Kiama have all but sealed top spot on the AFL South Coast ladder for the second year in a row after six-point win over fierce rivals Wollongong Lions on a wild and windy day at Bonaira Oval.
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The Power are now a game and percentage clear and are already destined for a major semi-final showdown with the Lions in three weeks.
The Lions now face Wollongong Bulldogs, who put their campaign back on track with a hard-fought 9.9 (63) to 6.7 (43) win over Northern Districts at Hollymount Park.
“I thought our intent was great,” Dogs coach Lee Murray said.
“They were pretty tough conditions, we had a bit of everything, but while the skills might not have been great at times, we went about it the right way.
“We’ve had a few weeks where we just haven’t been able to put four quarters together, but our midfield looked pretty good for the most part.”
Bentley Murphy was among the Dogs best, while Matt Westaway and Keegan Jenkins kicked two each.
The Dogs have the toughest run-in to the finals, meeting Kiama after the Lions, before a minor semi-final against Figtree.
The Lions made a fast start in Kiama, kicking the first two goals, but the advantage was erased by half-time.
And while the wind created havoc at times on the small coast-side ground, Josh Krull finished with two as the Power prevailed 5.8 (38) to 4.8 (32).
In the other game, Figtree outlasted Shellharbour 7.11 (53) to 4.1 (25) at Myimbarr Oval, with Daniel Johnson best-on-ground.