The Zebras were behind the eight ball before this year's campaign even got under way, when Steve Dimitrievski resigned just days out from the start of the Illawarra Premier League.

It has been a mixed bag since Rob Davies took over the reins in June.

Port Kembla dropped their first two games, but have improved to win two out of their last five games - including a 3-0 victory over Coniston last Saturday afternoon.

And while they sit in 10^th spot on the ladder with four regular rounds remaining, Davies said there were plenty of goals left for Port Kembla to achieve in 2020.

"There is always room for improvement. We have a young group of players that I'd like to develop as we look to build for next season at Port Kembla," he said.

"We need to focus on one game at a time and build on our performance each week. We want to remain competitive and move up the ladder.

"The reality of a short season makes it difficult to turn things around. The boys are playing to restore some pride in the club and themselves."

Davies has enjoyed the chance to step up into the coaching role following Dimitrievski's sudden departure. However, he believes the players deserve the credit for showing a great attitude, both on and off the field.

"The turnaround has come from the players," he said.

"The players are engaged and are putting in the hard work at training. They are challenging themselves and each other, and as a coach that's all I can ask for.

"It was rewarding for the players to get a win. Some will measure success by how many trophies are won, but I have been very encouraged by our younger players who have stepped up and taken their opportunities in first grade this season."

However, the task doesn't get any easier this Saturday.

The Zebras will travel to PCYC to take on an Olympic side who are fighting for a spot in the 2020 finals, and Davies said his side would need to lift against the IPL powerhouse.

"Olympic are a quality team. They have recruited well in the off season and have depth across the park. George [Antoniou] will have them ready so I expect they will be a tough opposition, especially at their home ground," he said.

"We need to focus on the things we have been working on at training, and hopefully it all comes together on the day."

See more: Powerful AFL South Coast challenge awaits for Lions

Round eight of the IPL will kick off with Bulli taking on South Coast United at Balls Paddock on Saturday.

It will be Bulli's third game in a week, having lost 2-0 in Sunday's Bampton Cup final and 5-1 in Wednesday night's IPL game against Wollongong United.

Competition leaders United will also back up to face Cringila at Macedonia Park on Saturday. The Blueys will meet Bellambi at Tarrawanna Oval and Coniston tackles Albion Park White Eagles in Saturday afternoon's other remaining games.

The round will be capped off when Corrimal hosts Woonona at Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon.