The Southport Sharks are through to a preliminary final after defeating the Brisbane Lions by 49 points in the second qualifying final at Moreton Bay Central Complex on Saturday.
Southport now has the week off and plays the Sydney and Gold Coast semi-final winner after beating Brisbane 12.15 (87) to 5.8 (38).
After the game, Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “to host a preliminary final in the VFL is an incredible achievement and one we are immensely proud of.”
The Lions went into the game as favourites off the back of the Sharks late season form slump, the Lions’ excellent record at Moreton Bay and Brisbane defeating top of the ladder Casey the week before.
Daniel said, “We were quietly confident. We learnt a lot from our three losses in a row, and I think in the last two weeks, we have returned to the way we want to play.”
The Sharks set the tone in the first quarter with their physicality and pressure.
“It was crucial to get off to a good start, and we did, which was pleasing.”
The Sharks led by 13 points at quarter time.
“Against Essendon, we got off to a great start, but we let them back into the game, and in the end, they won. We did not want that to happen again.”
“So, the message at quarter time was we just have to keep going.”
The Sharks went against the breeze in the second quarter but extended their lead to 16 points at halftime.
The message at half time was similar to the message at quarter time.
“Finals are an arm wrestle. It’s going to be hard, but how much do you want it?” Daniel said to the players at half time.
By the way the Sharks played in the second half they clearly wanted it. They kicked six goals to two in the second half.
Boyd Woodcock was terrific with 32 disposals, five clearances and two goals.
Jesse Joyce played his best game of the year with 27 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles and a goal.
Young gun Max Pescud showed why he was named in the squad of 40 for the VFL Team of the Year, with three crucial goals.
Other youngsters, Rhys King and Matt Gahan, were superb as well.
Brayden Crossley won the ruck battle with 17 disposals, 39 hit outs and ten tackles.
“It was a great team performance. Everyone played their roles which was fantastic. That’s what finals footy is all about.”
“Now it’s all about resting, recovering, and reviewing what we did well and what we want to improve on from the game. Then, it is all about preparation and mindset ahead of a massive day for our football club.
Date and time of the preliminary final is yet to be confirmed. It will be on the weekend of 10/11 September.
VFL Second Qualifying Final
Brisbane Lions 1.1 3.6 4.7 5.8 (38)
Southport Sharks 3.2 6.4 9.9 12.15 (87)
Best Players: Max Pescud, Jesse Joyce, Rhys King, Brayden Crossley, Boyd Woodcock, Matthew Gahan
Goal Kickers: Max Pescud 3, Boyd Woodcock 2, Daniel Charlesworth, Ryan Davis, Tom Fields, Jacob Heron, Mitch Johnson, Jesse Joyce, Jay Lockhart
STATS
MATCH REPLAY
