A remarkable chain of events sent Kiama Power into the AFL South Coast grand final, chasing their first flag in six years, with a thrilling four-point victory over premiers Wollongong Lions. 

Young forward Matt Price took a stunning mark just outside the goal square, but missed the set shot, a let off for the Lions with less than three minutes on the clock. 

But, in reaction, he was knocked down in an incident involving Lions defender Daniel Goodley immediately after, offering him a second chance when awarded a free kick.

Price was on target this time at Figtree Oval, a goal which ensured a 7.15 (57) to 8.5 (53) victory, sending the Power into the decider, while the Lions now face arch-rivals Wollongong Bulldogs for another shot at glory.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a game won that way before,” coach Rod Richards said. “We’re happy to be the first team through, that’s for sure. It was a pretty remarkable mark, he’s a pretty tough kid. He’s quite a good looking kid and he puts his head over the contest all the time. 

“He’s actually a bit mental I think, he often does that. He’s unreal.”

It all started when Aaron Boatfield bombed it deep into the Kiama goalface. 

As most waited to see how the ball bounced, Price launched his body like a fielder in the deep chasing a near impossible chase. 

Price kicked it near-side from close range on the first attempt, but made the most of the invitation for a second shot. 

“It was lucky we got that free kick, it was definitely there,” representative player Jack Mahony said. 

“I’m pretty glad he got it the second time around and secured our spot.”

The Lions had led for much of the game, including keeping the Power goalless in the first quarter, but just couldn’t shake them. 

Price finished with three in a stand out performance, while ruckman Glen Haworth and midfielders Mahony and Nick Baggio were also among Richards’ best.

The Power will have both grades in the decider at North Dalton Park, after a convincing win over the Lions in reserves earlier in the day. 

“We’re priding ourselves on the way both sides have gone about their business this year,” Richards said. 

“We’re not just trying to win the senior flag, we’re trying to win them both. We’re getting 40-50 blokes at training, so we’re pretty happy.”

After winning the minor premiership, Saturday’s win means Kiama have now had two weekends off in the past month. 

It’s a chance for the Power to break the stranglehold of the Wollongong clubs.

“The last couple of seasons, they’ve definitely been the teams to beat,” Mahony said.

“This year, we’ve come together and we’ve definitely worked hard to get our spot in the grand final.

“But it’s not over yet.

“Hopefully in a couple of weeks time, we can perform like we did today.”