JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | MAY 21, 2026
It was a historic win last weekend for the Sharks in Hobart. Southport surged after quarter time to overpower the Devils in their first ever match up, following the inclusion of Tasmania in the VFL competition at the start of the season.
While the inaugural meeting was a huge milestone for the club, but for one individual, the occasion carried a far greater meaning. That was born and bred Tasmanian, Matt McGuinness.
A Tassie local, McGuinness grew up in the small town of Lauderdale where he began playing football for the Bombers. From Auskick as a five-year-old, to his senior debut as a 17-year-old, he bled black and red.
His performances in the Southern Football League quickly caught the attention of recruiters, and with an Indigenous background originating in Northeastern Tasmania, the star junior was invited to join North Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy in 2017.
From under 16’s to under 18’s, McGuinness toiled away in the Devils guernsey and after continuing to impress in the talent league, he was picked up by the Kangaroos as a Category B Rookie in 2019.
After spending three years on their list, the 195cm tall was lured to Southport at the back end of 2022, where he has now played 54 games and featured in two Grand Finals.
Just days ago, the home-grown talent returned to play in his home state for the first time since his draft year, facing off against the side he had represented so much as a junior.
“It was a little bit different being on the other end of it in my home state, in front of a big crowd that are usually for you not against you.”
HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 16: Michael Manteit of the Southport Sharks marks the ball during the 2026 VFL Round 08 match between Tasmania and the Southport Sharks at North Hobart Oval on May 16th, 2026 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Sebastian Kitchener/AFL Photos)
With friends and family watching on, it was a special return to North Hobart Oval for McGuinness, and one that was made all the sweeter as the Sharks pulled away to victory late in the game.
“I had my brother, mum, dad, girlfriend, her mum and dad and all my nieces and nephews there. It was an awesome turn out from them and a really good support network for me.”
With 14 disposals and eight marks to his own name, the key defender’s important performance was highlighted with a crucial intercept mark early in the fourth quarter.
“It was an awesome experience, a great atmosphere and the Tassie crowd turned out.”
Helping sink the Devils he once represented may not have been the script McGuinness imagined as a 17-year-old – but it was one he was more than happy to play out.
HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 16: Southport Sharks Team song after the 2026 VFL Round 08 match between Tasmania and the Southport Sharks at North Hobart Oval on May 16th, 2026 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Sebastian Kitchener/AFL Photos)
