The Dagher blow came with four minutes remaining.
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After chasing Figtree all afternoon, Wollongong Lions hit the front when versatile swingman Ramez Dagher put them in front with a goal, finishing 11.10 (76) to 11.7 (73) at North Dalton Park.
It's the second time this season the Lions have won a thriller against the Kangaroos, after keeping them goalless in the second half to prevail by two back in April.
The Roos were held to just one goal in the final term.
"It's good for our confidence, they made us work very hard for it," Lions coach Ray Burgess said.
"I was happy with how we closed it out at the end after we got in front, we managed to hold on to the footy and get a lot of stoppages.
"They had a lot of momentum there in the first half and we had to change a few things, Ramez showed why he's an important player, going back to help us out and then kicking the goal at the end.
"We just had to keep working while the momentum was against us, but I was pretty happy with the second half." Defender Lachlan Konza was best-on-ground, while Jack Nugent and Jack Burgess were also impressive in lifting them having been down by as much as four goals.
Elsewhere, Northern Districts provided a major scare for premiers Kiama at Hollymount Park.
The Power led by just six at three-quarter time, but their class prevailed 8.12 (60) to 6.3 (39), with three goals to one in the final term.
And the Bulldogs bounced back with a 23.15 (153) to 4.3 (27) win over Shellharbour.
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