VFL Match Report: Round 12 v Southport

16/06/2025

Photography by Archie Edelsten

Wilson and Boxshall show their class against Southport

Sandringham faced a clinical Southport outfit on Sunday afternoon, falling 6.9 (45) to 16.14 (110) in a physical and fast-paced contest at RSEA Park.

First Quarter 

Southport set the tone early, winning the opening clearance and converting a goal from a free kick to get on the board within the first minute. Their ball movement was slick, moving end-to-end to pile on four goals before we could settle into the contest.

Darcy Wilson brought fierce pressure around the contest and Bailey McKenzie showed composure in his new role in defence, but the Sharks’ long-range accuracy was proving hard to contain. A moment of class saw Hugo Garcia clear the ball out of traffic, with Patrick Said snapping a brilliant goal on the run to get us on the board.

Tensions flared with a scuffle late in the quarter, but it was Southport who held the upper hand, heading into the first break with a 29-point lead

Sandringham 1.1 (7) | Southport 5.6 (36)

Second Quarter 

We looked to gain some traction in the second term, with Wilson dazzling through traffic to lace out Max Heath on the lead, though we were unable to capitalise. Alix Tauru emerged as a defensive anchor, flying high for repeated intercept spoils and helping slow Southport’s momentum.

Inside the contest, Hugh Boxshall began to impose himself with clean hands and tough ball-winning efforts, while Billy Richardson provided a much-needed spark with a strong contested mark and goal. Despite the lift in pressure, Southport responded with two more majors late in the term to push the lead out to 38 points at half time.

Sandringham 2.2 (14) | Southport 7.10 (52)

Third Quarter 

We had our best patch early in the third. Garcia’s hard work on the forward flank was rewarded with a free kick and a 50-metre penalty, which he converted confidently from long range. Minutes later, another 50-metre penalty gifted Misilifi Faimalo a goal, trimming the margin slightly and injecting some life into the contest.

Boxshall and Garcia were relentless, lifting the physicality with repeated tackles, and Tauru again produced a huge spoil on the wing. However, Southport quickly responded, booting four straight goals to blow the margin back out and reassert control of the match.

Sandringham 4.4 (28) | Southport 11.13 (79)

Fourth Quarter – Late resistance, but Sharks finish strong

Tauru continued to dominate aerially in defence, clunking intercept marks and holding his ground under pressure. Up forward, Heath pulled in a strong mark and delivered inside 50 to Jonah Campigli, who was rewarded with a free kick and goal.

McKenzie and Arie Schoenmaker continued to link up well from the back half, showing promising chemistry and rebound, but the Sharks' forward pressure remained relentless. Southport piled on five goals in the final term, stretching the final margin to 65 points.

Heath’s final-quarter goal after a solid mark and long-range set shot was a highlight in a tough day for the Zebras.

Sandringham Zebras: 1.1  2.2  4.4  6.9   (45)

Southport Sharks:   5.6  7.10  11.13  16.14  (110)

Most disposals: Wilson (32), Boxshall (30), Schoenmaker (28), Garcia (24)

Goals: Garcia, Richardson, Campigli, Heath, Said, Faimalo

Visit the VFL website for full stats. 

The Zebs will take on Collingwood next Saturday 21st June at 2:05pm at AIA Vitality Centre.

Written by Josh Speechley - Sandringham FC Media