Former Hawthorn rookie listed midfielder Jack Mahony thrived in one of the most physical AFL South Coast contests this season, as Kiama held Figtree to just two goals on Saturday.
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The Power kicked six in the second half to seal a gritty 10.7 (67) to 2.8 (20) win at Bonaira Oval, but coach Rod Richards admitted they’d had to hold their nerve under heavy fire from the Kangaroos.
“Yeah, they certainly came to play,” Richards said.
“I was really impressed with what Figtree threw at us and the score just doesn’t reflect how tough the game was.
“It was pleasing to keep them to just the two goals.
“Jack was outstanding, he really seemed to revel in the physical stuff.”
Under the new six-team top-tier competition format, the Power now face a demanding three weeks ahead, against the Bulldogs, Lions and Shellharbour.
The Power are hot on the heels of unbeaten premiers Wollongong Lions, who kicked four unanswered goals to outclass Northern Districts 10.6 (66) to 3.6 (24) on Saturday, with Jack Burgess kicking five.
Troy Cole kicked two for Kiama to extend his lead at the top of the league goalscoring list to six ahead of the injured James Adamson.
Lachlan Kirk booted three and Ricky Neels two, as Richards hopes the even spread of goalkickers will boost their chances of premiership success during finals.
In the other game, Wollongong Bulldogs marched to a 7.15 (57) to 4.7 (31) win over Shellharbour, likely ending the Suns top four hopes.
Bomaderry have shown they will be the team to beat in the AFL South Coast Women’s league finals after beating Wollongong Lions by 21 point on Saturday.
In a top-of-the-table showdown, the Tigers kicked three first-half goals to win 4.5 (29) to 1.2 (8) at Artie Smith Oval.
Rosie Dawson kicked the Lions only goal.
Kiama stayed in third position with a thumping 81-point win over Nowra-Albatross, Phoebe Roman booting four and Hannah O’Leary three in a best-on-ground performance for the Power.
Kathryn Gaskin was also a standout for Wollongong Bulldogs, kicking three in their 47-point win over the Saints at North Dalton Park.
Zoe Field and Tash Staude were also impressive in the Dogs victory, which puts them back within two games of the fourth-placed Saints.
In the AFL Sydney Women’s competition, Kate Stanton, Eleri Morris and Nicola Kennedy kicked three each in the Wollongong Saints 86-point win over North Shore.
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
