The Southport Sharks’ hopes of making finals are over, after losing to Richmond by 13 points on Saturday.
The Sharks led by four points at three quarter time, but the Tigers finished strongly, winning 15.8 (98) to 12.13 (85).
In the first quarter, the Sharks had seven scoring shots to Richmond’s five yet trailed by three points.
The second quarter started as a shootout before Richmond kicked four goals in a row late in the quarter to lead by 21 points at Half Time.
The Sharks started the third quarter on fire, kicking seven goals in a row to lead by 21 points midway through the quarter.
However, the Tigers steadied and kicked three goals late in the third quarter to cut the margin to four points.
Jack Sexton, against his former club, kicked the first goal of the last quarter for the Sharks to extend the margin to ten points, but then the Tigers got on a roll, kicking the next four goals to win the game.
Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “It was a disappointing day for the football club.”
“Like so often this year, we didn’t take our opportunities and credit to Richmond, they did.”
Southport had 12 more clearances, five more contested possessions, and the same amount of Inside 50s as the Tigers.
Daniel said, “Our Inside 50 efficiency has obviously been an issue for us this year, and we are working on how we can improve that for next year.”
Brayden Crossley played well in the ruck with 36 hit outs, 31 disposals, four tackles, nine marks and a goal.
Also in the middle, Jacob Dawson (33 disposals and nine clearances), Boyd Woodcock (31 disposals, nine clearances and seven marks) and Jacob Heron (20 disposals, nine tackles and seven Inside 50s) were good.
Down back, Zach Molloy was solid and up forward Jake McQueen’s three goals in the third quarter were terrific.
Southport has the bye this week before taking on Frankston next week at Kinetic Stadium on Saturday the 29th of July at 7:05pm.
SOUTHPORT SHARKS 2.5 4.7 11.9 12.13 (85)
RICHMOND TIGERS 3.2 8.4 11.5 15.8 (98)
Goal Kickers: Jake McQueen 3, Jay Lockhart 2, Fraser Thurlow 2, Tom Fields, Jack Sexton, Matt Shannon, Brayden Crossley, Jed Foggo
Best Players: Jake McQueen, Brayden Crossley, Jacob Dawson, Boyd Woodcock, Jacob Heron, Zach Molloy
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