Seniors
Southport defeated Morningside by 79 points, winning 15.9 (99) to 3.2 (20) to secure back-to-back Premierships.
Coach, Matthew Lappin and Seniors Captain, Riana Schipp
The Sharks got off to a flyer, with Kierra Zerafa kicking the first goal of the game within the first minute.
For the rest of the quarter though, Southport struggled to convert in front of goal with four behinds in a row.
Late in the opening term, Steph O’Brien scored a goal to ensure the Sharks led by 16 points at quarter time.
Morningside came out strong in the second quarter and kicked the first two goals to cut the margin to 12 points.
A minute after the Panthers scored their second major though, Maighan Fogas kicked a goal to stop Morningside’s momentum.
Southport then went on to kick a further three goals, including an exceptional check-side goal by Kierra Zerafa to lead by 35 points at half time.
Early in the third quarter, Dekota Baron kicked two goals to put the game further out of Morningside’s reach.
Sunny Lappin inflicted more pain with her second goal, before Tearnie Brown, in front of her large cheer squad, kicked three goals in a row.
Morningside scored a goal just before three quarter time to cut the margin to 66 points at the last change.
In the fourth quarter, Dekota Baron and Kierra Zerafa kicked their third goals of the match to kick the highest score ever in a QAFLW Grand Final.
The Best on Ground Medal was awarded to Sunny Lappin. Lappin played in the midfield and had 30 disposals, six marks, eight, clearances, three tackles and kicked two goals.
Kierra Zerafa (25 disposals, eight tackles and three goals) and Maighan Fogas (27 dosposals, five clearances, five tackles and a goal) also played well.
It was a comprehensive team performance though, with contributions from every player.
After the game Southport Coach Matt Lappin said, “I feel incredibly relieved. We have been the best side all year and the challenge was to execute it one more time.”
“I had great confidence in the group because they have delivered every week.”
Sunny and Matthew Lappin
“This year, we wanted to play a fast, uncontested and skilful brand of football.”
“I think once we were able to wear Morningside down today, our Sharks brand of footy was on show for people to see, and we played some really exciting footy.”
“It was really important to absorb Morningside’s pressure, because the pressure they put on the ball carrier and their ability to win the contest is elite.”
“Our job was to match them as much as we could and then get the ball out into space.”
“There is a lot of talent in our team, but they are also resilient and tough. When you put that combination together and it clicks, it is pretty devastating for opposition.”
“The players have also been sponges for information and have been so keen to learn and get better.”
“Winning back-back premierships in both grades is a difficult thing to do and we were able to execute that.”
“The players have worked hard for this, and they thoroughly deserve it. Now, we get to enjoy and celebrate that hard work.”
“It takes a whole club to win premierships and there has been so much effort behind the scenes that is gone into getting the result today. So, I’d just like to say thank you for your contribution.”
QAFLW Seniors Grand Final – Southport v Morningside
SOUTHPORT 2.4 7.6 13.7 15.9 (99)
MORNINGSIDE 0.0 2.1 3.1 3.2 (20)
BEST PLAYERS: Sunny Lappin, Kierra Zerafa, Maighan Fogas, Maddy Watt, Tyla Crabtree, Rianna Schipp
GOAL KICKERS: Dekota Baron 3, Tearnie Brown 3, Kierra Zerafa 3, Sunny Lappin 2, Steph O’Brien 2, Maighan Fogas, Caitlin Miller
Reserves
Southport defeated Bond by 83 points, winning 13.14 (92) to 1.3 (9) to secure back-to-back premierships.
It was an extremely tough first ten minutes of the game with neither team able to score a major.
Then, Southport’s Ebony Milne kicked the first goal of the game, opening the floodgates.
The Sharks kicked a further three goals to lead by 26 points at quarter time.
Bond steadied in the second quarter as the game tightened up again.
Southport kicked the first goal of the term, but then Bond responded shortly after with their only major of the match.
Alicia Gordon
In the second half, the Sharks completely dominated kicking eight goals to zero.
It was a solid team performance by the Sharks with everyone playing their role and standing up on the most important day of the year.
Alicia Gordon was awarded the Best on Ground for her efforts up forward, but she was not alone with nine different goal kickers.
After the game Southport Coach Shannan Tate said, “It feels amazing. We knew Bond would bring the heat early, but I was really proud of how we stuck to our task.”
“It was a hot start, but to come in at quarter time with four goals on the board, set us up today.”
“In the second quarter, Bond did a great job at not allowing us to play the style of game that we wanted, but then after half time we were able to open the game up which was pleasing.”
“This club would not be in the position without every single player on the list. There were 47 players who played in our side this year, and they are all part of what we achieved today.”
“So much effort has gone into today’s result and I want to congratulate and thank everyone who has contributed to the program. It is a great club to be a part of.”
QAFLW Reserves Grand Final – Southport v Bond University
SOUTHPORT 4.3 5.8 8.12 13.14 (92)
BOND UNIVERSITY 0.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 (9)
BEST PLAYERS: Alicia Gordon, Sienna Burnham, Eliza Hand, Peyton Mackie, Lilly-ann Ryder, Abbie Pluples
GOAL KICKERS: Scarlett Featherstone 3, Lilly-ann Ryder 3, Sienna Burnham, Bindi Crabtree, Aasha Elliott, Alicia Gordon, Ebony Milne, Mia Trinder, Holly Wall
