SOUTHPORT V ESSENDON ROUND 20 VFL MATCH REPORT

Southport were victorious in their last game at Fankhauser Reserve for the year, defeating Essendon by 8 points on Saturday Afternoon.

The Sharks’ 12.15 (87) to 12.7 (79) win keeps their very slim final chances alive, but a lot would have to go right for that to happen.

For Southport Coach Steve Daniel, he was just happy with the result.

Daniel said, “As a club, we went into the game just wanting to win our last game at home for the year.”

“We’ve had some great battles with Essendon over the last few years, so we knew the weekend’s game would not be easy.”

“I’m proud of our boys that they withstood the challenge and finished the game strongly.”

Southport trailed by as much as 16 points midway through the second quarter but slowly pegged it back to be even at three quarter time.

Then in the last quarter, Southport kicked five goals to four to win the game.

Jacob Heron (28 disposals, 8 tackles and 7 Inside 50s) was the Sharks’ standout with his run, carry, and tackling pressure.

Boyd Woodcock (33 disposals, 14 marks and a goal) took a specky in the last quarter, which highlighted his quality performance.

Jacob Dawson (34 disposals and 10 clearances) also played well in the middle.

Zac Foot and Jed Foggo led the way up forward with three goals each and down back Matt Gahan was solid.

Southport’s next game is against Collingwood on Saturday, the 19th of August, at 12:05 pm at the AIA Centre in Melbourne.