The Southport Sharks defeated Bond University Bull Sharks by 28 points, winning 9.7 (61) to 5.3 (33).
The Sharks got off to a good start kicking the only two goals of the opening term and then extending their lead to 22 points at half time.
From there, they were able to keep Bond from striking distance despite it being an even and contested game.
Steph O’Brien (34 disposals, 21 hitouts and two goals) and Maddy Watt (30 disposals and 11 tackles) continued their incredible form for Southport.
Tayla Gregory (34 disposals, six marks, 32 hitouts and 2 goals) was outstanding in her second game back from injury.
Keely Whittaker, in only her fourth game of AFL coming from a hockey background, was a shining light in her senior debut for the Sharks with two goals, whilst down back Megan Hunt and Tearnie Brown led the way.
After the game Southport Coach Matthew Lappin said, “I’m really proud of the girls. It wasn’t our prettiest display, but we were able to get the job done, which was pleasing.”
“Bond brought both contest and pressure that challenged us, so we got a bit of feedback, that we can go to work on and get better.”
Next week, Southport host the University of Queensland at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday 10 May at 3pm.
QAFLW Seniors Round 4 – Bond University v Southport
BOND UNIVERSITY 0.1 1.1 4.3 5.3 (33)
SOUTHPORT 2.1 4.5 8.6 9.7 (61)
BEST PLAYERS: Steph O’Brien, Tayla Gregory, Megan Hunt, Kierra Zerafa, Tearnie Brown, Maddy Watt
GOAL KICKERS: Tayla Gregory 2, Steph O’Brien 2, Keely Whittaker 2, Olivia Meagher, Emma Suckling, Holly Wall
Reserves
The Southport Sharks were defeated by the Bond University Bull Sharks by three points, going down 2.2 (14) to 2.5 (17).
The Sharks led by five points going into the last quarter, after neither team were able to kick a goal in the second or third quarters.
With bragging rights on the line, both teams gave it everything, but it was Bond who came up on top kicking the winning goal late in the last quarter.
The result means that Southport are no longer undefeated and are now third on the ladder.
Southport Coach Shannon Tate said, “It was obviously disappointing to lose. We can take a lot of learnings out of it though, which will make us better going forward.”
“We started well, but Bond ramped up their pressure and won the territory battle, which made it hard for us.”
“Now we just need to go reflect, review and learn from that experience. So, next time if we are put in a situation like that, we are better equipped to deal with it.”
Next week, Southport host the University of Queensland at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday 10 May at 5pm.
QAFLW Reserves Round 4 – Bond University v Southport
BOND UNIVERSITY 1.0 1.2 1.3 2.5 (17)
SOUTHPORT 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2 (14)
BEST PLAYERS: Eliza Hand, Melita Watts, Georgia Wakefield, Taneille Krzyska, Grace Cooper, Tenielle Langdale
GOAL KICKERS: Taylah Power, Melitta Watts
