Sharks bring in the heavy artillery
SOUTHPORT will roll out two club debutants and welcome the return of their leading goalkicker Mitch Johnson for today’s Round 6 clash with the Northern Territory.
Timakoi Bowie and Trent Stubbs will play for the Sharks in a premiership game for the first time while Johnson aims to add to his 11 goals so far this season at Fankhauser Reserve.
The trio will replace Kai Sheers (cork), Jamison Shea (hamstring) and Jack O’Shea (omitted).
The Northern Territory kicked more than 100 points in their last visit to Fankhauser Reserve in Round 6 last year, and Sharks coach Stephen Daniel is eager to avoid a shootout.
“We are really looking forward to it, like every weekend of football,” Daniel said.
“We understand the Northern Territory are quick. They are fascinating at times to watch, the way they play.
“Last year they kicked 100 points out here so we are very aware of what they can do.
“It’s another challenge for us of course.
“We don’t want it to be a shootout. We would like to have it over and done with. They are a good quality side who need to be respected so we are certainly going to do that.”
Southport have won their opening four games and with five of their first seven fixtures scheduled for away trips, the wins mean even more to the reigning premiers. After Round 8 Southport will have a run of five straight home games, opening the door for them to cement their place at the top of the ladder going into the back end of the season.
“It’s been a really tough first few weeks and we knew that was going to be a challenge,” Daniel said.
“If we are lucky enough to get over the Northern Territory, we will be 5-0 going into another away game and that’s a fantastic start to the year.”