Southport defeated Werribee in last year’s Grand Final re-match by 18 points on Saturday Afternoon at Fankhauser Reserve.
It was a hard fought game but the Sharks came up trumps winning 13.11 (89) to 10.11 (71).
Werribee got off to the faster start kicking the first goal of the match.
However, the Sharks steadied shortly after with a goal to new recruit – Sam Lowson to help give them a four point lead at Quarter Time.
The Tigers scored the first major of the second quarter to take back the lead.
Josh Gore then kicked his first goal for Southport in the VFL to put the Sharks in front.
Unfortunately, the Sharks lost Lowson to a knee injury during the second term.
The Tigers then scored two goals late in the first half to give themselves an 11 point buffer at half time.
Two minutes into the third quarter Gore kicked his second reducing the margin to four points.
The Tigers replied with their first goal of the half, before Gore kicked his third with a soccer off the ground.
Southport finished the third term well with another four goals to extend the lead out to 18 points at three-quarter time.
Zac Foot continued the momentum early in the last quarter scoring a quality set shot goal.
Werribee then hit back with three goals in quick succession to cut the margin to just seven points, with a lot of the last quarter still to be played.
Brock Aston kicked an important settler for the Sharks, before the Tigers kicked another.
It was a very hot, sunny day at Fankhauser Reserve, but out of nowhere it started raining heavily.
The Tigers then cut the margin to one point to set up a very tight finish, but Southport stood firm and finished the game well.
Hugh Dixon took a strong mark and slotted the set shot, Mike Manteit scored a clutch goal and Zac Foot who was one of Southport’s best kicked his fourth.
After the game, Southport Head Coach Matthew Primus, in his first game in the role, said,“ There has been a lot of work that has gone into today, so we feel relieved. I thought our endeavour was outstanding.”
“Werribee are a hard side to break down, but we were in the game the whole day and kept on going.”
“The players were a bit frustrated at half time with the errors. So the message from us at coaches at the main break was to relax, we will getter better as the game goes on.
“I thought our third quarter was terrific, and then we able to hold on in the last.”
Southport’s leaders led from the front, Jacob Dawson (co-captain) had 35 disposals and 10 clearances, Brayden Crossley (co-captain) had 48 hitouts and Zac Foot kicked four goals and had 20 disposals.
Primus said, “All three of them have been great for us all pre-season and they were dominant players for us today, which was pleasing.”
Next week, Southport play at home again, against Coburg on Saturday at 12:05pm. You don’t want to miss it! Click here for more information.
VFL Round 1 – Southport v Werribee
SOUTHPORT 1.6 2.9 8.9 13.11 (89)
WERRIBEE 1.2 4.7 8.9 13.11 (71)
BEST PLAYERS: Zac Foot, Jacob Dawson, Nick Williams, Josh Gore, Wylie Buzza, Matt McGuinness
GOAL KICKERS: Zac Foot 4, Josh Gore 3, Brock Aston, Wylie Buzza, Jacob Dawson, Hugh Dixon, Sam Lowson, Michael Manteit
