SOUTHPORT WALK A TIGHTROPE TO FINALS
SOUTHPORT Sharks football manager Jarrod Field says the club’s destiny remains in their own hands as they battle for a top-two finish in the NEAFL.
Four teams are now within a win of leaders Canberra after Southport’s 11.13 (79) to 9.11 (65) loss Sydney Uni at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.
The Sharks bounced back following a disappointing effort against Aspley a week earlier but despite leading at each break, they conceded 28 points in the final quarter to fall short of what would have been a critical win.
Victory would have lifted the club back to first but the Sharks now hold third on percentage behind Canberra and Sydney.
With the trio having byes this week, Southport could shift to fourth if Sydney University win.
Southport will return after the bye to play Canberra, Aspley, Northern Territory and Darwin.
“We have a solid month of footy and our destiny is in our own hands,” Field said.
The Gold Coast Suns have moved into sixth following their third straight win.
Gold Coast fielded nine AFLlisted players after the late withdrawals of Pearce Hanley and Ben Ainsworth to illness for their 11.10 (76) to 8.5 (53) win over a Sydney team with 11 AFL listed at the SCG on Saturday.
Michael Barlow (50 disposals, seven tackles), Brayden Fiorini (42 disposals, two goals, 13 tackles) and Jacob Dawson (42 disposals) were among the best while key defender Jack Leslie was a pillar down back for the Gold Coast..