Gold Coast Suns and Southport Sharks prepare for 2025 Mackenzie Cup
The Southport Sharks and Gold Coast Suns are set to battle it out this weekend for the Mackenzie Cup. Check out our in-depth preview of both teams including the players to watch, biggest opposing threats and more.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of the biggest days on the Gold Coast Aussie rules calendar is here with the city’s VFL clubs set to battle it out for the Mackenzie Cup.
The Southport Sharks and Gold Coast Suns will face-off this Saturday at Fankhauser Reserve in a game not to be missed.
Bragging rights for both teams are on the line and we have revealed the key players from each side, the opposing danger players and the key to victory for each team.
Check out our preview of both sides below.
Gold Coast Suns
The Suns enter the clash with a 1-1 record following a narrow two-point loss to the Casey Demons in their opening clash before comfortably defeating the Northern Bullants by 125 points a week later.
Gold Coast midfielder Ben Jepson will make his return to Fankhauser Reserve for the first time since joining the Suns after he played for the Sharks in their run to the VFL grand final last year.
“I’m still good mates with a lot of the boys so there’ll be a bit of stick and some banter out there,” he said.
“I won’t be mates with them for a couple of hours but I’ll definitely be mates with them afterwards.
“It’s weird playing with them for a whole year and playing on this ground so many times, but a little bit more motivation this week but it’s going to be good fun.”
Key to victory
It will depend on the day exactly and what we’ve got in terms of playing and their playing style,” Jepson said.
“I think just managing their strengths and trying to bring our strengths to the table as best we can and I think we’ll hopefully get on top.”
Players to watch
“We’ve had a few AFL boys who have been playing quite well, Ned Moyle in the ruck has been quite impressive and then led by our captain James Tsitas, he’s been really good showing the way for the younger boys,” Jepson said.
“Up forward, Alex Sextonlikes to get on the end of a few as well which is exciting.”
Southport danger players
“They’re obviously a really established side coming here from last year I obviously know quite a bit about them,” Jepson said.
“Obviously the big three, Brayden Crossley, (Boyd) Woodcock and (Jacob) Dawson, if we can limit their impact as much as we can but not worry about them too much as well, hopefully we can be all right.”
Southport Sharks
The Sharks are the team to beat in the VFL, as they sit on top of the ladder with three wins from three games with last year’s runners-up rarely putting a foot wrong throughout the opening month of the season.
Southport star Hugh Dixon revealed his excitement ahead of this Saturday’s contest.
“(I am) very keen for it, the Doc Mackenzie Cup is a big game on the calendar for us, assume it’s the same for the Suns as well, a big game for both clubs,” he said.
“It’s one that you want to win, we have it circled in our calendar every season, it’s our cross-town rivals in Gold Coast as well and we always like to get a win over them.
“We have quite a few ex-Suns players with us as well so it means a fair bit to them and also the footy club with the effect that Doc Mackenzie had on both footy teams.”
Dixon was just as eager to face his former teammate Jepson.
“(I am) keen to get one over him early,” he said.
“We’re all extremely happy and proud to see him playing for the Suns and the position that he’s got himself in, there’s no one more deserving I think.
“As a footy club we’re keen to get people drafted so it’s good to see but would be nice to get a win over him.”
Key to victory
“I think Gold Coast look like they are a pretty good contest side, they work the ball out with hands, they’re quick, like most AFL sides are that we come up against in the VFL,” Dixon said.
“I think the big thing for us is first of all just our defence.”
Players to watch
“You look into our midfield straight away ‘Goobs’ – Brayden Crossley, obviously as our ruckman he offers us a lot of looks from the midfield which obviously helps us so much as a team,” Dixon said.
“Jacob Dawson’s having a stellar start to the year and I imagine he’ll continue his good form. “Then we’ve got Zac Footas well he’s playing his 50th (game) on the weekend.
“He’s a really good bloke and I was lucky enough to live with him for a year and I’m lucky to call him a good mate of mine.
“He’s a fantastic leader of the club, an extremely good footballer and he’s had a stellar start to this season so hopefully he keeps it rolling.”
Suns danger players
“You look at (Ned) Moyle in the ruck, I think that will be a good contest with him and Brayden Crossley, they have some really tall timber all across the ground,” Dixon said.
“We got (Ben) Jepson obviously we will be keeping an eye on the wing there.
“Like I said any AFL side you come up with they’re gonna be a classy outfit.
“It will be a team effort and just try and shut down all 23 (players).”
More Coverage
Originally published as Gold Coast Suns and Southport Sharks prepare for 2025 Mackenzie Cup
Former NBA player to coach on the Gold Coast
A former NBA player has taken over as coach of a top Gold Coast side. He reveals his excitement ahead of the new season and the players to watch from his side.
Meninga Cup semi-final preview: Kingmakers, team lists named
Which players are predicted to swing the Meninga Cup sudden death semi-finals matches? The capable kingmakers from Souths Logan, Mackay, Burleigh and Norths are named here ahead of Saturday’s clashes on the Peninsula.