Southport’s frenzied second half sees them survive Shark fest

SOUTHPORT Sharks stamped their authority on the QAFLW competition once again, powering away in the second half to defeat Bond University Bull Sharks by 46 points in a top four clash at Fankhauser Reserve. The undefeated ladder-leaders claimed a dominant 10.10 (70) to 4.0 (24) victory, and in doing so extended their perfect season record to 12-0 and cemented their place atop the ladder.

Despite trailing by three points at quarter time, Southport’s midfield engine room kicked into gear after the first break, overturning the deficit to lead by five points at half-time. From there, the Sharks kicked eight second-half goals to two, suffocating the Bull Sharks with their ridiculous volume of forward half entries (52-18) and dominance around the ball (35 clearances to 24).

Considering the weight of inside 50s, it was remarkable that Bond University kept the match as close as possible for as long as possible, but in the end the Southport juggernaut proved too hard to stop and could have a case as one of the best state league seasons across the country on record.

Potential top five draft prospect Dekota Baron impressed back in Southport colours with 2.2 from 14 disposals and four marks, while Maddy Baldwin provided a strong presence up forward, finishing with three goals. The midfield brigade was led by Suns Academy talent Sunny Lappin, who was everywhere with 32 disposals, eight clearances and seven inside 50s.

State captain Steph O’Brien delivered a commanding all-round performance with 26 disposals, 11 tackles, six marks, seven clearances and six inside 50s. Tayla Gregory was another standout, collecting 24 touches, 18 hitouts, six inside 50s, and hitting the scoreboard with a goal. Young guns Georja Davies and Mikayla Nurse were strong in a real team effort.

For Bond University, captain Shannon Nolan led from the front with 30 disposals, five clearances and seven tackles in a tireless effort. Ruck-forward Maisy Evans was a dual threat, booting two goals and racking up 22 hitouts and 14 disposals. Grace Moodie (20 disposals) worked hard through the middle, while young guns Annabelle Foat and Aleah Stringer had promising moments despite the heavy defeat.

The loss sees Bond slip from third to fourth on the ladder, now sitting at 8-4 and trailing Coorparoo on percentage. With finals approaching, the Bull Sharks will be looking to regroup quickly — while Southport march on as the undisputed team to beat in the QAFLW.

SOUTHPORT 1.3 | 2.5 | 5.7 | 10.10 (70)
BOND UNIVERSITY 2.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 (24)

GOALS:
Southport:
M. Baldwin 3, D. Baron 2, T. Crabtree, H. Davies, T. Gregory, O. Meagher, M. Nurse
Bond University: M. Evans 2, K. Blattman, C. Taylor

RMC BEST:
Southport:
S. Lappin. S. O’Brien, T. Gregory, D. Baron, G. Davies
Bond University: M. Evans, S. Nolan, G. Moodie, E. Calleja, A. Foat

AROUND THE GROUNDS

It was a series of thrashings in Round 12 of the QAFL Women’s with the next closes result being Aspley’s 10-goal thumping of University of Queensland at Aspley Road. The Hornets overcame a tight first term to pile on 10 goals to one in the final three quarters and secure an 11.8 (74) to 2.2 (14) victory. Kaitlyn Day (31 disposals, five marks and two goals) and Jesse McMillan (23 disposals, five marks, eight clearances, eight inside 50s and two goals) starred in the win, as Jess Stallard booted a game-high three goals. Farrandai Hopkins (21 disposals, nine clearances and 12 tackles) was the pick of the Red Lionesses.

Coorparoo snatched third spot off Bond University with a comprehensive 88-point belting of Moreton Bay Lions. The Kings notched up half a century by half-time and held the Lions scoreless in the final three quarters to win, 13.18 (94) to 1.0 (6). Double bottom-age jets Edie Fraser and Indiana Scheffler both booted three goals as did Chelsea Chesterfield in an even team contribution for Coorparoo.

Morningside came home with the points from Maroochydore and loom as Southport’s biggest threat in the Panthers’ inaugural season. The second placed side stormed to a 19.11 (125) to 0.2 (2) victory over Maroochydoore Roos on the Sunshine Coast. Queensland State Academy members Zoe Petrides and Harlee McIlwain were both sublime for the Panthers with four goals apiece and clunking four and seven marks respectively from 25 and 15 disposals. Fellow teenagers Molly Ferguson and Sophie Schulze were gallant in defeat for the Roos.

In the other game of Round 12, Wilston Grange showed no mercy against the last placed Yeronga South Brisbane to pile on 51 scoring shots in a 26.25 (181) to 0.0 (0) shellacking. Bottom-age first round draft hopeful Mia Geere was simply ridiculous with 28 disposals, nine marks, six clearances, five inside 50s and six goals. If that wasn’t crazy enough, the 2008-born Geere kicked eight behinds in a 14-scoring shot performance. Meanwhile Tshinta Kendall (six goals from 24 touches) and Keyshia Matenga (two from 24) filled their boots too.

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