hall of fame

Southport Sharks Hall of Fame

The Southport Sharks Hall of Fame celebrates the extraordinary individuals who have made a lasting impact on our club, both on and off the field. Induction into this prestigious group is the highest honour we can bestow, recognising those who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the success and legacy of the Sharks.

To be considered for induction, individuals must have made a significant contribution to the club, whether through exceptional playing achievements, coaching success, or dedicated service that has helped shape Southport into the powerhouse it is today. Their influence must extend beyond statistics, embodying the values and spirit of the Sharks.

Each inductee has left an indelible mark on our history, and it is with great pride that we honour their dedication, achievements, and the legacy they leave behind for future generations.

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Jason
Burge

Jason Burge

A Southport Sharks Junior and a prolific and determined on baller, Burge played 167 games from 2005-2016 and is a Playing Life Member of the Club. He was a Premiership player in the 2006 and 2008 teams and was awarded the Doc Mackenzie Medal for Best and Fairest in 2012 and 2013 and Club Captain the following year. After leaving Sharks in 2017, Burge had further Premiership success with Palm Beach and won a Grogan Medal with Wayde Mills in his first year of QAFL.

Sam
Gilbert

Sam Gilbert

Starting as a Coolangatta Junior, Sam moved to Southport Sharks to play in the AFLQ State League and was a member of the 2005 Premiership team. He was drafted by St Kilda in 2005 at pick 33 and went on to play 208 AFL gamesRepresenting Australia in two International Rules games, Sam was an AFL Rising Star nominee in 2008 and placed third in St Kilda’s B&F in 2010. After 13 years with the Saints, Gilbert moved to Sandringham to play in the VFL.

Ben
Headland

Ben Headland

A Southport Junior, Headland was a versatile and reliable utility who excelled across the half-back. He played 132 games at Southport from 2007-2016 and played NEAFL representative football. He was a 2008 Premiership player and Club Captain in 2015 and 2016, before finishing his career at Palm Beach.

Ben
Merrett

Ben Merrett

Merrett was a key Forward and hard running player who was a vital link in two Premierships. He played 187 games from 2005-2015 in the QAFL and NEAFL, including 2006-2008 Premierships and is a Playing Life Member of the Club. He moved to Bond University in 2016 to play in the QFA South Competition and captained the South Queensland rep side.

Daniel
Merrett

Daniel Merrett

Daniel came to Southport, from other sports including rugby league, through the AFLQ Talent Search program. Drafted by Brisbane Lions in the 2002 AFL draft, he played 200 AFL games and was awarded a Player Life Membership. After announcing his retirement from AFL in 2016, he went on to become Assistant Coach of Brisbane’s AFLW team and played for Coorparoo Kings and Caloundra Panthers.

Wayde
Mills

Wayde Mills

Originally a Coolangatta junior, Mills played 101 games for Southport as a versatile key position player, mainly in defence. A Premiership player in 2005 before being drafted by Brisbane at pick 25. He played 16 games, was delisted at the end of 2008 and then joined Glenelg for 43 games in the SANFL, being named in the SANFL Team of the Year twice. He returned to Southport in 2011 and was a Doc Mackenzie Medalist in 2012 and 2014 and co-winner of the Grogan Medal in 2017.

Fraser
Pope

Fraser Pope

A Surfers Paradise junior, Pope was a determined and reliable midfielder and dangerous small forward. He played 126 games at Southport from 2005 – 2015 including the 2006 and 2008 Premierships. Pope won the Grogan Medal in 2012.

Glenn
Screech

Glenn Screech

Screech was a Southport Junior, originating from WA. He was a determined and dependable player who started as a defender early in his career and effective small forward in later years. He played 192 games at Southport from 2005-2016 including the 2006 and 2008 Premierships. He is a Playing Life Member and went on to play at Palm Beach after leaving Sharks.

Andrew
Raines

Andrew Raines

Raines began playing his junior football at Palm Beach before switching to Southport Sharks. He was drafted in 2003 by Richmond and played a total of 129 Games for Richmond, Brisbane and Gold Coast. He represented Australia in two International Rules games and was both Runner Up in the AFL Rising Star Award and Richmond’s Best & Fairest in 2006. In 2016, Raines was appointed as Head Coach of Gold Coast Suns Academy.

Leigh
Ryswyk

Leigh Ryswyk

A Southport Junior from an early age, he represented Queensland in the 2003 Under 18 Championships before being drafted in 2005 by Brisbane Lions via the Rookie list. He played only one AFL game, before being delisted after a quad injury. In 2006, Ryswyk moved to South Australia and played for North Adelaide, playing 232 SANFL games including four South Australian representative games. He is a Life Member of North Adelaide and SANFL.

