JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | APRIL 21, 2026
Southport has fallen to Williamstown by 53 points, with a slow start proving costly in the 19.13 (127) to 10.14 (74) result.
WILLIAMSTOWN took control of the contest early, piling on seven first-quarter goals to put the Sharks on the back foot from the outset.
The home side maintained its momentum in the second term, extending the margin to 72 points at the main break and effectively putting the game beyond reach.
Southport showed improved resistance after half time, competing more strongly around the contest and winning the second half on the scoreboard, but the early deficit proved too great to overcome.
In defence, Ryan Burton battled hard throughout with 29 disposals, while Jesse Joyce (24 disposals, seven tackles) provided strong support under sustained pressure.
Through the midfield, Noah Gadsby worked hard against his former side, finishing with 22 disposals and a goal, while Brock Aston (27 disposals, four clearances) also cracked in throughout the game. Co-Captain Brayden Crossley was dominant in the ruck, finishing with 15 disposals, 29 hitouts and seven clearances.
In a six-goal final term for the Sharks, Boyd Woodcock provided a spark in the front half late in the contest, finishing with 20 disposals and two goals.
Despite the improved second-half showing, Williamstown’s early dominance proved decisive, handing Southport its second loss of the season.
With the bye this weekend, Southport will face Footscray in a Grand Final rematch at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday May 2 at 10:35am.
WILLIAMSTOWN 7.5 14.7 14.11 19.13 (127)
SOUTHPORT 1.2 2.7 4.10 10.14 (74)
GOALS: Woodcock 2, Casalini, Cockatoo-Collins, Day, Gadsby, Hay, Larkins, Oea, Pescud
BEST PLAYERS: Jesse Joyce, Hewago Oea, Brayden Crossley
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