The Kangaroos have been close to claiming a major scalp on a number of occasions this season, coming within a kick or two of beating Wollongong Bulldogs and Kiama. 

And on Saturday, they pushed premiers Wollongong Lions to the brink, but fell short, going down 9.9 (63) to 8.6 (54) at Kully Bay Oval. 

“They were relentless,” Lions coach Ray Burgess said. 

“Figtree just didn’t stop all day and we had to lift after half-time. We know that as premiers and on top of the ladder, we’re the hunted, everyone comes after us every week. And we had a few guys out, so it was good that we could find a way again when we needed to.”

In wild and windy conditions after the game was shifted from the Roos’ home base at Figtree Oval, the Lions were held to just three behinds in the second term. 

But the three-point half-time deficit was turned into a 12-point lead at three-quarter time, before former captain Josh Tier kicked the sealer in the final term. 

In the other game played on Saturday, a six-goal opening quarter set the platform for Shellharbour’s 17.10 (112) to 4.4 (28) victory over Northern Districts at Myimbarr Oval. 

The win keeps the Suns hopes of a top-four finish alive, while Wollongong Bulldogs will meet Kiama next Saturday at Keira Oval.

North Dalton Park will host the Sydney Swans’ NEAFL showdown with GWS Giants on Saturday, with first bounce at 12pm.