Tasmania was unable to maintain its early control as Southport produced a decisive second-half surge to record a 53-point win at North Hobart Oval on Saturday afternoon.
In favourable conditions under sunny skies, the Devils began strongly but were gradually worn down by the Sharks’ dominance around stoppages and forward efficiency, with Southport pulling away after half-time to secure a 20.10 (130) to 11.11 (77) victory in Round 8.
Tasmania made the sharper start, capitalising on early opportunities to take control of the opening quarter.
Goals to Brandon Leary, Hugh Dixon, Harry Elmer and Kai Cameron helped the Devils build momentum and open up a 10-point lead at the first break, 5.2 (32) to 3.4 (22).
Southport responded in the second term, lifting its pressure and beginning to assert itself around stoppages.
The Sharks worked their way back into the contest through goals to Boyd Woodcock and Max Pescud, edging in front by the main break after restricting Tasmania’s scoring.
At half-time, Southport led 7.6 (48) to 6.4 (40) in a tightly contested opening half.
The game turned decisively in the third quarter.
Southport’s control around the contest translated to sustained forward entries, and the Sharks capitalised.
Goals to Zac Foot, Taine Dawson and Luke Coombes highlighted a damaging stretch that saw Southport take clear control, outscoring Tasmania for the term and extending the margin to 28 points at three-quarter time, 12.10 (82) to 8.6 (54).
Tasmania continued to compete, but the Sharks’ momentum proved difficult to halt.
Southport maintained its advantage in the final quarter, converting its opportunities and continuing to apply pressure across the ground.
Despite goals to Geordie Payne, Jed Hagan and Darcy Gardner, the Devils were unable to close the gap as the Sharks extended the margin in the closing stages.
Across the match, Tasmania remained competitive for disposals and inside-50 entries, but Southport’s dominance in the ruck and clearances proved a key factor.
The Sharks’ ability to generate repeat stoppage wins and control territory allowed them to build sustained pressure and convert effectively in the second half.
Jye Menzie was prominent for the Devils, finishing with 25 disposals and a goal, while Harry Elmer (27 disposals) and Brandon Leary (two goals) provided strong support.
Jack Callinan and Nick Williams also found plenty of the ball, while Geordie Payne and Jed Hagan contributed on the scoreboard.
For Southport, Brayden Crossley was dominant in the ruck, finishing with a significant hitout advantage and shaping the contest around stoppages.
Zac Foot produced an influential performance with three goals and strong pressure, while Max Pescud and Boyd Woodcock also hit the scoreboard consistently as the Sharks’ forward line capitalised on opportunity.
Southport’s midfield depth and forward efficiency ultimately proved decisive, overturning Tasmania’s early lead and controlling the second half to secure a convincing result on the road.
With no injuries reported by the Devils, Tasmania will reset after a challenging second half performance, while Southport’s Michael Manteit was taken to hospital with the extent of the injury yet to be confirmed.
With a challenging result absorbed and lessons taken from the contest, the Devils now turn their attention to a scheduled bye in Round 9 before facing Port Melbourne on the road in Round 10.
2026 VFL Season – Round 8
Tasmania 5.2 6.4 8.6 11.11 (77)
Southport 3.4 7.6 12.10 20.10 (130)
GOALS
Tasmania: Leary 2, Cooney 2, Menzie, Elmer, Gardner, Payne, Dixon, Hagan, Cameron
Southport: Pescud 3, Woodcock 3, Foot 3, Lake 2, Coombes 2, Cockatoo-Collins 2, T. Dawson 2, Gore, Oea, J. Dawson
BEST
Tasmania: Elmer, Menzie, Leary, Callinan
Southport: Crossley, Foot, Pescud, Woodcock
INJURIES
Tasmania: Nil
Southport: Manteit (TBC)