The Southport Sharks defeated the Coburg Lions by 11 points on Sunday Afternoon at Piranha Park.
It was a tough fought 8.10 (58) to 6.11 (47) win for the Sharks who have now won their last six games.
Southport had the wind in the opening quarter and Rhys Clark made the most of it kicking goal of the year from approximately 90 meters out.
Ten minutes later, Will Sexton snapped the Sharks’ second goal before Coburg slotted a set shot on the quarter time siren.
Jacob Heron scored the only goal of the second quarter to give Southport a 12 point lead at half time.
The Sharks got out to a 26-point lead in the third quarter, but another Coburg goal on the siren meant the Lions who had the wind in the last quarter only trailed by 20 points at three quarter time.
Coburg kicked the first two goals of the final term and only trailed by seven points, before the Sharks steadied with back-to-back goals of their own.
The Lions didn’t go away though, kicking another goal to reduce the margin to 14 points with half a quarter still to be played.
It was a tense finish as the Lions threw caution to the wind to try and win their third match of the year, however, Southport’s defense stood firm to ensure they returned to the Gold Coast with the four points.
After the game, Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “Credit to Coburg, they really challenged us throughout the whole game, and never gave up.”
“I am proud of the boys that despite not playing our best football, we were still able to get the job done on the road.”
Southport defenders, Max Spencer and Rhys Clark played well especially considering Coburg had more inside 50s than Southport.
Boyd Woodcock (33 disposals, six marks, three tackles and ten clearances) and Jacob Dawson (30 disposals, five tackles and nine clearances) had a big impact on the game.
Jacob Heron’s two goals and Brayden Crossley’s ruck work were also critical in the win.
This Saturday, Southport play Carlton at Ikon Park at 12:05pm.
Coburg v Southport – Sunday 16 June, Piranha Park, 12:05pm
COBURG 1.2 1.5 3.7 6.11 (45)
SOUTHPORT 2.2 3.5 6.9 8.10 (58)
GOALS: Jacob Heron 2, Rhys Clark, Jacob Dawson, Hugh Dixon, Jay Lockhart, Jack Sexton, Will Sexton
BEST PLAYERS: Boyd Woodcock, Jacob Dawson, Brayden Crossley, Max Spencer, Jacob Heron, Rhys Clark.
Photo Credit: Craig Dooley Photography