Jaspar Wilson-Keir | March 12, 2026
The Southport Sharks have locked in their VFL list for the 2026 season, with 23 Queenslanders forming the backbone of a refreshed and re-energised squad.
After falling just short against the Footscray Bulldogs in the 2025 Grand Final, Southport has undergone significant change, with a number of experienced players retiring or returning interstate. In total, 18 new faces will arrive at Fankhauser Reserve as the club reshapes its list in pursuit of a premiership breakthrough.
“We’ve had plenty of AFL experience go out, but we’ve been able to replace that with three players straight out of the system,” said General Manager of Football Jarrod Field.
“Apart from the former AFL boys, we have gone for a lot of local talent with nine new Queenslanders joining the club. We expect the guys that finished high in the Grogan Medal count and made the Team of the Year in the QAFL to be able to transition into VFL footy.”
While some experience has departed, the Sharks moved decisively to replace it.
Ryan Burton arrives at Southport with 162 AFL games to his name after his time with Hawthorn and the Port Adelaide Football Club. He is joined by former Brisbane Lions forward Sam Day (168 AFL games) and Tom Berry (43 AFL games) from the Gold Coast Suns, all adding leadership and maturity to the squad.
Among those departing was Tai Hayes, who earned an AFL opportunity with the Brisbane Lions after just one season at the Sharks.
The club also welcomes back reigning Doc Mackenzie Medallist and Vice-Captain Zac Foot. After an outstanding 2025 campaign, Foot was invited to complete a pre-season with the Adelaide Crows before returning to Southport for 2026.
Adding depth was another priority during the off-season. Noah Casalini (North Adelaide) and Jai Larkins (Central District) arrive from the SANFL competition in Adelaide, while Cooper MacDonald (Sydney Swans), Ben Major (Coburg) and Noah Gadsby (Williamstown) add further state league experience.
At just 23 years old, Gadsby brings 73 games of VFL experience. Known for his agility and elite running capacity, the winger strengthens the Sharks outside options.
Developing the best young talent in Queensland remains central to Southport’s philosophy. Local QAFL standouts Luke Coombes, Max Hudson, Max McDonald and Jackson Mills join the squad after impressive seasons, reinforcing the club’s strong community pathway.
The Sharks also targeted emerging talent from all over. Angus Scoble, Jezz Butler, Ty Fitzgerald, Bailey Rawson, Max Hudson and Oscar Wood headline a youthful intake that has significantly lowered the average age of the list.
Southport’s VFL List now has 23 Queenslanders and five former Southport Juniors: Campbell Lake, Josh Gore, Joe Kennedy, Mason Field and Luke Coombes.
Southport’s 2026 VFL List: Angus Scoble, Bailey Rawson, Ben Major, Boyd Woodcock, Brayden Crossley, Brock Aston, Campbell Lake, Charlie Rowe, Christian Webster, Cooper MacDonald, Elijah Reardon, Finn Hay, Harry Sullivan, Hewago Oea, Jackson Mills, Jacob Dawson, Jai Larkins, Jesse Joyce, Jezz Butler, Joe Kennedy, Josh Gore, Justin Krok, Luke Coombes, Marcus Khoo, Mason Field, Matt McGuinness, Max Hudson, Max McDonald, Max Pescud, Max Spencer, Michael Manteit, Oscar Wood, Preston Cockatoo-Collins, Riley Bowman, Noah Casalini, Noah Gadsby, Ryan Burton, Sam Day, Sam Lowson, Taine Dawson, Ty Fitzgerald, Tom Berry, Zac Foot.
Southport’s season kicks off on Saturday March 21, against Richmond at Kinetic Stadium in Frankston.
