Southport defeated the Northern Bullants by 56 points at Genis Steel Oval on Saturday Afternoon, winning 18.17 (125) to 10.9 (69), in the first week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Lachie Rhook, making his Southport debut, kicked the first goal of the game after taking a big, contested mark.
The Sharks then kicked another four goals in the opening term to lead by 26 points at quarter time.
Inaccuracy cost Southport a bit in the second quarter, but they were still able to extend their quarter time lead to 38 points at half time.
The Bullants were much better in the third term, but despite having more scoring shots than the Sharks, they lost the quarter by two points.
In a high-scoring last quarter, Southport kicked six goals to the Bullants’ four goals, to win three games in a row.
After the game, Southport’s Max Spencer was awarded the third edition of the Alex Aurrichio Medal for his performance down back with eight intercept marks and six rebound 50s.
The medal commemorates Alex Aurrichio, who played for both the Northern Blues and Southport Sharks before tragically passing away at age 30 in a bicycle accident in Darwin in 2020.
In his acceptance speech, Spencer said, “It’s a massive honour to receive this award. I know Alex meant a lot to a lot of people at both clubs, so it’s great to come out here and play in his spirit.”
Will Sexton (4 goals), Jacob Dawson (33 disposals and ten clearances) and Brayden Crossley (49 hitouts, seven tackles and two goals) were also in contention for the medal.
Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “It was a tough decision to choose who won the medal this year, with both teams having plenty of contributors. However, Max was sensational down back for us and definitely deserved it.”
Southport’s win-loss record is now five and three, and they are sitting sixth on the VFL ladder.
This week, the Southport Sharks play the Frankston Dolphins at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday at 12:05pm.
The Dolphins have won their last two games and are seventh on the VFL ladder.
Daniel said, “We are looking forward to returning to Fankhauser Reserve after two successful trips on the road, to take on an in-form Frankston.”
Northern Bullants v Southport – Saturday 18 May, Genis Steel Oval, 12:05pm
NORTHERN BULLANTS 1.1 4.1 6.7 10.9 (69)
SOUTHPORT 5.3 9.9 12.11 18.17 (125)
GOAL KICKERS: Will Sexton 4, Hugh Dixon 3, Brock Aston 2, Brayden Crossley 2, Michael Manteit 2, Ryan Banks-Smith, Rhys Clark, Jackson Edwards, Lachlan Rhook, Boyd Woodcock
BEST PLAYERS: Max Spencer, Will Sexton, Jacob Dawson, Brayden Crossley, Nicholas Williams, Jesse Joyce
Photo Credit: Northern Bullants