But now, one game away from a fairytale Illawarra Premier League grand final, coach Peter Willis is bringing down the level of expectation.

The Blueys have barged their way past Wollongong United and Albion Park, to setup a tantalising preliminary final showdown with Corrimal.

The run is starting to be compared to Port Kembla's championship-winning charge during the 2017 finals series.

Adding to the belief Tarrawanna could go all the way is their record against Corrimal this year, having beaten them 2-nil at home and 3-1 away.

But Willis wants to keep the players sights away from a grand final berth and simply focus on the 90, or perhaps 120 minutes it would take to beat Rangers again.

"It just has to be another game for us, just worry about doing all the little things well," he said.

"It's exciting for the club, of course it is, but we've just got to prepare well and see where it takes us on Sunday.

"We can't worry too much about what could come after that.

"These games are very different in style to those during the league, so we have confidence that we can beat them, but we won't be dwelling on it."

Willis, however, knows another northern suburbs derby adds "a bit of spice" to their campaign.

Remarkably, it even splits families, with Tarrawanna president Michael Dent the son of Corrimal life member Peter.

Rangers suffered a blow last weekend, when Ben Zucco, who scored the winning penalty for Port Kembla in the grand final against Bulli, was red carded and will miss the preliminary final.

They'll have to stop Tarrawanna captain Rick Goodchild, who has produced five goals in as many games to spark them.

"He's our leader and he's stepped up when we've needed him," Willis said.

"He's led by example the whole way."

Tarrawanna will also meet Corrimal in the under 23s preliminary final on Sunday, with Wollongong United awaiting the winner.

In the District League at Wetherall Park on Saturday, Oak Flats take on Thirroul for a chance to play Bellambi on grand final day.

Preliminary final

Sunday (2.30pm)

CORRIMAL v TARRAWANNA at Memorial Park

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