A rested Kiama Power take their best form of the season into their toughest test in Saturday’s round 17 home clash with Wollongong Lions at Bonaira Park.
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The Lions have lost just once all season, with their last four wins all by 100-plus points including beating Kiama in round 11, six weeks ago.
But that was Kiama’s last defeat as they have beaten Bomaderry, Wollongong Bulldogs, Northern Districts and Shellharbour in succession to seal a top four spot with one more round before the finals.
The Power’s best form of the season will be fully tested by a Lions team which hit then reset button after a surprise four goal loss to premiers Wollongong Bulldogs a fortnight ago.
Lions coach Craig Morrison said it was ‘‘the loss we needed to have’’ and was proud of the response in outclassing Bomaderry at home last Saturday.
‘‘We reviewed the loss and realised every aspect of our game and preparation needed to step up,’’ Morrison said.
The Lions can begin preparation for a likely showdown against their arch-rival Bulldogs in the major semi-final in a fortnight, with the Dogs having the bye this weekend.
Unless there are a series of upsets Kiama will face Norths in the elimination final, with the Power’s finals preparation sure to begin with today’s big test at home to the Lions.
Northern Districts overcame a 13 point halftime deficit to beat Shellharbour by 34 points in round 16 and will want a strong performance at home to Nowra this afternoon.
Nowra look like finishing with the wooden spoon but played well in pushing the Bulldogs to within seven goals last Saturday.
In the other Division One game, Bomaderry host Shellharbour at Artie Smith Oval (3pm).
Bomaderry couldn’t match it with the Lions but the clash against the Suns should be a tight encounter.
In Sydney AFL under 19s Division One, South Coast Thunder have their final home game of the season taking on minor premiers Pennant Hills at North Dalton Park (12pm).
The Thunder have won five games in their debut season and almost made it six following a tough two point loss to Manly last weekend.
Following the Thunder vs Pennant Hills clash, Wollongong Saints have their final home game for 2015 in Sydney Womens AFL, taking on Uni of NSW Stingrays (2.10pm).
