Sunday’s VFL preliminary final between the Southport Sharks and the Gold Coast Suns will go down in Gold Coast football folklore.
Over 4,000 people witnessed the two Gold Coast clubs battling for a place in the VFL Grand Final in their first full year in the competition.
Gold Coast started the better of the two teams, but the Sharks came home strong, winning 14.25 (109) to 13.3 (81) and securing their place in the 2022 VFL Grand Final.
The Sharks will want to kick a bit straighter this week if they are to win the Grand Final though.
“Our goal kicking almost cost us a spot in the Grand Final, ” Southport Coach Steve Daniel said after the game.
“It was frustrating. We dominated all other areas of the game, but just couldn’t capitalise.”
“In the end, though, we pulled through which is pleasing, but we do need to kick straighter this week if we want to win. Bad kicking is bad football.”
Overall, though, Daniel was impressed with his player’s performance.
“We weren’t happy with our performance last time we played the Suns. We gave away four goals through bad disciple and lost the game by a goal.”
“So, it was a huge focus of ours to be disciplined which we were and that was pleasing.”
“The boy’s effort was terrific. They grinded it out for whole four quarters in hot conditions.”
There were a few sore bodies from the game, but Daniel confirmed that there were no injuries out of the game.
Zac Foot was exceptional with 32 disposals with three goals.
Jacob Dawson and Boyd Woodcock had 37 disposals each.
Down back, Kwaby Boakye and Mackenzie Willis were solid.
The 2022 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final between Casey Demons and Southport Sharks will be played at Ikon Park in Melbourne and start at 12:50pm AEST.
The match will be broadcast live on the Seven Network (Channel 7 in Victoria / 7mate in Brisbane and Gold Coast / 7plus nationally) and live streamed free on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official app. Television coverage will commence at 12:30pm AEST.
For the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final, admission prices are adults $20, concession/pensioners $15 and children under 15 free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online via: www.intix.com.au/events/vflgrandfinal2022
The significance of winning this week and making the VFL Grand Final is not lost on Daniel.
“It was terrific to see the Gold Coast community come out and watch the game on Sunday. It was an amazing atmosphere out there and even better that we won.”
“We are privileged to be a part of the VFL competition, and we are coming up against the best team in the competition. It’s exciting, and we look forward to it.”
VFL Second Preliminary Final
Southport Sharks 1.2 6.9 9.15 14.25 (109)
Gold Coast Suns 3.2 6.2 12.3 13.3 (81)
Best Players: Zac Foot, Jacob Dawson, Brayden Crossley, Kwaby Boakye, Boyd Woodcock, Jesse Joyce, Mackenzie Willis
Goal Kickers: Zac Foot 3, Tom Fields 3, Billy Gowers 2, Dan Charlesworth 2, Rhys King, Ryan Davis, Jesse Joyce, Max Pescud
