JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | JULY 7, 2026
SOUTHPORT travelled to Avalon Airport Oval as the underdogs but pushed one of the competition’s benchmark sides for much of the afternoon, producing a spirited performance against its long-time rivals.
Werribee made the early running, kicking the opening two goals of the contest to put the Sharks under immediate pressure.
Southport responded strongly late in the first term, with debutant Darby Breeden (13 disposals, five tackles, one goal) making an immediate impact before Cooper Hamilton (17 disposals, one goal) added another major to reduce the margin to just two points at the first break.
The second quarter developed into an entertaining arm wrestle, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage.
The teams traded goals throughout the term, while Sam Day (three goals, 10 marks) continued his impressive form inside 50, kicking two second-quarter majors to help the Sharks edge in front by eight points at half time.
Werribee responded after the main break, taking control with four unanswered goals to begin the third quarter and quickly reclaim the momentum.
Zac Foot (32 disposals, 9 tackles, one goal) and Noah Casalini (14 disposals, one goal) steadied the Sharks with timely goals to keep the visitors within striking distance, but the Tigers carried a 14-point lead into the final change.
Day again provided the perfect start to the final quarter, converting early to give Southport hope of another comeback.
Despite continuing to generate opportunities, the Sharks were unable to make the most of their chances in front of goal, allowing Werribee to remain composed and close out the contest.
Captain Jacob Dawson once again led from the front through the midfield with 46 disposal and 12 clearances, while Zac Foot was influential around the contest. Finn Hay executed his lock down role, while Christian Webster (16 disposals, six marks) continued his strong run of form, with Sam Day also among Southport’s best in a determined team performance.
WERRIBEE 2.4 6.5 11.10 13.13 (91)
SOUTHPORT 2.2 7.7 9.8 10.11 (71)
GOALS: Day 3, Breeden, Butler, Casalini, T. Dawson, Foot, Hamilton, Pescud
BEST PLAYERS: Dawson, Day, Foot, Hay, Webster
