The Southport Sharks are through to a VFL semi-final against Geelong after defeating the Frankston Dolphins by 92 points in a high-scoring affair at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday Afternoon.
Southport kicked their highest score since 2001, winning 30.15 (195) to 16.7 (103) in scorching conditions.
Keegan Gray got the Sharks off to a great start with the first two majors of the game.
Southport kicked another four unanswered goals in the opening term to lead by 44 points at quarter-time.
Frankston managed to kick the first two goals of the second quarter before the Sharks responded with ten of the next twelve goals to lead by 80 points at halftime.
The second half was a shoot-out, with the Sharks kicking 14.5 (89) to Frankston’s 12.5 (77).
Southport’s forwards, led by Campbell Lake (25 disposals, six tackles and three goals), Hugh Dixon (10 marks and five goals), and Zac Foot (26 disposals, nine marks and four goals), were electric.
In the middle, Jacob Dawson (31 disposals, nine clearances and a goal), Boyd Woodcock (30 disposals, ten clearances and two goals) and Jacob Heron (24 disposals and 12 clearances), were dominant.
After the match, Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “It was great to get the job done so comprehensively.”
“I thought our preparation and mindset was outstanding. Frankston was obviously up and about after a great win against the SUNS last week, so we wanted to start well, and we did, which was terrific.”
“Our attention now switches to Geelong. It will be a tough game, but we look forward to getting down there and playing for a spot in a preliminary final against Footscray.”
Southport’s semi-final against Geelong will be played at GMHBA Stadium at 11:35am on Saturday.
Southport v Frankston – Saturday 31 August, Fankhauser Reserve, 12:05pm
SOUTHPORT 6.8 16.10 22.13 30.15 (195)
FRANKSTON 0.0 4.2 9.4 16.7 (103)
GOALS: Hugh Dixon 5, Zac Foot 4, Jay Lockhart 4, Keegan Gray 3, Campbell Lake 3, Matt Shannon 3, Wylie Buzza 2, Boyd Woodcock 2, Jacob Dawson, Jackson Edwards, Ben Jepson, Jack Sexton
BEST PLAYERS: Campbell Lake, Hugh Dixon, Mackenzie Willis, Jacob Heron, Jacob Dawson, Zac Foot
Click here for VFL Elimination Final – Southport v Frankston Match Highlights, Mini Match, Replay and Stats
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