PREMIERS Wollongong Lions emphatically ended any doubt about being the team to beat this, but the question remains about just how far the Shellharbour Suns can rise.
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In the latest edition of the Wollongong derby, the Lions – who beat the Bulldogs by one point in last year’s grand final – thrashed their arch-rivals 19.11 (125) to 11.4 (70) Keira Oval.
Seven second quarter goals set the tone, before laying on five goals to two in the final term in the biggest blow-out since the Lions returned to the competition from AFL Sydney.
But as the Lions took a vice-like grip on top spot, Shellharbour took another big step in their development, overpowering Nowra-Albatross in a spiteful showdown at West Street Oval.
With several key players returning, the Vikings led early, but Shellharbour piled on seven final-term goals to win 15.11 (101) to 10.4 (64).
“We don’t really know how good we can be,” coach James Walton said.
“Our list has improved dramatically and there’s been a lot of hard work, but internally we think we can play some pretty good footy and compete with the top teams. The problem we’ve had is starting slow each week, but we’ve got a lot of young guys, which probably counts for a little bit of our inconsistency.
“When we get it right we’re capable of being a really good side and we put it together late against Nowra.”
It sets up an intriguing battle when the Suns travel to take on the Dogs on Saturday, having jumped them into third on the ladder.
Nathan Lomas finished with six for Nowra, while David Linsen and Carter Lovell, judged best-on-ground, each finished with two.
The Bulldogs were blown away after quarter time and trailed by 37 points at the main break.
The intensity lifted in the third, producing five goals to each team, but any hint of a comeback was snuffed out in the final term.
Stewart Boyd kicked five and Alex Cotter four, with Rohan Watson, Ben Green and Chris Cook among the Lions’ standouts.
Elsewhere, Kiama continued their impressive start to the season, with a thumping 21.17 (143) to 3.5 (23) victory over Figtree.
The Kangaroos were held scoreless in the second and final quarters, as Daniel Herbert finished with a personal tally of eight and Troy Cole five.
Bomaderry were well held by Northern Districts in the opening exchanges, but the Tigers roared away to win 14.19 (103) to 3.7 (25).
Jack Boxsell and Courtney Ward led the Bomaderry charge.