This Saturday, the Southport Sharks and the Gold Coast Suns will play for the “Mackenzie Cup” which commemorates Dr Alan Mackenzie who was an influential figure for both clubs.
The game marks one year since his unfortunate passing last year on May 13 2022.
“Doc” Mackenzie was the president of the Southport Sharks for 49 years and was involved in AFL in Queensland as a player, volunteer, medical officer, coach, selector and administrator.
He also joined the GC 17 bid team in April 2008 to bring AFL football to the Gold Coast.
That effort was brought to life a year later when the AFL officially granted a provisional Gold Coast Football Club license in March 2009.
Dr Mackenzie served as a board member of the Gold Coast SUNS for ten years and, in 2018, was inducted as a life member of the club, highlighting the substantial role he played in establishing the SUNS.
Saturday’s game will be the second time the two Gold Coast VFL sides will play for the Cup.
The “Mackenzie Cup” was launched last year at the 2022 VFL preliminary final where the Southport Sharks defeated the Gold Coast SUNS by 28 points at Fankhauser Reserve.
Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “It is a big game for both clubs. Doc was unbelievable for our football club, and he also did a lot for the Gold Coast SUNS.
“We are really looking forward to it. We hope we can do him proud and put on a good spectacle.”
Southport will also be celebrating its annual Heritage Round on Saturday.
This year they will be celebrating their 1983 QAFL Seniors and Reserves Premierships.
Southport will wear their “special” Heritage Round guernseys which honours their past as the Magpies and the Sharks.
After the game as part of the 1983 Premiership Reunion, the Sharks’ best on ground will be awarded the “Gwynne/Ives” Medal which is named after two important 1983 team members Carl Gwynne and Peter Ives.
The game is free to attend. For more information about attending the game click here.
Southport’s QAFLW teams will be playing after the “Mackenzie Cup” against Maroochydore.
VFL Round 8
Southport Sharks v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday 13 May 12:05pm
Fankhauser Reserve
QAFLW Round 5
Southport Sharks v Maroochydore Roos
Saturday 13 May, Seniors 3pm & Reserves 5pm
Fankhauser Reserve
Photo (Left to Right) : Steve Daniel (Southport Sharks VFL Head Coach), and Josh Drummond (Gold Coast Suns VFL Head Coach). Credit: Southport Sharks