JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | JULY 21 , 2026
Seniors | Sharks overcome testing conditions to defeat Bond
Southport has continued its impressive QAFLW Seniors campaign, producing a composed performance in difficult conditions to account for Bond University on Saturday Night.
The Sharks secured a 6.7 (43) to 0.6 (6) victory, making the most of a strong opening before controlling the contest across four quarters despite the challenging weather.
With the wind howling across the ground, Southport adapted quickly and made the perfect start. Giselle Davies (19 disposals, 13 hitouts, five tackles) opened the scoring before the Sharks added another early major to establish scoreboard pressure, taking a 10-point advantage into the first break.
Scoring opportunities remained at a premium in the second quarter as both sides battled the conditions. Southport continued to hold sway around the contest, gradually extending its lead through Olivia Meagher’s (12 disposals, five tackles) classy finish.
The third term followed a similar pattern, with the Sharks maintaining control of territory and limiting Bond’s ability to generate meaningful attacking opportunities. While the conditions prevented either side from finding consistent scoring, Southport’s defensive structure ensured the home side remained goalless.
The Sharks finished the game strongly, adding two final-quarter goals to seal another important victory and maintain their momentum heading into the closing stages of the season, a game clear on top of the ladder.
Maddy Baldwin (14 disposals, five tackles) was outstanding in attack with two goals, while captain Rianna Schipp (23 tackles, 20 disposals) led from the front in an outstanding performance.
Megan Hunt was resolute in defence, with Ella Maurer (28 disposals, seven tackles) and Steph O’Brien (21 disposals, nine tackle) continuing their excellent form around the contest. Ruby Mitchell (23 disposals, five tackles) also impressed, capping off her performance with a goal.
The Sharks will be back in action this Saturday 25 July, 3:00pm against Aspley at Fankhauser Reserve.
BOND UNIVERSITY 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.6 (6)
SOUTHPORT 2.1 3.3 4.6 6.7 (43)
GOALS: Baldwin 2, Christensen 1, Davies 1, Meagher 1, Mitchell 1
BEST PLAYERS: Baldwin, Schipp, Hunt, Maurer, Mitchell, O’Brien
Reserves | Sharks prevail in wet-weather thriller
Southport has preserved its unbeaten QAFLW Reserves record, holding off a determined Bond University in a hard-fought contest on Saturday night.
The Sharks emerged 1.5 (11) to 1.4 (10) winners, with difficult conditions ensuring every score proved crucial in a match decided by the finest of margins.
Played under lights at Bond University, the 6:45pm clash was heavily influenced by persistent wet weather. Southport adapted quickest to the slippery conditions, controlling territory early and creating the better opportunities to take a six-point lead into the first break.
Scoring became increasingly difficult as the game wore on, with both sides forced into a physical battle around the contest. The Sharks managed to extend their advantage slightly during the second quarter, but Bond remained within striking distance heading into the main break.
The third term continued in similar fashion, with the home side finally breaking through for its only goal of the evening. Southport’s defensive structure continued to stand firm, ensuring the narrow advantage remained intact entering the final quarter.
With the match on the line, Bond threw everything at the contest in search of a late winner. However, several crucial moments from Lillian Behan and Kaylea Kobzan under pressure helped the Sharks withstand the challenge and secure another valuable four points.
Tara Nieass led the way with a composed performance, while Avalon Pearce and Lucy Ashcroft were influential throughout the contest. Serina Balanda, Behan and Taneille Krzyska also played key roles.
Mia Trinder kicked Southport’s lone major in a contest where every possession and every score carried added significance.
BOND UNIVERSITY 0.0 0.1 1.4 1.4 (10)
SOUTHPORT 1.0 1.3 1.4 1.5 (11)
GOALS: Trinder
BEST PLAYERS: Nieass, Pearce, Ashcroft, Balanda, Behan, Krzyska
The Reerves will continue their campaign this Saturday 25 July, 5:00pm against Aspley at Fankhauser Reserve.
