Werribee put in a commendable showing against Southport on Saturday, but the Sharks proved too strong, claiming a 13-point victory.

In Werribee’s final home game of the season, a five-goal-to-none third quarter from the visitors proved decisive, with Southport securing a 12.8.80 to 9.13.67 win to stay third on the ladder with one round remaining.

Jack Riding continued his strong run of form, following back-to-back 30-disposal games, with an impressive 27 touches and six tackles through the midfield.

Mace Cousins backed up his Player of the Match performance in Round 18 against Richmond with another strong defensive display, while Jaelen Pavlidis impressed in his first game back from concussion since his 50th against Casey.

Jay Dahlhaus was lively up forward with three goals, Dom Brew filled the stats sheet with 23 disposals, 13 tackles and nine clearances, and Bior Malual was influential in his 100th game.

Cooper Whyte set the tone early, winning a free kick for a strong tackle inside 50 and converting for the opening goal of the day. Southport replied with two quick majors, but three consecutive goals, one to Wil Kliszewski and a pair to Dahlhaus, gave Werribee a two-goal lead at quarter time.

Southport came out firing in the second term with five unanswered goals, before Werribee fought back late to reduce the margin to just three points at the main break. Hudson Garoni then marked a snap from debutant Hugo Mikunda in the goal square and converted to extend his remarkable streak to 38 consecutive games with a goal. Moments before half-time, Dahlhaus broke inside 50 and slotted his third of the match.

The third quarter belonged to Southport, who capitalised on Werribee’s missed chances to kick five straight goals and take a 33-point buffer into the final change.

Brady Wright gave Werribee the perfect start to the last quarter with a goal inside the first minute, and Jake Smith followed up with one on the run. Harry Miller then nailed a tough set shot from the boundary to bring the margin back to 15 points midway through the term, but four missed opportunities proved costly as Southport held on for a 13-point win in Werribee’s penultimate game of the 2025 season.

Werribee’s final outing for the year comes this Saturday, August 16, with a trip to Preston to face the Northern Bullants in Round 21.

ROUND 20 PHOTO GALLERY - Click here

FINAL SCORES:
Werribee: 4.1 6.5 6.8 9.13 (67)
Southport: 2.1 7.2 12.5 12.8 (80)

GOAL SCORERS:
Werribee: J. Dahlhaus (3), H. Garoni, W. Kliszewski, H. Miller, J. Smith, C. Whyte, B. Wright
Southport: W. Buzza (2), Z. Foot (2), J. Gore (2), R. Bowan, J. Kennedy, M. Khoo, C. Lake, M. Pescud, B. Woodcock

BEST PLAYERS:
Werribee: Jack Riding, Mace Cousins, Jaelen Pavlidis, Jay Dahlhaus, Dominic Brew, Bior Malual
Southport: Zac Foot, Jacob Dawson, Michael Manteit, Wylie Buzza, Nick Williams, Max Spencer