The Southport Sharks took on Wilston Grange in Round 1 of the QAFLW at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday Afternoon.
Seniors
Southport have started their 2024 season with an emphatic 71 point win over Wilston Grange.
Dekota Baron, in her QAFLW Seniors debut for Southport, starred in the Sharks’ 12.7 (79) to 1.2 (8) victory, kicking six goals and taking nine marks.
The 17 year old tall forward was awarded the QAFLW Round 1 Rising Star Award for her efforts.
She was not alone though. Fellow SUNS Academy product Mikayla Nurse was also very impressive in her debut, with her run and carry on the half-back line.
It was a promising start to the season for the Sharks who are looking to improve on last year’s performance.
The Gorillas challenged the Sharks midway through the first quarter, but other than that the day belonged to the home side.
Tayla Gregory, Maighan Fogas, Steph O’Brien, and Maddy Watt led the Sharks in the middle.
Abbie Pluples also played well on the wing in her 50th senior game for the club.
After the game, Southport Coach Peter Doherty said, “It was a solid team performance to kick off the year.”
“We had nine debutants on the weekend, so it was pleasing to see the girls gel so well together.”
This week, Southport play Bond University at 4:45pm in the QAFLW Seniors on Saturday the 13th April at Bond University Oval.
Doherty said, “It is going to be a tough challenge taking on last year’s premiers on their home deck, but one we are excited for.”
SOUTHPORT 4.2 7.2 9.4 12.7 (79)
WILSTON GRANGE 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 (8)
GOALS: Dekota Baron, Maighan Fogas, Georja Davies, Hannah Davies, Megan Hunt, Steph O’Brien.
BEST PLAYERS: Dekota Baron, Madeleine Watt, Maighan Fogas, Tayla Gregory, Mikayla Nurse, Stephanie O’Brien
Click here for the 2024 QAFLW Seniors Fixture, Results and Ladder
Reserves
The Sharks kickstarted their 2024 season with a massive 115 point over Wilston Grange.
It was a comprehensive team performance by Southport winning 17.14 (116) to 0.1 (1).
In the first quarter, the Sharks got off to a flyer kicking four goals to zero which set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Southport kicked another three goals in the second quarter to lead by 47 points at half time.
The Sharks did not slow down after halftime, with the home side adding six more goals in the third term to lead by 84 points at the last change.
In the last quarter, the Sharks extended that lead to the final margin of 115 points, which is four points more than they beat Wilston Grange by last time they met.
After the game, Southport Coach Mal Smith said, “Of course, we are pleased with the result, but I think the thing we are most happy with is that everyone contributed and we played a consistent four-quarter performance.”
“It’s also terrific to see so many girls put their hand up for senior selection with solid performances in all areas of the ground.”
This week, Southport play Bond University in the QAFLW Reserves at 6:45pm on Saturday the 13th April at Bond University Oval.
SOUTHPORT 4.2 7.5 13.7 17.14 (116)
WILSTON GRANGE 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1)
GOALS: Maggie O’Connell 5, Jo-Anna Baltais 2, Tia Charles 2, Shayla Lloyd 2, Taylah Power 2, Maddie Gault, Alicia Gordon, Maddy Rasmussen, Siobhan Ross
BEST PLAYERS: Madeline Gault, Peyton Mackie, Shayla Lloyd, Emma Clifton, Chaise Montey, Taylah Power
Click here for the 2024 QAFLW Reserves Fixture, Results and Ladder
Photo Credit: Highflyer Images
