SENIORS | Sharks pull away after half time to continue winning run
Southport has extended its winning streak in the QAFLW Seniors competition, overcoming a spirited Maroochydore outfit to secure another convincing victory at Fankhauser Reserve.
The Sharks recorded a 13.15 (93) to 3.3 (21) win, overcoming a determined opening challenge before asserting their class across the second half.
Maroochydore arrived full of confidence following a victory the previous week and carried that belief into the opening quarter. The Roos applied strong pressure around the contest and prevented Southport from finding any real rhythm, restricting the Sharks to just a single goal as the home side held a narrow seven-point advantage at the first break.
Southport began to build momentum in the second term, moving the ball with greater purpose and creating more opportunities inside 50. While the Sharks kicked five goals for the quarter to establish a healthy lead, a Maroochydore major on the siren ensured the visitors headed into half time with renewed confidence.
Any hopes of a Roos comeback were quickly extinguished after the main break. Southport lifted its intensity around the contest, controlled territory and began to capitalise on its forward entries, gradually pulling away to put the result beyond doubt.
The Sharks finished strongly in the final term, adding another three goals to complete a polished four-quarter performance and maintain their place among the competition’s frontrunners.
Ella Maurer (31 disposals, eight clearances, one goal) was influential through the midfield, while captain Rianna Schipp (22 disposals, five tackles, one goals) and vice-captain Steph O’Brien (25 disposals, 18 contested possessions, eight clearances) were also strong. Lilly-ann Ryder (18 disposals) continued her impressive season, with Tayla Christensen (17 disposals, three goals) and Caitlin Miller (14 disposals, three goals) proving dangerous in attack.
The Seniors will take on Bond Uni Saturday 18 July at Bond Uni Oval, 4:45pm.
SOUTHPORT 1.2 6.6 10.12 13.15 (93)
MAROOCHYDORE 0.1 2.1 2.1 3.3 (21)
GOALS: Christensen 3, Miller 3, Baldwin, Davies, Maurer, O’Brien, Pluples, Schipp
BEST PLAYERS: Maurer, Schipp, O’Brien, Ryder, Christensen, Miller
RESERVES | Sharks reserves produce dominant display to remain unbeaten
Southport has continued its exceptional QAFLW Reserves campaign, delivering another flawless performance with a comprehensive victory over Maroochydore at Fankhauser Reserve.
The Sharks overwhelmed the visitors 25.20 (170) to 0.0 (0), controlling the contest from the opening bounce and never allowing Maroochydore an opportunity to work its way into the game.
Southport established the tone immediately, dominating field position and capitalising on repeat forward entries to pile on six first-quarter goals. Their relentless pressure and ball movement kept the Roos pinned inside their defensive half, with the Sharks taking a commanding 42-point lead into quarter time.
The home side lifted to another level in the second quarter, adding a further eight goals before the main break. Southport’s midfield control and clean ball use ensured the margin continued to grow as the Sharks entered half time with the game well in hand.
There was no let-up after the interval, with Southport continuing to attack from all areas of the ground. The Sharks added another five goals in the premiership quarter before capping off the afternoon with a six-goal final term to complete one of their most dominant performances of the season.
Equally impressive was Southport’s defensive effort, holding Maroochydore scoreless across all four quarters to underline a complete team performance.
Kaylea Kobzan was outstanding in front of goal, finishing with eight majors in a brilliant display. Mia Trinder provided excellent support with four goals, while Carlee Smith added three and Tenielle Langdale contributed two.
Kobzan led the way among the Sharks’ best, alongside Madeline Gault, Tenielle Langdale, Mia Trinder, Sasha McCulloch and Aaliyah Philippi in another polished team performance.
The Reserves are set to face Bond Uni Saturday 18 July at Bond Uni Oval, 6:45pm.
SOUTHPORT 6.6 14.8 19.15 25.20 (170)
MAROOCHYDORE 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)
GOALS: Kobzan 8, Trinder 4, Smith 3, Langdale 2, Gordon, Hunt, McCulloch, Philippi, Wakefield, Wynne
BEST PLAYERS: Kobzan, Gault, Langdale, Trinder, McCulloch, Philippi
