The Southport Sharks are into their second consecutive grand final after defeating Aspley by 30 points

Southport Sharks coach Stephen Daniel has given a big indication that his side are in the perfect position to defend their 2018 NEAFL premiership in next Sunday’s decider.

SOUHTPORT Sharks coach Stephen Daniel has given a big indication that his side are in the perfect position to defend their 2018 NEAFL premiership in next Sunday’s decider.

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It felt like 2018 all over again on Saturday as the Sharks inflicted an eerily similar dose of preliminary final dominance to defeat Aspley by 30 points and qualify for their second consecutive grand final after beating the Hornets by 37 points in last year’s final.

The Southport Sharks celebrate their win against Aspley. Picture:TJ Yelds/NEAFL.

When asked if the Sharks were now playing their best football when it mattered, Daniel was quick to point out his sides past two matches, now having convincingly defeated two finals sides by a combined margin of 110 points.

“Of course we are,” he said.

“Our last game against Sydney Uni, another finals side was outstanding and we continued that on the weekend against Aspley.

“We hold Aspley to a very high regard and I don’t think there’s much between the two teams.

“We’re excited because now we’ve got every opportunity, a 50/50 chance of winning another premiership.”

Key forward Josh Hall was dominant in the air, opening proceedings with a contested mark and goal from beyond the 50-metre arc before taking a spectacular climbing grab in the second quarter before converting his second attempt at goal.

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The home side led by 30 points at half time and emerged from the sheds at Faulkner Reserve full of confidence though three quick fire goals from Aspley early in the third stanza saw the visitors close within two goals.

“The most important thing for us is that we wanted to have a good start and win the contested ball,” Daniel said.

“We were happy with our first half but we dropped our concentration a bit in the third quarter but it was also on the back of Aspley playing some really good footy and getting within 12 points of us.

“The way we responded and kicked those few goals was really impressive.”

Mitchell Johnson celebrates during the Sharks win against Aspley Picture:TJ Yelds/NEAFL.

The Sharks will now face Brisbane in the grand final next Sunday after the Lions defeated the Swans by 50 points on Sunday afternoon.

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“They’ve been the best team in the competition all year so we’ll have our backs up against the wall but anything can happen on grand final day,” