Leary was the spearhead, while former coach Ken Ewen-Chappell and Ben Hyndes each booted five in a 27.16 (178) to 1.4 (10) thumping of Shellharbour at North Dalton Park.

The Lions kicked 10.2 in a blistering third quarter effort, keeping the Suns scoreless.

It came as the Power’s late season surge continued with a 15.15 (105) to 5.4 (34) win over Northern Districts. The Tigers trailed by just six points at half-time, but couldn’t keep pace with Kiama, who went on to kick 10.6 to a single point afterwards.

The Power still had eight different goalkickers, as Ben Williams finished with three and Michael Williams, Ben Griffin, Jaiden Browne, coach Bryce O’Connor and Jarrod Anderson each kicking two.

Bouncing back from their loss to Kiama, premiers the Wollongong Bulldogs marched to a 13.18 (96) to 2.5 (17) thrashing of Nowra Albatross. 

The Dogs led by 50 points at half-time.  The finals make-up, however, remains unresolved, after Figtree tussle with Bomaderry was postponed when Figtree Oval was closed.

Bomaderry (7-6, 87.94 per cent) are fourth, but the Roos (6-7, 83.14) can still qualify for September action if they win the crucial battle, now played on August 6.

Figtree will be hot favourites to overpower Northern Districts on Saturday, while Bomaderry face a massive assignment against the unbeaten Lions.