JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | MAY 18, 2026
SOUTHPORT overcame an early challenge from the Devils to record a convincing 20.10 (130) to 11.11 (77) victory.
HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 16: Jacob Dawson of the Southport Sharks celebrates during the 2026 VFL Round 08 match between Tasmania and the Southport Sharks at North Hobart Oval on May 16th, 2026 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Sebastian Kitchener/AFL Photos)
Venturing to North Hobart Oval in a historic game, it was Campbell Lake who opened the scoring for the Sharks. However, Tasmania quickly responded, piling on five consecutive goals to take control of the contest and establish an early advantage.
Despite the Devils surge, Southport steadied late in the opening term before the midfield group began to take ascendancy after quarter time.
The Sharks lifted their intensity around the contest and controlled territory through the second quarter, piling on four goals to regain momentum with two coming from Max Pescud (20 disposals, three goals) to head into the main break with an eight-point lead.
The Sharks began to break the game open in the third term, continuing to dominate through the middle and capitalising on repeat forward entries.
Southport added five goals for the quarter while limiting Tasmania’s scoring opportunities, to extend the margin to 28 points at the final change.
Southport then delivered its best football of the afternoon in the final term, kicking eight unanswered goals to put the result beyond doubt. The Sharks’ ball movement and pressure overwhelmed the Devils as they powered away to a 53-point victory.
Max Spencer (26 disposals, nine marks) was influential in the back half throughout, while Zac Foot was back to his strong form with 28 disposals, 10 tackles and three goals.
Jacob Dawson (40 disposals, 13 clearances, one goal) and Campbell Lake (22 disposals, two goals) were important through the middle, Boyd Woodcock (22 disposals, three goals) was influential up forward, and Brayden Crossley (2 hitouts, 15 disposals) provided a dominant ruck presence for the duration of the game.
The Sharks continue their 2026 VFL campaign next week at 11:05am against Port Melbourne at Fankhauser Reserve as they look to build further momentum.
TASMANIA 5.2 6.4 8.6 11.11 (77) SOUTHPORT 3.4 7.6 12.10 20.10 (130)
GOALS: Foot 3, Pescud 3, Woodcock 3, Cockatoo-Collins 2, Coombes 2, T.Dawson 2, Lake 2, J.Dawson, Gore, Oea. BEST PLAYERS: Spencer, Foot, J.Dawson, Lake, Woodcock, Crossley
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