Southport has fallen to Brisbane by 98 points in its final home game of the 2026 VFL season.
The Sharks entered the clash knowing victory was crucial to keeping its finals hopes alive, but a strong Brisbane outfit proved too good across the afternoon, running away with an 18.23 (131) to 4.9 (33) victory at Fankhauser Reserve.
The Lions made the stronger start, controlling territory and generating repeat opportunities in attack to establish an early advantage.
Taine Dawson kicked Southport’s opening goal of the afternoon, but Brisbane’s weight of opportunities saw the visitors take a 29-point lead into the first change.
The Sharks continued to compete through the second quarter, but struggled to generate consistent opportunities in attack as Brisbane maintained control of the contest.
Despite the pressure, Southport worked hard to limit the damage as the Lions took a 42-point advantage into the main break.
Brisbane took complete control following half time, piling on seven goals in the third quarter to put the result beyond reach.
The Sharks continued to fight despite the growing margin, but were unable to generate the scoreboard pressure required to work their way back into the contest.
The Lions maintained their ascendancy in the final term to close out the victory.
The Sharks will now look to finish their 2026 season on a high, travelling to Melbourne to take on Coburg at Coburg City Oval on Saturday 15 August.
SOUTHPORT 1.2 2.4 3.8 4.9 (33)
BRISBANE 5.7 8.10 15.14 18.23 (131)
GOALS: D. Breeden, T. Dawson, Z. Foot, M. McGuinness
BEST: M. Spencer, J. Gore, F Hay
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