The Southport Sharks almost made an incredible comeback against the Gold Coast SUNS in the annual Mackenzie Cup match at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.
The Sharks fell agonisingly short after coming from 40 points down at three-quarter time to lose by only two points.
The undefeated SUNS were dominant in the first half, which set up the 12.4 (76) to 10.14 (74) victory.
It is the first time the SUNS have won the “Mackenzie Cup”, and it squares the ledger between the two Gold Coast clubs when they have played against each other in the VFL at two apiece.
Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “It is hard not to be proud of the boys with their never giving up attitude.”
“Of course, we are disappointed we couldn’t win, especially considering we gave ourselves plenty of chances. However, the Suns are on top of the VFL ladder for a reason, so to get within a goal is a great effort.”
“It’s frustrating but exciting to know we can match it with the best teams in the competition without winning.”
“We will learn from it and let the weekend’s loss fuel us in the coming weeks.”
Southport celebrated their 1983 Premiership Teams on Saturday as part of their annual “Heritage Round”.
As part of the celebrations, the Sharks’ best on the ground was awarded the “Gywnne/Ives” Medal, which is named after two important 1983 team members.
Boyd Woodcock was named the “Gywnne/Ives” Medalist for his 37 disposals, nine marks and ten clearances.
This week the Southport Sharks travel to Melbourne to take on the Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday at 12:05pm.
SOUTHPORT 0.1 2.4 4.6 10.14 (74)
GOLD COAST 6.2 9.3 11.4 12.4 (76)
Goal Kickers: Jesse Joyce 2, Fraser Thurlow 2, Brayden Crossley, Tom Fields, Jed Foggo, Jye Lockett, Jack Sexton, Boyd Woodcock.
Best Players: Boyd Woodcock, Jesse Joyce, Daniel Charlesworth, Max Spencer, Zach Molloy, Jacob Dawson
Click here for fixtures/results and ladder