Johnson’s 10 goals sink Aspley and earn a spot in Sharks history

MITCH Johnson has become the first Southport player to kick 10 goals in a VFL match, just five games into the Sharks’ admission to the competition.

The Sharks were ruthless against their arch rivals Aspley, crushing the Brisbane side by 109 points on at Graham Road on Saturday.

Aspley started well, kicking three of the first four goals, but after that, Southport was in complete control, winning 23.18 (156) to 7.5. (47).

The Hornets have shown this season that they love to get off to a fast start and this game was no different.

When the VFL’s leading goal-kicker Matt Hammelmann kicked two goals in the first 15 minutes, it looked like the Sharks were going to be up against it.

However, some settlers in the first quarter from Johnson was enough to steady the ship.

Johnson kicked three goals in the first quarter, one in the second quarter, two in the third and four in the last, in an unforgettable day out.

What is even more impressive about his performance is he started the year playing for Palm Beach Currumbin in the QAFL and earnt his spot in the team the hard way.

Sharks coach Stephen Daniel

couldn’t have been happier for Johnson.

“He had to work on a couple of things at the start of the year, which is why he played the first three games in the QAFL,” Daniel said.

“To his absolute credit, he had a great attitude; he worked on those things and has become a better player for the system we are trying to play with.

“He got that reward, which is absolutely awesome for the effort he has put in.”

Brayden Crossley was also rewarded for his excellent start to the year, kicking four goals of his own for the Sharks.

After a week off with an injury, Andrew Boston was a welcome inclusion to the Southport team, as the midfield dominated the contested ball and clearances again.

Sharks midfielders Jesse Joyce, Jacob Dawson and

Lukas Webb all continuing on their outstanding form.

Southport ........... 23.18 (156) Aspley ...................... 7.5 (47) GOALS:

Southport: M. Johnson 10, B. Crossley 4, C. Nutting 2, J. Dawson, T. Fields, R. King, B. Scheer, L. Webb, J. Williams 2. BEST:

Southport: Joyce, Johnson, Scheer, Crossley, Tape, Manteit.