JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | JUNE 22, 2026
SENIORS
Southport has extended its winning streak to five matches, overcoming a fierce early challenge from Wilston Grange to record a hard-fought victory on Saturday night.
The Sharks defeated the Gorillas 5.14 (44) to 2.4 (16), weathering an intense opening quarter before controlling the contest for the majority of the evening at Hickey Park.
Played in dewy conditions, the home side came out with energy and pressure from the opening bounce. Wilston Grange’s intensity around the contest caught the Sharks off guard early, and while Southport enjoyed plenty of the football, it was unable to make the most of its opportunities, trailing by five points at the first break.
Quarter time brought a clear response from the visitors, with a focus on controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. The Sharks gradually worked their way into the contest, levelling the scores before edging ahead by eight points at the main break.
The match began to open up after half time as Southport tightened its grip on territory. Repeated forward entries and sustained pressure allowed the Sharks to spend long periods in their attacking half, although inaccurate kicking prevented them from fully capitalising on their dominance.
Despite the scoreboard remaining within reach, the Sharks continued to control the flow of the contest in the final quarter. Their defensive unit stood tall under pressure, consistently repelling Wilston Grange attacks and ensuring the hosts were unable to generate any significant momentum.
The back six were outstanding throughout the night, operating at a high level of efficiency and providing the platform for Southport’s victory.
Steph O’Brien (25 disposals, eight tackles) again led from the front through the midfield, while Sienna Burnham (21 disposals, 14 tackles) and Melita Watts (14 disposals, six tackles) were influential contributors. Sienna Clinch (25 hitouts, 11 disposals), Megan Hunt (10 disposals) and Abbie Pluples (15 disposals, four tackles) also played important roles in a determined team performance.
Up forward, Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster, Giselle Davies, Olivia Meagher, Ruby Mitchell and Holly Wall each contributed a goal in a spread attacking effort.
The Sharks return home to Fankhauser this Saturday June 27, taking on the first placed Coorparoo at 3:00pm.
WILSTON GRANGE 1.2 1.2 1.3 2.4 (16)
SOUTHPORT 0.3 2.4 3.12 5.14 (44)
GOALS: Biedenweg-Webster, Davies, Meagher, Mitchell, Wall
BEST PLAYERS: O’Brien, Burnham, Watts, Clinch, Hunt, Pluples
RESERVES
Southport has maintained its unbeaten QAFLW Reserves campaign, overcoming a determined Wilston Grange outfit in difficult conditions at Hickey Park.
The Sharks recorded a 7.5 (47) to 0.1 (1) victory, pulling away after half time in a contest that was far more competitive than the final margin suggested.
Played under greasy conditions, the match quickly developed into a hard-fought battle around the ball. Wilston Grange brought strong pressure from the outset, committing numbers to every contest and making life difficult for the visitors. Despite creating the better opportunities, Southport held only an eight-point lead at the first change.
The Gorillas continued to challenge in the second quarter, refusing to allow the Sharks any easy possession. Southport gradually began to gain greater control through the middle of the ground, but Wilston Grange’s work rate ensured the contest remained tight heading into half time.
As the game wore on, the Sharks’ class began to shine through. Southport started to find cleaner ball movement and greater connection going forward, allowing the margin to steadily increase during the second half.
The visitors maintained their composure in the final term, closing out another strong performance while restricting Wilston Grange to a solitary behind for the afternoon.
Avalon Pearce was outstanding throughout the contest, while Georgia Hunt and Grace Cooper were important contributors around the ground. Keely Whittaker continued her consistent form, with Peyton Mackie and Mia Trinder also among the Sharks’ best performers.
Trinder finished with two goals to lead the scoring, while Lillian Behan, Cooper, Mackie, Pearce and Carlee Smith each added a major.
Southport return home to Fankhauser this Saturday June 27, taking on second placed Coorparoo at 5:00pm.
WILSTON GRANGE 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 (1)
SOUTHPORT 1.3 3.4 5.4 7.5 (47)
GOALS: Trinder 2, Behan, Cooper, Mackie, Pearce, Smith
BEST PLAYERS: Pearce, Hunt, Cooper, Whittaker, Mackie, Trinder
