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Kiama and Bomaderry will use the other as a measuring stick in Saturday's round-three South Coast AFL clash at Bonaira Oval.
Grand finalists the past two seasons, Kiama have turned to their maiden premiership coach of 2009, James Walton, to break the stranglehold of back-to-back premiers Wollongong Bulldogs in 2014.
Walton is introducing a new playing style based on big numbers behind the ball, then an attacking spread at speed upon gaining possession.
He admits the changes will take time to work through, with Kiama beaten by four points in round one by Northern Districts and responding to being four goals down at quarter-time in a 46-point win over Figtree last Saturday.
"The players have embraced the changes, everyone's on the same page and now it's a matter of getting used to it week-in, week-out in matches," Walton said.
Kiama can expect a tougher test against a Bomaderry team that have beaten Nowra and newcomers Port Kembla comfortably in the opening two rounds.
In Saturday's other games, Port Kembla have their third straight home game, taking on Nowra, who are coming off the bye in the second round.
Shellharbour's clash with Figtree has been moved from Jock Brown Oval to West Street Oval, while Albatross are at home to Northern Districts.
Premiers Wollongong have the bye, and following Albatross being forced to forfeit their round-two clash and a general competition bye over the Easter weekend, the Bulldogs will go 28 days between games when they take on Northern Districts in round four on April 26.
Meanwhile, the Wollongong Lions will be buoyed by their win over Uni of NSW/Eastern Suburbs ahead of Saturday's away clash against Penrith.
The Sydney Swans Reserves, featuring a host of fringe Swans AFL players, will take on Canberra side Ainslie in their North East AFL competition clash at North Dalton Park on July 7.
In a big day for local AFL fans, South Coast premiers Wollongong Bulldogs will face Kiama in their grand final rematch as the curtain-raiser.