Southport defeated Frankston in the 2nd Preliminary Final by 88 points at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.
The Sharks’ won 21.17 (143) to 8.7 (55), locking in their third Grand Final appearance since joining the VFL in 2021.
Frankston got off to a fast start kicking the first goal of the game, before the Sharks steadied with six of the next eight goals in the opening term.
The Sharks continued to dominate in the second and third quarter to lead by 74 points at three quarter time.
In the final term, Southport kicked five goals to three to close out their undefeated streak against Frankston.
Hugh Dixon starred for the Sharks with eight goals and nine marks for the match.
Jacob Dawson (36 disposals, nine marks and 10 clearances), Zac Foot (28 disposals, 15 marks and one goal) and Jesse Joyce (22 disposals, eight marks and a goal) also played well.
After the game, Southport Coach Matthew Primus said, “I just loved the way we went about it today. We were able to play the style of football we wanted to play, which was pleasing.”
“Everyone knows we can score, but we didn’t want it to be a shootout like it has been in the past with Frankston. So, I was really pleased with the way we defended and put pressure put on them.”
“The boys have a huge belief and confidence in themselves. Grand Finals are hard to win, so we’ve got to make sure we do everything we can to play our best next week.”
Southport will play Footscray in the 2025 VFL Grand Final at Ikon Park at 2:15pm on Sunday 21 September. Click here for the finals hub.
VFL 2nd Preliminary Final – Southport v Frankston
SOUTHPORT 6.3 10.8 16.12 21.17 (143)
FRANKSTON 3.0 4.1 5.4 8.7 (55)
BEST PLAYERS: Hugh Dixon, Jacob Dawson, Jesse Joyce, Zac Foot, Jackson Edwards, Nick Williams
GOAL KICKERS: Hugh Dixon 8, Max Pescud 3, Wylie Buzza 2, Jackson Edwards 2, Josh Gore 2, Zac Foot, Jesse Joyce, Michael Manteit, Boyd Woodcock