Shipley stars as GIANTS end Southport’s undefeated run

The GIANTS have cruised to their third win of the season with a comfortable 48-point victory over defending premier Southport at GIANTS Stadium on Sunday.

The home side – boasting 19 AFL-listed players – simply had too much firepower for the Sharks as they ran away 14.15 (99) to 8.5 (51) winners.

The Sharks got off to the perfect start when Lee Dale snapped truly at the 13-minute mark of a low-scoring opening term.

But it only kicked the GIANTS in to the gear, as they booted five consecutive goals either side of quarter-time to turn the match in their favour.

The streak was only broken when Southport veteran Haydn Kiel kicked an uplifting goal in his comeback match after two years out with injury.

On the stroke of half-time, Kieren Briggs soared for a spectacular mark as the GIANTS held on to a 24-point buffer at the main break.

Any hopes of a Southport comeback were snuffed out during the third when the GIANTS kicked five goals to two for a match-winning 46-point lead at the last change.

The GIANTS win, which also lifted them in to the top six, was built from several outstanding performances from their listed players.

Nick Shipley starred for the home side, racing to 14 disposals at quarter-time and finishing with 40, plus nine clearances. Jye Caldwell was also impressive with 32 disposals and 10 clearances.

For the Sharks, who were missing former AFL trio Matt Shaw, Ryan Davis and Tom Fields, their undefeated run this season came to an end.

Josh Williams was brilliant in defence with 34 disposals nine marks and five rebound 50s, alongside Brodie Murdoch (20 disposals, seven marks).

The GIANTS’ next challenge is against the undefeated Brisbane at Maroochydore next Saturday, whilst the Sharks will look to rebound against Redland next Sunday.

GIANTS v Southport Sharks at GIANTS Stadium

GIANTS 3.4 6.8 11.12 14.15 (99)
SOUTHPORT 1.1 3.2 5.2 8.3 (51)

GOALS – GIANTS: Z Sproule 5 M Flynn 2 I Hill 2 K Briggs 2 I Cumming J Buckley D Buckley. Southport: M Johnson 3 C Ford J Hall H Kiel T Bowie.
BEST – GIANTS: N Shipley J Caldwell Z Sproule A Bonar M Flynn J Peatling. Southport: J Williams B Murdoch L Dale S Tape T Roos. 

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