Southport are through to the VFL Grand Final after beating local rivals Gold Coast 109–81 at Fankhauser Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
In just their second season in the competition, the Sharks earned their place in the decider by weight of opportunities in front of goal.
While the end margin was just 28 points, Southport had 39 scoring shots to Gold Coast’s 16.
With Southport playing a front-half game and the Suns opting to try and get out in open space from half-back, it was a clash of styles that proved entertaining in sunny Gold Coast conditions.
Ultimately, Southport would have hoped to have won by more, but their inaccuracy cruelled them throughout as they even had to come from a goal down at three-quarter time to win.
After snatching the lead early in the last, Southport’s zone defence proved too hard for the Suns to break through as they couldn’t generate enough chances to snatch back the lead.
In the end, Southport’s inside 50 advantage of 74–43 was too big for the Suns to overcome as the Sharks kicked the last three goals of the game to skip away to victory.
Some BIG Hits today in Southport.
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 11, 2022
Both sides relentless in their fight for a spot in the VFL Grand Final. pic.twitter.com/6n3Xg22qDB
For the winners, ex-AFL players Zac Foot (three goals, 31 disposals), Boyd Woodcock (36 disposals), Brayden Crossley (21 disposals, 36 hitouts), Jesse Joyce (one goal, 32 disposals) and Jay Lockhart (23 disposals) were immense.
For Gold Coast, Sam Flanders (42 disposals) Charlie Constable (40 disposals), Jack Bowes (one goal, 23 disposals) and Darcy Macpherson (26 disposals) were strong, but unfortunately, the loss means the Suns are still yet to compete in a Grand Final at any level.
Southport meets Melbourne affiliate Casey at Ikon Park next Saturday in the decider, with the bounce for the VFL Grand Final set for 2:30 pm (AEST).
FULL SCORE
Southport: 1.2, 6.9, 9.15, 14.25 (109)
Gold Coast: 3.2, 6.2, 12.3, 13.3 (81)
GOALS
Southport: Foot 3, Fields 3, Gowers 2, Charlesworth 2, Pescud, Davis, Joyce, King
Gold Coast: Burgess 4, Corbett 2, Sexton, Bowes, Conroy, Foggo, Oea, Sharp, Tsitas
BEST
Southport: Zac Foot, Jacob Dawson, Brayden Crossley, Jesse Joyce, Boyd Woodcock
Gold Coast: Sam Flanders, Charlie Constable, Jack Bowes, Darcy Macpherson