Southport lost by nine points against Brisbane in an entertaining ANZAC Round, Queensland Derby at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.
After eight lead changes, the Lions eventually proved too good, winning 14.11 (95) to 13.8 (86)
The game was goal for goal until the 20th minute of the second quarter, when the Sharks finally kicked back-to-back goals. Minutes later, though, Brisbane responded with back-to-back goals of its own.
With the Sharks trailing, Keegan Gray kicked a goal late in the quarter to give Southport a two point lead at half time.
That lead was extended to a game high 14 points when the Sharks kicked the first two goals of the third term.
The Lions hit back with two goals in a row, but Southport still lead by six points at three quarter time after Max Pescud kicked a goal late in the third quarter.
It only took five minutes in the last term for the Lions to kick two goals and take back the lead.
The Sharks responded with goals to Hugh Dixon and Campbell Lake to lead by five points at the 12th-minute mark of the last quarter.
However, it wasn’t enough as the Lions went on to kick the last two goals and ultimately win the game.
Despite the loss, Matt Shannon played well for the Sharks as a defensive midfielder, with six tackles.
Jacob Dawson (32 disposals and 12 clearances), Boyd Woodcock (20 disposals and two goals), and Jackson Edwards (26 disposals and a goal) were also among the Sharks’ best.
Down back, Ben Jepson (27 disposals, five contested marks and eight rebound 50s) and Matt McGuinness continued their good form.
Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “I thought we did a lot right this week, but unfortunately, we let ourselves down in a couple of key areas, and if you want to beat a quality outfit like Brisbane, we need to be better.”
This week, Southport play Collingwood at 12:05pm on Saturday at Fankhauser Reserve.
“It is a big match in the context of our season, so we will review this game against Brisbane well and prepare as best we can for this weekend’s game.”
Southport v Brisbane – Saturday 27 April, Fankhauser Reserve, 1:05pm
SOUTHPORT 3.1 8.4 11.7 13.8 (86)
BRISBANE 3.2 8.2 10.7 14.11 (95)
GOALS: Boyd Woodcock 2, Max Pescud 2, Campbell Lake 2, Hugh Dixon 2, Michael Manteit, Jay Lockhart, Keegan Gray, Jackson Edwards, Brayden Crossley
BEST PLAYERS: Matt Shannon, Ben Jepson, Jacob Dawson, Matt McGuinness, Boyd Woodcock, Jackson Edwards
Photo Credit: Highflyer Images
