Sharks make dominant start with commanding Round 1 performances

Southport has opened its 2026 QAFLW campaign producing two commanding performances to defeat competition newcomers Broadbeach.

JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | APRIL 14, 2026

SENIORS

The Sharks delivered a dominant four-quarter display to secure a 13.21 (99) to 0.1 (1) victory, controlling the contest from the outset.

It was a fast and assertive start from Southport, taking control of territory and possession early while applying strong pressure around the contest.

With early dominance in the midfield, the Sharks capitalised on their forward entries to open up a 36-point lead at quarter time, setting the tone for the day.

The second quarter continued in similar fashion, with Southport maintaining its intensity and ball movement. The midfield group led the way, providing strong supply inside 50 as the Sharks began to capitalise – widening the lead to 47 at half time.

Following the main break, the Sharks showed no signs of slowing down, continuing to control the game through their midfield dominance and disciplined defensive structure.

Captain Rianna Schipp led from the front with an influential game-high 27 disposals, helping Southport maintain control and push the margin out to 71 points at the final change.

Alongside Schipp, Ella Maurer (26 disposals, 10 contested possessions) and Vice-Captain Steph O’Brien (24 disposals, 11 contested possessions) helped the Sharks maintain dominance through the middle.

In attack, Giselle Davies made a standout return to the Sharks, finishing with four goals and an equal game-high 27 disposals in an impressive display.

Olivia Meagher (23 disposals) also added three majors, while debutant Tayla Christensen (16 disposals, two goals) also made her mark as part of a well-functioning forward line in a balanced team performance.

With the result beyond doubt, the Sharks finished strongly in the final term, adding further scoreboard pressure and restricting Broadbeach to just a single behind for the match.

The Sharks next fixture will be against Morningside at Fankhauser Reserve, on Saturday April 18 at 3:00pm. 

BROADBEACH     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.1 (1)
SOUTHPORT     5.6     6.11     9.17     13.21 (99)

GOALS: Davies 4, Meagher 3, Christensen 2, Biedenweg-Webster, Miller, Pluples, Schipp

BEST PLAYERS: Randell, Davies, Pearce, Schipp, Ross, Christensen

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Southport Sharks' Bonnie Brown kicks for goal.

Southport Sharks’ Bonnie Brown kicks for goal.

RESERVES

The Sharks put on a complete four-quarter showing, keeping Broadbeach scoreless in an 18.17 (125) to 0.0 (0) victory.

It was a strong start from Southport, getting the jump on the Cats early with an unselfish brand of football and clean ball movement.

Despite inaccuracy being a theme in the first term, the Sharks took a 26-point lead into quarter time.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with Southport maintaining control around the contest. Strong midfield work, supported by the tap work of rucks Sage Crossley in her first game of senior football and veteran Taneille Langdale, ensured the Sharks continued to win clearances and extend their advantage to 48 points at the main break.

Following half time, Southport upped the ante, piling on 12 goals across the second half in a decisive display. The midfield group continued to lead the way, providing consistent supply inside 50 as the Sharks broke the game open.

Tearnie Brown was outstanding, leading from the front in a best on ground performance that included a goal, while Ebony Milne was equally influential throughout the contest. Olivia Robinson also impressed through the middle in her first game back from injury, contributing to Southport’s control around stoppages.

In the front half, Bonnie Brown and Kaylea Kobzan were dominant, each finishing with four goals. In her first game of senior football, Lucy Ashcroft added three majors in a well-rounded attacking performance.

Despite Broadbeach’s efforts to compete throughout the day, Southport’s consistency and cohesion ensured it was a one-sided contest from start to finish.

The Sharks next fixture will be against Morningside at Fankhauser Reserve, on Saturday April 18 at 1:00pm. 

BROADBEACH     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0 (0)
SOUTHPORT     3.8     6.12     12.14     18.17 (125)

GOALS: B. Brown 4, Kobzan 4, Ashcroft 3, Wakefield 2, T. Brown, Coe, Crossley, Pang, Whittaker

BEST PLAYERS: T. Brown, Milne, Robinson, B. Brown, Ashcroft, Pang

Click here for stats

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