first top-grade premiership in 2012 then scored a come-from-behind victory last season, while Kiama beat the Bulldogs with a goal after the siren in 2011.

There's been little between the clubs for four years. Irrespective of which club claims the minor premiership, the Dogs and Power are favoured to meet three times in the next month, capped off with the grand final on September 6.

Northern Districts beat both Wollongong and Kiama in 2014 and are the most serious challenger to the top two - they are away to Port Kembla Saturday in the final round.

Fourth-placed Bomaderry have the bye before taking on Norths in the elimination semi-final.

Completing the final round, it's the end of the season for Nowra and Figtree at West Street Oval, while Shellharbour host winless Albatross at Jock Brown Oval.

Meanwhile, the Illawarra Lions want to continue their best form of the season on Sunday by beating battling Uni of NSW/Eastern Suburbs at Village Green.

Seventh-placed Lions (6-10) are coming off victories over leaders Balmain and fifth-placed Pennant Hills and should beat the second last-placed Bulldogs (3-13).

First bounce is 2pm.