Southport defeated Coburg by three points in terrible conditions at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.

It was a tight, contested game, but the Sharks did enough to win 9.8 (62) to 8.11 (59).

Coburg started well kicking the only two goals of the first quarter at what proved to be the goal scoring end.

The Sharks responded in the second term with six majors to one, to lead by 19 points at the main break.

The Lions then cut the margin to five points in the third quarter to set up a tight last term.

Coburg kicked the first goal of the last quarter to take the lead, before a clutch goal from Jacob Heron fifiteen minutes later put the Sharks back in front.

Will Derrington then extended Southport’s lead to nine points not long after.

The game was not over though, because Mitch Podhajski responded for the Lions with a major one minute later.

It was an extremely tense last couple of minutes, however for the second week in a row the Sharks held on, remaining undefeated in 2025.

Wylie Buzza led the way in front of goals with two majors, Brayden Crossley was good in the ruck with 48 hitouts and 11 tackles, and young gun Nick Williams was solid down back.

After the game Southport Coach Matt Primus said, “We are pleased to win today.”

“We had a very good second quarter, we were gritty in the third quarter when they were dominating and then we just found a way in the last quarter.”

“There is still some work to do but we are happy to get the four points at home, before we hit the road next week.”

Next week Southport travel to Ikon Park to take on Carlton at 7:10pm (6.10pm Queensland) on Saturday 5 April. The game will be free on 7plus nationally.

VFL Round 1 – Southport v Coburg

SOUTHPORT 0.2 6.7 7.8 9.8 (62)

COBURG 2.3 3.6 6.9 8.11 (59)

BEST PLAYERS: Wylie Buzza, Nick Williams, Brayden Crossley, Jacob Dawson, Boyd Woodcock, Max Spencer

GOAL KICKERS: Wylie Buzza 2, Jacob Dawson, Will Derrington, Hugh Dixon, Jackson Edwards, Josh Gore, Jacob Heron, Max Pescud