Kurt
Tippett

Kurt Tippett

Tippett’s first love of basketball saw him make the Under 18 Queensland side, when in 2005 he was identified through the AFLQ Talent Search program. After playing in Southport Sharks’ 2006 Premiership team, he was drafted by Adelaide Crows at pick 32, before being famously transferred to Sydney Swans in 2013. He played a total of 178 AFL games and was leading goal kicker for both Adelaide (2010) and Sydney (2013).

Jesse
White

Jesse White

A Surfers Paradise junior and talented youth basketball player, Jesse White came to Southport Sharks in 2005. He was in the undefeated Queensland U18 National Champion team before being drafted in 2006 to Sydney Swans. He played a total of 127 games for Sydney and Collingwood and was an AFL Rising Star nominee in 2009. After a brief break from AFL at the end of 2017, he returned to the game, playing in the SANFL for Glenelg.

David
Bain

David Bain

Played between 1995 - 2000 (110 games). Best & Fairest 1995. Premiership Captain 4 times. Grogan Medalist 2 times. Outstanding playing career with Sharks after playing for Brisbane & Fitzroy in the AFL as well as a Sandover medalist in the WAFL. Inaugural Captain and team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

Sean
Ballans

Sean Ballans

Mid fielder. Came to Southport from Lara and was a Member of 1997, 1998, 1999 Premiership teams. Represented Queensland and won Joe Grant Medal 1999 (Best on Ground Grand Final). Club Best and Fairest in 1998 and 1999. Rarely beaten, winning the hard ball time and time again. Inaugural team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

Campbell
Black

Campbell Black

Versatile utility and later defender. Club Junior, played 124 senior games including 1999 and 2000 premierships. Played 2 QLD and 3 Tasmania Rep games. Listed Brisbane Bears player 1991 and 1992. Left Footer who loved a goal and read the game wonderfully well. Big occasion player.

Mark
Bradley

Mark Bradley

Center Half Back Ex Collingwood supplementary list player who came to Southport in 1999. Played in 1999 and 2000 Premierships. Best & Fairest 2000 and 2001. Queensland State Rep who continued his career with distinction at South Adelaide. Super grab and physically powerful player who would go in the ruck and change the game. Inaugural All-Star team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

Dane
Carmody

Dane Carmody

Came from Subiaco in 2004 and is a current player. He has played as a very committed Midfielder during his 129 games so far. He was a State Rep in 2004. A regular top 4 finisher for Best and Fairest. A triple premiership player in 2005, 2006 and 2008.

Sean
Coughlan

Sean Coughlan

A centre half forward who played 116 games for Southport Sharks. Played in 4 premierships from 1997 - 2000. Queensland Representative player. Super Centre Half Forward who constantly straighten the teams ball movement with his well timed leading. Wally Fankhauser Award recipient 2002. Inaugural All-Star team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

Troy
Crossley

Troy Crossley

Ruckman/defender. Played 95 games for Southport Sharks. Played in both the 1999 and 2000 premiership sides. State Representative player who continued his career as a premiership coach at Burleigh. Had a stint in the SANFL. He was known as a tall athletic running backman who constantly turned the ball back the Sharks way. Wally Fankhauser Award recipient 1999.

Norm
Dare

Norm Dare

Coach 1982 - 1988, 2004 - 2005. 8 Grand Finals with 4 Flags (1983, 1985, 1987 & 2005). Coached the victorious QLD State Sides 1983, 1984. Also coached QLD State of Origin Side in 1991 to victory against Victoria B state side. Life member. Named Inaugural All-Star Coach of Sharks first 25 years 1983-2008.

Adam
Devine

Adam Devine

Club Junior. Sharks games record holder with 230 games played. State Representative player 2007 and 2009. Premiership player in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Gets accountability roles most weeks, plus gathers possessions at will. Player Life Member 150 games/10 years service. Wally Fankhauser Award recipient 2007.

Daniel
Hawkins

Daniel Hawkins

(2005 - 2008). Daniel came into the club via Coolangatta He played 87 senior games. Premiership player in 2005, 2006 & 2008 QLD State Representative in 2005, 2007 & 2008 A rebound half back flanker who played with a never say die attitude. Renowned for his intercept play and his long kicks, Daniel was resilient and only missed one game through four seasons of football

David
James

David James

Played first 117 /119 games when arriving in 2003 from Hastings. Best & Fairest 2004, 2006 and 2008. Regular State Representative. Premiership player 2005, 2006 and 2008. Consummate/classy wingman who gathers possessions at will and kicks goals. Inaugural team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

Luke
Jenkins

Luke Jenkins

Came to club from Box Hill in 2000. Played 100+ games. Best & Fairest 2002. Premiership player 2005 and 2008. Versatile athletic utility a great grab, who was at home, forward or back. Played an inspirational final game in the 2008 premiership when he fought his way back from a knee reconstruction the year prior. Running half back with exquisite skills. Wally Fankhauser Award recipient 2003.

