They are one of the few teams to unlock Wollongong Olympic in 2016, but Bulli coach Ben Smith believes his men will have to be at their best to repeat the feat this Saturday at Balls Paddock.
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Heading into the blockbuster clash, Olympic have given up fewer goals than any other team this season with just 13 goals conceded through the opening 12 rounds.
Yet, close to a third of those came in a round three 4-1 battering at the hands of Bulli at the PCYC.
Another three were conceded against ladder leaders Kemblawarra Fury three weeks later, but since then Olympic have cleaned up their defence.
They’ve allowed a measly two goals through six games leading into this weekend’s meeting with Bulli – a stat which hasn’t gone unnoticed by Smith.
“They are the best defence in the league at the moment,” he said.
“They have got a good midfield and are scoring goals as well at the moment.
“It is a strong squad but if we are near our best I am sure we will give a good account of ourselves.”
Bulli showed what they can do when they are on song the first time they met Olympic more than two months ago.
“It was one of those days where we created a few chances and were able to take them,” Smith said.
“It gave us a pretty strong position in the game and at half time it might have already been 3-0.
“It was one of those days where it clicked for us and not so much for them.
“In saying that, we are well aware of the squad they have got and the performances they’ve put on the board so far.”
Victory is crucial for both teams title hopes in 2016.
Olympic (21 points) are currently nine points off the leading Fury, but hold a game up their sleeve on the top two.
Bulli are three points behind Kemblwarra after crumbling to a 3-2 defeat against Albion Park White Eagles last weekend.
They’ll need to the Fury to drop points at Woonona and to snatch a win of their own at home to have any chance of retaking top spot.
“If you want to challenge you have to try and win every game,” Smith said.
“The pressure is on but the pressure is always on.
“We played Woonona during the week and we only won 1-0.
“Woonona aren’t easy-beats so the Fury will have to earn it if they want to win.”
Both Bulli and the Fury claimed mid-week wins.
An early goal from Ben McDonald guided Bulli to a 1-0 win while the Fury edged out Port Kembla 2-1.
Meanwhile, Saturday will be a busy one in the Illawarra Premier League with four more matches.
Wollongong United host Picton Rangers at Macedonia Park while the Fury travel to the Sharks home ground at Ocean Park.
Tarrawanna will look to put two wins together when they play South Coast and Albion Park White Eagles hope to jump back in the top-five against Cringila Lions.
Port Kembla and Shell Cove played on Friday night.
