Southport defeated Box Hill in the second qualifying final by 21 points at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.
The Sharks’ won 18.7 (115) to 13.16 (94), locking in their third preliminary final appearance since joining the VFL in 2021.
Box Hill, who had the breeze in the first quarter, started well kicking the first two goals of the game.
Southport then steadied to kick three of the next four majors to lead by two points at quarter time.
Box Hill wrested back momentum kicking the first four majors of the second quarter to lead by 16 points midway through the term.
That margin quickly evaporated as the Sharks kicked three majors just before half time to ensure it was even at half time.
The third quarter was goal for goal with the Sharks taking a narrow four-point lead going into the final term.
Southport then broke the game open in the last quarter, capitalising on kicking with the breeze, with seven goals in a row to extend the margin to 47 points.
Box Hill did kick the last four goals of the game, but it was too little too late for the home side, who will now play a home semi-final against Brisbane.
Jesse Joyce (36 disposals, 12 rebounds, seven inside 50s and eight marks) and Jacob Dawson (31 disposals, 12 and six tackles) led the way for the Sharks.
Wylie Buzza kicked three goals at critical moments, whilst Jackson Edwards (19 disposals and 2 goals) and Keegan Gray (20 disposals and two goals) played pivotal roles.
After the game Southport Coach Matthew Primus said, “It was a tough win. We hung in there early as Box Hill put us under the pump but the players belief in themselves and their resilience was terrific.”
“I thought our second half was awesome, our team defence was outstanding, and we were able to score heavily, which was pleasing.”
Southport will now have a week off and the following week will host a preliminary final against either Frankston or Casey.
VFL 2nd Qualifying Final – Box Hill v Southport
BOX HILL 3.7 7.9 9.13 13.16 (94)
SOUTHPORT 4.3 8.3 11.5 18.7 (115)
BEST PLAYERS: Jesse Joyce, Jacob Dawson, Wylie Buzza, Jackson Edwards, Keegan Gray, Finn Hay
GOAL KICKERS: Wylie Buzza 3, Keegan Gray 2, Jackson Edwards 2, Boyd Woodcock 2, Max Pescud 2, Zac Foot, Hewago Oea, Jack Sexton, Josh Gore, Brayden Crossley, Hugh Dixon, Brock Aston
