JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | JULY 21 , 2026
SOUTHPORT looked set to secure an important away victory after taking control through the middle stages of the contest, only for Sandringham to finish with a late flurry and snatch a share of the points in the dying seconds.
It was a dewy morning at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, with the home side making the perfect start by kicking the opening goal inside two minutes.
The Sharks responded quickly through Noah Gadsby (12 disposals, four tackles, two goals), before Noah Casalini (nine disposals, one goal) added another major in an entertaining opening term. Despite Southport matching Sandringham around the contest, the Zebras generated more scoring opportunities but their inaccuracy limited them to an 11-point lead at quarter time.
Southport began to find its rhythm in the second quarter, producing its best football of the match to work its way back into the contest.
Josh Gore (13 disposals, five marks, three goals) made an immediate impact in his return from injury, kicking two goals for the term, while youngster Taine Dawson (17 hitouts, 14 disposals, two goals) also slotted two majors as the Sharks piled on six goals to five and reduced the deficit to just six points at the main break.
The third quarter belonged to Southport.
The Sharks took complete control, kicking five goals to one in a dominant display to surge 20 points clear heading into the final change.
Max Pescud (13 disposals, three goals) was the catalyst up forward, producing a brilliant quarter with three goals, while Southport’s midfield continued to drive the ball inside 50 and create repeat scoring opportunities.
Cooper Hamilton (13 disposals, five tackles, one goal) extended the advantage early in the final term, giving the Sharks valuable breathing room as they looked to close out the contest.
However, Sandringham refused to go away.
The Zebras gathered momentum in the closing stages and mounted a dramatic comeback, eventually drawing level with seconds remaining to deny Southport victory.
Southport will take on Frankston this Saturday 21 Jukly, 12:05pm at Fankhauser Reserve.
SANDRINGHAM 3.6 8.9 9.12 14.14 (98)
SOUTHPORT 2.1 8.3 13.7 14.14 (98)
GOALS: Gore 3, Pescud 3, T. Dawson 2, Gadsby 2, Casalini, Crossley, Day, Foot, Hamilton
BEST PLAYERS: J. Dawson, Foot, Cockatoo-Collins, T. Dawson, Gore
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