Watching the 2018 grand final replay.

Wollongong had led Kiama by 22 points at quarter-time, then only kicked one for the rest of the game to lose by 13, in stark contrast from their mauling finish against the same opponents to win the premiership in 2017.

There'll be 10 different faces in red and black at North Dalton Park this year, but Burgess went looking for signs. For lessons. For answers.

Since returning from Sydney to play in the AFL South Coast competition, Saturday's showdown with rising power Figtree will be their fifth consecutive grand final.

Loss (Bulldogs 2015), win (Bulldogs 2016), win (Power 2017), loss (Power 2018).

In contrast, Figtree won the reserve grade premiership in 2015 and have taken the next four seasons to be ready to the big occasion.

"I think we're much fresher this year," Burgess said.

"Last year mentally and physically, we were a bit battered and doing it a bit tougher.

"So I think on some level we needed that fast start last year and hope the momentum carried us, but obviously we didn't get it done, so it was tough to watch again.

"We've got a job to do, we've got to go out there and do it against a very good team full of confidence."

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Burgess is wary of the impact Ray Tunbridge Medal winner Jacob Hennessy will have through the middle and the damage Callum McFadden and Kieran Churchill could do on the scoreboard.

But even with 2016 premiership captain and defender Josh Tier out injured, he is confident the Lions can handle what Figtree throw at them.

The Lions have had to launch something of a scouting mission on Figtree in recent weeks, given its been two months since the two teams have seen each other.

Undoubtedly favourites, the Lions have had the edge on the Kangaroos, beating them by two and three points - they trailed at three-quarter time on both occasions - before a relative 27-point blowout in their most recent meeting, though Figtree led by five at half-time.

At one end, Toby Bishop has a league-leading 44 goals for the year, with Sam Wilson third with 35.

Sandwiched in between them is McFadden, who has 36.

As the more experienced Lions try to hold off the emerging Roos' challenge, it will also be a contrast of styles.

The big bodies and controlled tempo of the Lions, against the rolling waves of pressure from Figtree.

"They're pretty relentless," Burgess said of Figtree.

"They've got the league medallist, the coach of the year (Will Ryan) and some great players who can take the game away from you if you let them.

"That's the challenge, we've got to be able to handle that and take control it where we can. It's not about last year now, we've got the opportunity to do something special this year."

Meanwhile, Wollongong Bulldogs finished with the minor premiership, but then were forced to take the hard road to the grand final when beaten by Saturday's opponents and reigning champions Bomaderry.

It's sets up a fascinating finale to the AFL South Coast Women's Premier Division.

In a thrilling major semi-final, the Tigers snatched a two-point win with Bridgett Kellett kicking two crucial goals, while the Dogs rued missed opportunities.

Grand finals

Saturday, North Dalton Park

Men's Premier Division: WOLLONGONG LIONS v FIGTREE (5pm)

Women's Premier Division: BOMADERRY v WOLLONGONG BULLDOGS (3pm)

Men's Division One: WOLLONGONG BULLDOGS v NOWRA-ALBATROSS (12.50pm)

Men's Division Two: ULLADULLA v NORTHERN DISTRICTS (10.55am)

Women's Division One: ULLADULLA v DAPTO CITY (9.15am)

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