SOUTHPORT entered the clash knowing another win was essential to remain in the finals race, and delivered in emphatic fashion, defeating the Giants.
Kicking with the breeze in the opening term, Josh Gore (16 disposals, three goals) got the Sharks off to the perfect start, opening the scoring before adding a second later in the quarter.
While Southport missed opportunities to fully capitalise on the favourable conditions, the home side generated plenty of territory and scoring chances to take a 14-point lead into the first break.
The second quarter belonged largely to the Giants, who dominated inside 50s and scoring shots but were unable to make the most of their opportunities, managing just two goals and nine behinds for the term.
Southport made its chances count against the breeze, with timely goals to Noah Casalini (18 disposals, three goals) and Matt McGuinness ensuring the Sharks took a six-point advantage into half time.
The third quarter proved decisive.
Southport exploded after the main break, piling on 11 goals in a devastating display to blow the contest wide open.
Casalini haunted his former side with two goals for the quarter, while smalls Bailey Rawson (14 disposals, two goals) and Darby Breeden (18 disposals, two goals) capitalised on relentless forward pressure and repeat inside 50 entries to put the Giants on the back foot.
Through the middle, captain Jacob Dawson again led from the front with 48 disposals and 14 clearances, alongside him Zac Foot (31 disposals, two goals) provided strong drive as the Sharks dominated territory and controlled the contest.
Although GWS mounted a late challenge in the final quarter, the damage had already been done, with Southport’s 69-point lead at the final change proving more than enough to secure an important victory.
Elijah Reardon (21 disposals) was outstanding across half-back, while Max Spencer (33 disposals, 17 marks) continued his strong form in defence. Tom Berry (26 disposals, 12 clearances, one goal) and Josh Gore also played key roles in a complete team performance that keeps the Sharks’ finals hopes alive.
The Sharks will be back in action next week August 8 taking on Brisbane at Fankhauser Reserve at 12:05pm.
SOUTHPORT 3.6 5.7 16.11 17.12 (114)
GWS 1.4 3.13 4.14 9.19 (73)
GOALS: Casalini 3, Gore 3, Foot 2, Rawson 2, Breeden 2, Berry, T. Dawson, McGuinness, Pescud, Rowe
BEST PLAYERS: Dawson, Reardon, Foot, Spencer, Berry, Gore
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