The Gold Coast Suns have defeated the Southport Sharks by nine points in the Coast Clash on Saturday afternoon.
The Sharks had their chances. However, they didn’t make the most of them in front of goal, going down 12.13 (85) to 14.10 (94).
It was an agonising finish for the Sharks, as a win would have helped them lock in second place.
Now they sit third on the ladder with one game to go.
Southport got off to a fast start but let the Suns back in the contest in the second quarter.
The Suns kicked four goals to zero in the second term, going from 15 points behind at quarter time to leading by a goal at halftime.
Southport lifted in the third quarter. The Sharks kicked four goals in a row but conceded two late goals in the quarter, which meant the momentum they had ceased going into the last.
It was a thrilling last quarter, but the Sharks did themselves no favours by kicking 1.6 for the quarter.
“Our goal kicking hurt us. At this level, you have to make the most of your chances. Unfortunately, we didn’t,” Daniel conceded.
“We are flat. We wanted to win today and give us the best chance of finishing second, and we didn’t.”
“We knew today would be a challenge, and it was. The Suns were good.”
“We have to re-group, and we will. Our focus is to prepare well, bring the right mindset and compete against Coburg next week.”
Southport’s game against Coburg is their last home and away game for season 2022.
The game will begin at 11:35 AM at Fankhauser Reserve this Saturday.
VFL Round 21 Gold Coast Suns v Southport Sharks
Gold Coast Suns 3.0 7.4 10.8 14.10 (94)
Southport Sharks 5.3 6.4 11.7 12.13 (85)
Best Players: Dawson, Manteit, Gowers, Crossley
Goal Kickers: Billy Gowers 2, Max Pescud 2, Jacob Townsend 2, Daniel Charlesworth, Mitch Johnson, Mike Manteit, Michael Selsby, Boyd Woodcock
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Photo: Jacob Dawson (Highflyer Images)
