Southport v Sydney VFL Round 18 Match Report

Southport fell to Sydney by 25 points on Saturday Afternoon at Fankhauser Reserve.

The 10.8 (68) to 14.9 (93) loss was not the result that the Sharks were looking for, especially considering it was Mike Manteit’s 100th game for the club.

Sydney trailed by two points at half time but were dominant in the third quarter, kicking six goals to one to lead by 32 points at three quarter time.

The Sharks rallied hard in the last quarter to come from behind, but it was too little too late as Southport slumped to their second loss in a row.

Despite the result, Jacob Dawson (34 disposals, 17 clearances and seven tackles)and Boyd Woodcock (33 disposals, 10 clearances and five tackles) played well for the Sharks.

Nick Williams continued his good form down back and Jackson Edwards was solid on the wing.

Mike Manteit played his defensive role well in his milestone game and Zac Foot kicked two goals against his old team.

After the game, Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “Obviously, the last two weeks have been extremely disappointing.”

“Both times, we have led at half time and we haven’t been able to close the game.”

“It’s an area we need to address quickly with only two games left in the home and away season.”

The Sharks are currently in sixth place on the VFL ladder with 10 wins and six losses.

This week Southport will travel to play Werribee on Saturday at 12:05pm at Avalon Airport Oval.

Daniel said, “I do believe in our boys and that we can get out of this form slump. There is no better way to snap out of it than if we can beat Werribee who are on top of the table, this weekend.”

Southport v Sydney – Saturday 27 July, Fankhauser Reserve, 12:05pm

SOUTHPORT 4.3 6.6 7,6 10.8 (68)

SYDNEY 3.3 6.4 12.8 14.9 (93)

GOALS: Hugh Dixon 2, Jackson Edwards 2, Zac Foot 2, Keegan Gray, Campbell Lake, Jay Lockhart, Jack Sexton

BEST PLAYERS: Boyd Woodcock, Jacob Dawson, Mike Manteit, Nick Williams, Zac Foot, Jackson Edwards