Clayton in NEAFL mix

SOUTHPORT Sharks’ Josh Clayton has moved to within two of NEAFL Most Valuable Player leader Matthew Payne after a standout performance against Brisbane.

Clayton polled five votes for his contribution in Southport’s 7.18 (60) to 8.10 (58) win over the premiers on Saturday at Fankhauser Reserve.

The 22-year-old was among the Sharks’ best against his former club. Clayton played two AFL games for Brisbane who delisted him at the end of last year after three seasons.

The son of former Suns AFL list manager Scott is now equal second with Canberra’s Mitch Maguire, who didn’t poll a vote against Sydney University.