Big loss ‘one to forget’
SOUTHPORT will set about forgetting their 19-goal NEAFL drubbing at the hands of Brisbane as quickly as possible as they head into a perfectly timed bye.
Ravaged by injuries and unavailabilities, including Josh Hall being in New Zealand for his wedding, Sharks coach Steve Daniel was expecting a tough day at the office for his side on Saturday and that’s exactly what they got.
The Lions made it 15 from 15 this year, leaving the top-ofthe-table clash at Fankhauser Reserve as 26.16 (172) to 7.5 (47) winners.
Daniel was delighted with his players’ effort to stay within three goals at the main break but it was after halftime that things got ugly as the visitors kicked 17 unanswered majors.
“We were very light on player personnel to what we normally have been and then you come up against a side like that with 21 listed players and on top and undefeated for a reason. They’re exceptional,” Daniel said.
“Our first half was terrific; we tried to hang in there ... and then in the second half, they just blew us away.”
Southport’s injury crisis deepened with Trent Stubbs being knocked unconscious in the first quarter and Harry Arnold ruled out at halftime with an ankle complaint.
Andrew Boston was forced to battle on with a cork and still managed a team-high 35 disposals. Kwaybe Boakye also played on through a calf issue.
Despite the bruising encounter, the defending premiers remain second on the ladder and, with a bye next weekend, are hopeful of getting a number of players back for their Round 20 match against the last-placed NT Thunder at TIO Stadium on August 17.
Daniel said they would not dwell on the loss: “We will not sit around and analyse that game too much at all, we’ll move on as quickly as we can.”