Premiers Kiama inflicted another blow on grand final rivals Wollongong Lions on Saturday, intensifying the three-way battle at the top of the AFL South Coast ladder.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Charlie Wood kicked three goals to be among the Power's best as they repelled a third-quarter Lions fightback to win 9.6 (60) to 6.5 (41) at North Dalton Park.
The Lions had charged from 19 points down at half-time to be within on at the final change, but Kiama responded with three in the final term, holding the Wollongong powerhouse to just one point.
"We just feel like we're starting to find some momentum," Kiama coach Ben Rawson said.
"They really came at us there, but I just said to the boys (at three-quarter time), go and enjoy yourselves, this is what we play footy for, the result will look after itself.
"It had been the scoring end all day, even though there wasn't a huge breeze, so we just had to keep working.
"Charlie was great for us, he's just one of those guys who know how to find the ball and the goals."
The Lions' first loss of the season paved the way for Figtree to move to the top of the ladder at 5-1 even though they had the bye.
Elsewhere, Patrick Walker extended his lead at the top of the league goalkickers' list, booting five in Wollongong Bulldogs' 82-point thrashing of Bomaderry at Keira Oval.
The Dogs kicked 10 goals to two before half-time to take control.
In the other game, Northern Districts made it back-to-back wins by overpowering Shellharbour by 53 points at Hollymount Park.
Wollongong Saints suffered more heartache at the hands of Western Magic in an AFL Sydney division one grand final rematch at Blacktown on Saturday.
Saints were blown away by six Magic goals in the opening quarter and never recovered, going down 13.8 (86) to 4.3 (27).
Eleri Morris booted three of their four goals, while Jessie Sheridan was the Saints best in a beaten cause.
It means the Wollongong club is now level with Manly and Pennant Hills at the top of the division one ladder at 6-2. Meanwhile, Wollongong Bulldogs pulled off a stunning 56-point win over premiers Bomaderry in the AFL South Coast women's premier division on Saturday.
Luisa Marzotto kicked four goals as they held the Tigers scoreless until the final quarter, the Bulldogs winning 11.9 (75) to 2.7 (19).
It takes the Bulldogs to the top of the women's ladder, ahead of the Lions, who were beaten by Kiama on Saturday by 23 points.
Northern Districts beat Shellharbour by 21 points.
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe to our newsletter
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.
