JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | JUNE 1, 2026
SENIORS
Sharks rise to the occasion in statement win over Morningside
Southport has delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, overcoming Morningside in a highly anticipated QAFLW clash to strengthen its position among the competition’s leading sides.
The Sharks recorded an impressive 11.9 (75) to 3.2 (20) victory, breaking clear after half time to secure a convincing win on the road.
The opening stages lived up to expectations, with both sides bringing strong intensity around the contest. While neither team was able to gain a clear advantage early, Tayla Christensen provided the spark for Southport, kicking the opening two goals of the match to help the visitors establish a narrow lead at quarter time.
The contest remained fierce in the second term, but the Sharks began to edge ahead through their work around stoppages and ability to convert opportunities. Southport restricted the Panthers to just two behinds for the quarter while adding another two goals of its own to take a 20-point advantage into the main break.
The defining period came after half time. Southport took complete control of the contest in a dominant third quarter, piling on five goals to one and creating separation on the scoreboard. Their pressure, ball movement and efficiency going forward proved too much for Morningside to contain as the Sharks turned a competitive contest into a commanding lead.
With the result firmly in their hands, Southport managed the final term professionally, limiting the Panthers to just three goals for the afternoon while adding another major to complete an impressive four-quarter performance.
Christensen (12 disposals) was the standout in attack, finishing with four goals and providing a constant threat inside 50. Scarlett Featherstone (12 disposals, three goals) produced one of her best performances of the season from the wing, while Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster (17 disposals, five tackles) was influential throughout the afternoon and hit the scoreboard once herself.
In the midfield, Steph O’Brien (23 disposals, six tackles, five clearances) and Olivia Meagher (17 disposals, nine tackles) again set the standard around the contest, while Sienna Burnham (21 disposals, 12 tackles, 10 clearances) made an impressive return, combining composure and speed to make an immediate impact.
The Sharks return to Fankhauser this Saturday June 6, taking on first placed Bond University at 3:30pm.
MORNINGSIDE 2.0 2.2 3.2 3.2 (20)
SOUTHPORT 3.1 5.4 10.8 11.9 (75)
GOALS: Christensen 4, Featherstone 3, Biedenweg-Webster, Miller, Ryder, Wall
BEST PLAYERS: Biedenweg-Webster, Christensen, Meagher, Burnham, O’Brien, Featherstone
Sharks players celebrate a goal.
RESERVES
Southport has added another strong result to its QAFLW Reserves season, defeating Morningside after setting the game up early.
The Sharks claimed a 7.5 (47) to 1.0 (6) victory, doing the damage in the opening term before controlling the match from there.
Southport started sharply, kicking four goals in the first quarter while keeping Morningside scoreless. The fast opening gave the Sharks a 26-point buffer at quarter time and placed the home side under immediate pressure.
The second quarter was more evenly balanced, with Morningside finding its only goal of the game. Southport still managed to add another major, maintaining a 26-point lead at half time.
After the main break, the game became more defensive, with scoring opportunities limited across a goalless third term. The Sharks continued to hold the advantage around the ground, maintaining control despite the tighter contest.
Southport finished the game well, adding two final-quarter goals while again keeping Morningside scoreless to close out a composed win away from home.
Kaylea Kobzan led the scoring with four goals, while Abbie Pluples, Neive Ryan and Carlee Smith each added one.
Carlee Smith was named among Southport’s best after a strong performance, alongside Neive Ryan, Tenielle Langdale, Abbie Pluples, Peyton Mackie and Keely Whittaker.
The Reserves will return to home turf this Saturday June 6, up against second placed Bond University at 1:30pm.
MORNINGSIDE 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (6)
SOUTHPORT 4.2 5.2 5.4 7.5 (47)
GOALS: Kobzan 4, Pluples, Ryan, Smith
BEST PLAYERS: Smith, Ryan, Langdale, Pluples, Mackie, Whittaker
