The Southport Sharks will play the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday Afternoon at Fankhauser Reserve for the Mackenzie Cup.
It will be the fourth time the Sharks and the Suns have played for the Cup, which commemorates Dr Alan Mackenzie, who was an influential figure at both clubs.
Affectionally known as “Doc”, Dr Mackenzie served as the Southport Sharks president for 49 years and was involved in AFL in Queensland as a player, volunteer, medical officer, coach, selector and administrator.
He also joined the GC 17 bid team in April 2008 to bring AFL football to the Gold Coast.
That effort was brought to life a year later when the AFL officially granted a provisional Gold Coast Football Club license in March 2009.
Dr Mackenzie served as a board member of the Gold Coast SUNS for ten years and, in 2018, was inducted as a life member of the club, highlighting the substantial role he played in establishing the SUNS.
This Monday, the 13th of May, will mark three years since the unfortunate passing of “Doc.”
The Mackenzie Cup was introduced at the 2022 VFL preliminary final where the Sharks defeated the SUNS by 28 points at Fankhauser Reserve.
Currently the head-to-head record of the Mackenzie Cup, is two to one, in favour of Southport.
In their last encounter, which was played at People First Stadium in Round 7 last year, Southport won by 47 points after leading by that margin at half time.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Southport Key Forward Hugh Dixon said, “We are very keen to play for the Mackenzie Cup again this year. It is a big day in the calendar for us and is a game we really want to win.”
“The Mackenzie Cup means a lot to us because of the tremendous service Doc gave to our football club but also the fact the Suns are our local rivals.”
“We have a good start to the season, so we want to continue in that form again this weekend.”
The game starts at 12:05pm and it is free to attend. Click here for more information.
