They don't hand out the premiership trophy in May but premiers Wollongong Bulldogs get a close-up look at their major rival for the AFL South Coast flag in Wollongong Lions in Saturday's round-seven clash at North Dalton Park.

The Lions are undefeated in their return to South Coast AFL after 25 years in the Sydney AFL competition, while the Bulldogs would be unbeaten were it not for having a 19th player on the field in the final quarter of last Saturday's clash with Northern Districts.

The Bulldogs had a 59-point lead but used an extra player for eight minutes. They were stripped of their entire score and lost by five points.

But it was a victory in every sense bar the scoreboard in the rematch of last season's grand final and a warning shot that the Bulldogs are primed for a tilt at a fourth straight title.

"We played really well and against a good team it was a top effort," Bulldogs coach Lee Murray said.

"Our pressure was right up there where we wanted it to be and except for the result it was what we were looking for."

The Lions are coming off a 105-point thrashing of Shellharbour and in their return to the South Coast comp have also beaten Norths by 44 points and Kiama by 77 points.

With a number of experienced players who have played in the Sydney AFL Premier League and Division 1 comps, the Lions have the confidence of a club comfortably adjusting to competition a level below to which they have been accustomed.

But they'll be fully tested by a Bulldogs team which have been the benchmark in South Coast for several years.

"Every week's a new experience for us and no doubt the Dogs will come to play," Lions coach Craig Morrison said.

"We're expecting a real test from a good team. Hopefully it's a dry track and both teams can show what they've got."

In other games, Northern Districts won't feel like they are coming off a win as they host the winless Kiama at Hollymount Park.

The Tigers will want to play a lot better, while Kiama are not the same side which - along with the Bulldogs - dominated the premiership for the past five years.

Bomaderry ended a two-game losing streak with a win over Kiama in round six and take on Nowra in what should be a tight match at Artie Smith Oval.

Both teams have won two games and will have their sights on a top-four spot.

Shellharbour Suns have the round-seven bye.

In Sydney AFL, the South Coast Thunder (1 win/3 losses) are back at North Dalton Park to face Pennant Hills (6-0), who are the top side in Sydney AFL Division 1 under 19s.

The Thunder are improving and played well in a 9.9 (63) to 9.3 (57) loss to St George at home last Saturday.

Also at North Dalton Park, the Wollongong Saints host Sydney AFL Women's Division 1 leaders Sydney University at 6.30pm.

AFL SOUTH COAST

Round 7

Wollongong Lions v Wollongong Bulldogs at North Dalton Park (12.30pm) 

Bomaderry v Nowra at Artie Smith Oval (2.10pm)

Northern Districts v Kiama at Hollymount Park (2.10pm)

Bye: Shellharbour Suns

Ladder: Wollongong Lions 8; Wollongong Bulldogs 6,  Northern Districts 6, Nowra 6, Bomaderry 6; Shellharbour 4; Kiama 0.