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2025

Southport Sharks completed a strong 2025 campaign across both the VFL and QAFLW programs.

Southport Sharks completed a strong 2025 campaign across both the VFL and QAFLW programs.

The VFL side finished third at the end of the home-and-away season, progressing through to the Grand Final.

In the QAFLW competition, Southport secured back-to-back Premierships in both Seniors and Reserves, with the Seniors losing only one match for the season and the Reserves suffering just one defeat.

VFL

Southport competed in the 21-team VFL competition comprising 11 AFL Clubs, three Aligned Clubs and seven Stand-Alone Clubs. The team finished the home-and-away season in third place, earning a double chance in the finals.

The program was led by new Senior Coach Matthew Primus, supported by Assistant Coaches Michael Rischitelli, Aaron Cornelius, Scott Mathers and Luke Kennelley. Matt Palmer managed strength and conditioning, and Tyson Mansbridge oversaw injury management.

Pre-season began in November and included a six-hour hike at Springbrook. Practice matches included an away game against GWS, while a scheduled match against Brisbane Lions was cancelled due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Southport opened the season with a win over Werribee in a Grand Final rematch, though new recruit Sam Lowson suffered an ACL injury. A strong Round 3 performance against Carlton followed, and Southport later retained the Doc Mackenzie Cup with a win over Gold Coast. The side recorded only two away losses, including one against Williamstown where Zach Molloy sustained a season-ending concussion.

A series of big wins built momentum, including Hugh Dixon’s 13-goal performance against the Northern Bullants. The team maintained position inside the top four despite an inconsistent final month of the season.

Southport defeated Box Hill in the Qualifying Final after kicking seven goals in the last term, then overcame Frankston by 88 points in the Preliminary Final to qualify for the Grand Final.

The Grand Final against Footscray at Ikon Park saw Southport concede the first six goals of the match, resulting in a 35-point half-time deficit. The side levelled the scores early in the final quarter before eventually falling by 10 points.

VFL Awards

  • Doc Mackenzie Medal (Best & Fairest): Zac Foot

  • Runner Up Best & Fairest: Jacob Dawson

  • Leading Goal Kicker: Hugh Dixon (51 goals)

  • Wally Fankhauser Memorial Trophy: Jacob Dawson

  • John Gonard Trademark Award: Finn Hay

  • Ken McDonald Most Dedicated Player: Zac Foot

  • Gerry Carmody Best Finals Player: Jesse Joyce

Two past players, Brent Renouf and Haydn Kiel, were inducted into the Southport Sharks Hall of Fame.

 

QAFLW Seniors

Significant coaching changes were introduced, with Premiership Coach Peter Doherty stepping down and Matthew Lappin appointed Senior Coach. Assistant Coaches Todd Featherstone and Corey Gillie remained, and Emily Otto joined the panel. Krystal Scott expanded her responsibilities, taking on Strength and Conditioning duties.

Eight new recruits added depth to the playing list. Despite pre-season disruption from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, preparations remained on track.

The team opened the season with a record 219-point win over Yeronga and proceeded to win 12 consecutive matches. The only loss came in Round 13 against Coorparoo in wet conditions. Southport secured top spot on the ladder after victories over Wilston Grange and Morningside.

In finals, Southport defeated Morningside by 79 points in the Qualifying Final before meeting them again in the Grand Final at Brighton Homes Arena. The Sharks won 15.9 (99) to 3.2 (20), claiming consecutive QAFLW Premierships.

Representative and Club Achievements

  • Five players selected for Queensland’s State match against Tasmania.

  • Tayla Gregory named Best on Ground in the State match and later signed by Gold Coast Suns AFLW.

  • Team of the Year selections: Kierra Zerafa, Tayla Gregory, Maddy Watt, Olivia Meagher, Steph O’Brien.

  • Matthew Lappin named QAFLW Coach of the Year.

QAFLW Senior Awards

  • Audrey Fankhauser Medal (Best & Fairest): Steph O’Brien

  • Runner Up Best & Fairest: Kierra Zerafa

  • Coaches Award: Maddy Watt

  • Leading Goal Kicker: Olivia Meagher (31 goals)

  • Most Professional Player: Rianna Schipp

  • Most Consistent: Tyla Crabtree

  • Best Finals Player: Sunny Lappin

  • QAFLW Trademark Award: Peyton Mackie

Following the Grand Final, Senior Coach Matthew Lappin stepped down, with Corey Gillie appointed Senior Coach for the 2026 season.

The Reserves program underwent structural changes, with 2024 Premiership Coach Mal Smith stepping down. Shannan Tate, recruited from Surfers Paradise, was appointed Senior Coach and was supported by Assistant Coach Justin Hewitson.

Southport lost only one match during the home-and-away season, falling to Bond University in Round 4. The side produced a dominant finals campaign and met Bond University again in the Grand Final, securing an 83-point win to claim consecutive QAFLW Reserves Premierships.

QAFLW Reserves Awards

  • Best & Fairest: Taneille Krzyska

  • Runner Up Best & Fairest: Georgia Wakefield

  • Most Improved: Keely Whittaker

  • Coaches Award: Holly Wall

  • Best Finals Player: Sienna Burnham

  • Leading Goal Kicker: Taylah Power (19 goals)

  • Best on Ground: Alicia Gorgon