Figtree have taken a giant leap towards avenging last year's grand final defeat following a comprehensive win on Saturday.
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The Kangaroos proved far too strong for the Wollongong Lions in their Men's Premier Division semi-final at North Dalton Park, clinching an 18.12 (120) to 5.2 (32) victory.
It was a satisfying result for Will Ryan and his men, beating the side that won the 2019 title. It was the third time that the Roos have thrashed the Lions this season, and the second in the past fortnight.
"When I took over the coaching, they used to do that to us. So it was a nice little bit of payback," Roos coach Will Ryan said.
"It's just good to see the guys in the playing squad and how far they've come in the last four years which is great to see. Two grand finals, and now the plan is to snag that first premiership victory."
Ryan said Saturday's contest was a lot closer than the final score indicated.
"It was pretty hard fought for three quarters, and we were able to pile it on in the last which was good for us. They certainly stuck it to us for three and you can see why they've won three of the past five [titles]. So it was good to get one over them after last year," he said.
"We really got tested in that third term, they really threw everything at us. They kicked a few goals in a row and we could have gone back into our shells like we have done in the past. Instead, we took momentum back.
"And we showed a lot of discipline. I've always been big with the boys about playing a disciplined brand of football and not getting sucked into anything, and they showed that today which was really good."
For the Lions, Saturday's loss draws the curtains on their 2020 premiership defence.
Coach Ray Burgess said it was a disappointing way to finish their campaign.
"No one wants to end their season like that, so the boys are pretty deflated. But we appreciate that we played against a pretty quality opposition today - they are very, very good," he said.
"The wind didn't help in the first half, and made the game a little bit scrappy. But in the second half, when it all sort of died down, Figtree got on top and we were unable to match it with them in any way, shape or form.
"But it's been a good year overall. We blooded a number of kids into senior footy. To this point, we've managed to have some success and unearth some good kids. Josh Tier played game 250 today for the footy club and there's been a lot of positives over the course of the season.
"But to end it like that was a disappointing way to finish off what was a reasonable year."
The Kangaroos will now enjoy a week off before this year's grand final at North Dalton Park on October 10. They will meet the Wollongong Bulldogs, who secured a five-point win over Kiama on Saturday.
"They play a very quick, fast brand of footy. And they're obviously quite young, being a uni team," Ryan said.
"We've just to make sure that we don't let them jump out of the blocks quickly like we did last time we played them.
"The other thing is that I think they enjoy the underdog tag and they'll be coming into this with a wet sail, so we've got to try take the wind out of it as quick as possible."