The Southport Sharks are back on the winner’s list after defeating the Footscray Bulldogs by 26 points at ETU Stadium, Port Melbourne.
The Bulldogs led by as much as 19 points early in the second quarter, but the Sharks did not panic and came back to win 15.12 (102) to 10.16 (76).
Ryan Banks-Smith’s goal from fifty in the second quarter started the shift in momentum, with the Sharks kicking three of the next four goals to cut the 12 point quarter time margin to one point at half time.
In the third quarter, Footscray got back out to a 14 point lead halfway through the quarter, but Southport would not be denied.
The Sharks kicked three goals in a row to take the lead for the first time in the match.
Footscray kicked a goal late in the quarter to ensure the Sharks only led by a point at three quarter time and set up an entertaining last quarter.
However, in the last quarter, the Sharks were at their ruthless best and took the sting out of the contest kicking five goals to zero.
It is the second time in a row the Sharks have come from behind against the Bulldogs and won. Last year, Southport came back from 15 points down at three quarter time to win by five points.
Southport has had a slower start to this year, but the weekend’s win means they are now 2-3 and ends the club’s three game losing streak.
After the game, Steve Daniel said, “It was fantastic to win and get our season back on track.”
“We have been close the last three weeks, but we weren’t able to take our opportunities or had lapses in concentration.”
“I’m really proud of the boys because firstly, they kept their heads up when the Bulldogs had momentum and secondly because the game was there to be won in the last quarter, and they dominated.”
In terms of stats, Southport had more possession than the Bulldogs but lost Clearances (32-46) and Inside 50s (50-62). Click here for team stats
Daniel said, “Our backline was terrific. Their ability to take intercept marks and rebound the ball was outstanding.”
Daniel Charlesworth (5 marks) and Matt McGuinness (6 marks) were the leaders in defence.
In the midfield, Dawson (37 disposals, eight marks, six tackles and five clearances) and Woodcock (32 disposals, seven marks, six tackles and three clearances) were damaging. Click here for individual stats
Up forward Ryan Banks-Smith was solid with his two goals, and young gun Jack Sexton’s pressure was fantastic. Click here for replay and highlights
This week, Southport are back at home against the Northern Bullants on Saturday at 12:05pm and will be hoping to get back-to-back wins. Click here for information about gamedays at Sharks.
FOOTSCRAY 4.2 6.4 10.8 10.16 (76)SOUTHPORT 2.2 6.3 10.11 15.12 (102)
Goal Kickers: Ryan Banks-Smith 2, Jackson Edwards 2, Tom Fields 2, Jay Lockhart 2, Matt Shannon 2, Boyd Woodcock 2, Jed Foggo, Jack Sexton, Fraser Thurlow
Best Players: Daniel Charlesworth, Jacob Dawson, Boyd Woodcock, Ryan Banks-Smith, Matt McGuinness, Jack Sexton