Ambushed by AFL South Coast premiers Wollongong Bulldogs a month ago, minor premiers Wollongong Lions returned fire to claim a grand final spot with an emphatic 12.6 (78) to 8.10 (58) victory over the Bulldogs in last Saturday’s  semi-final at North Dalton Park.

The Lions previous five wins had been by 100-plus points, but amid the carnage was a 27 point defeat to the Bulldogs. 

It was the Lions only blemish on an otherwise unbeaten return to the South Coast comp and stood out like an eye sore which had to be treated.

  With the pressure on, the Lions showed why they’ve been the best team all season by responding to the Bulldogs’ challenge with a decisive five goal win.

 It won’t matter a cracker if the Lions are beaten in the grand final back at North Dalton Park on Saturday week,  but the minor premiers are deservedly the first team into the flag decider.

  Lions coach Craig Morrison was rapt with the performance against their arch-rival.

   ‘‘That was Lion-hearted,’’ was Morrison’s  first words to his players in the dressing room immediately after the victory.

 ‘‘It wasn’t perfect but I’m rapt in our response. We were focused and fought it out the four quarters and we’ll spent the next two weeks getting ready for whoever we play.’’

   The Bulldogs will back up in the Preliminary Final  against Northern Districts, who beat Kiama Power 10.10 (70) to 7.13 (55) in a spirited Elimination  Semi-Final at Figtree Oval.

Kiama were the better team in the first half and led 4.9 (33) to 4.6 (30), but the Tigers capitalised on the Power’s inaccurate goal-kicking to keep their season alive.

 The Bulldogs will take on the Tigers in the Preliminary Final at Bomaderry’s Artie Smith Oval on Saturday  with Dogs coach Lee Murray admitting his side must improve.

  ‘‘We weren’t sharp.’’ Murray said straight after the Lions loss.

  ‘‘They were cleaner than we were. Not playing for a  couple of weeks didn’t help, but with this game under our belt we’ll be better for it.’’

  Finally in Division 2, Figtree are into the grand final after an 11 goal win over the Bulldogs.

 The Dogs now back up against the Lions for a spot in the grand final after the Lions beat Bomaderry by 38 points.