Scott
Lawton

Scott Lawton

Defender from Palm Beach. Bears listed player and QLD Representative player. Played in premierships in 1989, 1990, 1997 and 2000. Became Captain Coach. Coached a Premiership at Ganmain and has continued his career as Coach of Palm Beach and Coolangatta. Running backman who never was beaten. Inaugural team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

Rod
Mackay

Rod Mackay

Played 123 games. Played in 1998, 1999 and 2000 Premierships. Ray Hughson Medal 3 times for leading goal kicker. Freakish high flying forward, renowned for banana kick goals. “Rocket” Rod would kick goals and take marks that would demoralise opposition sides.

Craig
Mansbridge

Craig Mansbridge

Playing Life member. Played 163 games as half forward and defender. Premiership player in 1992 ,1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Versatile utility who played mainly forward but could also play defence. A clever ball user who could kick goals when required. An untimely suspension in 1990 cost him his first premiership. Went down back in 2000 premiership and helped turn the game. Inaugural team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

Nick
Mansbridge

Nick Mansbridge

Played 106 games as a midfielder. Important part of 4 flags from 1997 - 2000. Tough as teak, midfielder who had a ‘never say die’ attitude. Run all day and always played well in finals. In and under ball magnet who could kick a goal. Wally Fankhauser award recipient in 2001 for his straight out approach.

Ben
McEntee

Ben McEntee

Came to Southport from Norwood. Played 93 games as Full Forward and was a 100 goals a season player. Won the Ray Hughson medal on occasions and was Best and Fairest winner in 2007. Triple premiership player in 2005, 2006 and 2008. A two time Sate Rep player.

Steve
McLuckie

Steve McLuckie

Played 72 games for Southport between 1991 and 2000. Listed by Brisbane Bears and played 20 AFL games. Went on to a successful SANFL career at West Adelaide. Returned to Southport to complete his career with dual premiership wins in 1999 and 2000. He represented Queensland on three occasions including at State of Origin level. Still actively involved in promoting AFL within the school system and is current Principal of Southport State High School. Joe Grant (best on ground in Grand Final) medalist 2000 Sharks Premiership for kicking 4 goals straight from the wing.

Kurt
Niklaus

Kurt Niklaus

(2008-2013) 114 senior games 2008 premiership player He was QLD State Representative in 2009 and received the Wally Fankhauser Award in 2008, Best and Fairest Runner up in 2009 and Best in Finals 2009 A Power Backman who got the big jobs down back on a regular basis. He was also thrown in at centre bounces and forward when coaches were looking for a physical presence/impact.

Darren
O'Brien

Darren O'Brien

Club Captain 2004 - 2008 From Mildura. Best & Fairest 2003 and 2005. Runner Up Best and Fairest 2007 and 2008 Played 100+ games. Premiership Captain in 2005 and 2008. (Missed 2006 injured). Regular state player. Workaholic midfielder with a beautiful left foot conveyance. Wally Fankhauser Award recipient 2009. Inaugural team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

Jayson
Pate

Jayson Pate

Southport Junior who played 108 senior games. Rover/back pocket who played in 2000 and 2005 Premierships. Represented QLD at under 18 and open level. Clever midfielder who cemented his senior position with a back pocket quarter back typer role.

Nick
Riewoldt

Nick Riewoldt

Premiership player at Southport in 2000 who became first Queenslander to be number one draft pick. Has currently played 182 games for St Kilda, Club Captain and 5 times Best & Fairest. The Rolls Royce of QLD Football who is the one and only number one draft pick to date out of QLD. Along with Clint Watts helped turn the 2000 Southport premiership with 3 goals after half time.

Shaun
Stephens

Shaun Stephens

Played 218 games for Sharks. Regular State player and played in Premierships in 1992, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Tenacious midfielder, with a strong team ethic. Nicknamed “Shakey” for obvious reasons loved the big games and always played well in finals. Consummate centreman/midfielder. Player Life Member. 150 games/10 years service. Inaugural team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

Kevin
Tandogac

Kevin Tandogac

(2002 - 2008) Brisbane Lions Rookie listed 2003 Queensland under 21 Vice Captain 2004 inlcuding best on ground vs South Australia QLD Representative 2004 & 2005 Premierships in 2005 & 2008 Missed the 2006 Premiership due to injury Kevin played 87 senior games as a running aggressive backman who could shut down opponents and counter attack with elite kicking skills

Clint
Watts

Clint Watts

Coolangatta Junior. Played 164 games. Regular State Player. Joe Grant medalist (Best on Ground Grand Final) and Zane Taylor medalist (Best on Ground State game). Premiership player in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006 and 2008. Prodigious left foot kick who was a big occasion player. Player Life member 150 games/10 year service. Inaugural team member of 25 years, 1983-2008.

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