The Southport Sharks have kept their finals chances alive with a 24 point win over the Port Melbourne Borough at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday Afternoon.
The Borough challenged the Sharks, especially in the second and third quarters, but in the end, the Sharks were too good, winning 13.13 (91) to 9.13 (67).
The game was in the balance in the last quarter until Sharks’ debutant Byron Finch kicked two goals in a row to put the game out of reach for the Borough.
The Sharks’ best players were Jesse Joyce in the middle, Jay Lockhart up forward and Matt Gahan down back.
Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “For the context of our season, it was a crucial win, as Port Melbourne coming into the round had the same win-loss record as us, and if we had lost, it would’ve almost been impossible to make finals.”
“It wasn’t our prettiest win, but I am proud of the boys that they were able to get the job done and keep our season alive.”
The win means the Sharks are now 11th on the ladder and are just two points behind tenth which is the final position for Wildcard Round.
This week, Southport play the GWS Giants, who are 9th on the VFL Ladder, at Tom Wills Oval on Saturday Afternoon at 12:25pm. You can watch the live stream via afl.com.au and the AFL Live App.
SOUTHPORT 5.3 9.8 11.10 13.13 (91)
PORT MELBOURNE 1.2 4.6 8.11 9.13 (67)
Goal Kickers: Fraser Thurlow 3, Jesse Joyce 2, Byron Finch 2, Jack Sexton, Jake McQueen, Mike Manteit, Jay Lockhart, Brayden Crossley
Best Players: Jesse Joyce, Jay Lockhart, Matthew Gahan, Jack Sexton, Ryan Banks-Smith, Brayden Crossley, Jacob Dawson
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Image: Byron Finch (KPM Images)