The Finals have been full of goals so far in the Illawarra Premier League, with 12 goals scored across three matches, and the reigning champions already securing their place at WIN Stadium.
Here is a look at last week played out.
Week 1:
Tarrawanna Blueys 2 Bulli 4
The Finals series kicked off in the Premier League with a six-goal thriller at Barrack Heights Sports Field on Wednesday night, as Bulli prevailed 4-2 over Tarrawanna.
The Blueys had the form heading into this one, scoring four goals against their opponents in each regular-season encounter.
However, Bulli made an early impression, opening the scoring through Ben McDonald, with Cameron Morgan equalising on 15 minutes for Tarrawanna.
Lewis Grimshaw scored on either side of the break to put Bulli in a strong position before McDonald grabbed his second just after the hour mark.
A 75th-minute goal from Matias Toro off the bench made it an interesting finish, yet Bulli held firm to advance to another do-or-die clash against Coniston.
Week 2:
Wollongong United 2 Wollongong Olympic 3
The second week of Finals provided a mouthwatering contest on Saturday at Macedonia Park, offering a 2024 Grand Final rematch between Wollongong United and Wollongong Olympic.
League champions United flew into a two-goal lead within 15 minutes, courtesy of Evan Ball and Sam Matthews.
Jason Madonis swiftly pulled one back for Olympic to give his side some hope heading into the sheds, before Guy Knight converted from the spot to get them level 78 minutes in.
Just four minutes later, the reigning champions completed the turnaround, with United defender Ball diverting the ball into his own net and sending Olympic into the big dance.
Coniston 1 Bulli 0
The goalscoring theme of the Finals series so far took a back seat on Sunday, as 2023 champions Coniston and Bulli played out a tense battle at Crehan Park.
Matches between these teams were tight in the regular campaign, with Coniston recording a late 2-1 win in Round 5 and Bulli picking up a 3-1 victory in Round 16.
The sides played out a goalless first half, with one goal proving enough to win it 71 minutes in when Tobias Norval converted from the penalty spot for his eighth of the season.
Coniston will now face Wollongong United next Sunday for the other spot in the Grand Final.
In Second Grade, Bulli advanced to the big dance on penalties, while Helensburgh Thistle take on Cringila Lions in the Preliminary Final this weekend.
In Youth Grade, Wollongong United made their way through to the Grand Final, and Bulli face Cringila this weekend for a spot at WIN Stadium.
PREMIER LEAGUE PRELIMINARY FINAL
Sunday 14 September @ JJ Kelly Park
11.00 am Cringila Lions v Bulli FC (Youth Grade), with the winner to face Wollongong United
1.15 pm Helensburgh Thistle v Cringila Lions (Second Grade), with the winner to face Bulli FC
3.30 pm Wollongong United v Coniston FC (First Grade), with the winner to face Wollongong Olympic
Review by Tim Gibson
Photo courtesy of Richie Wagner
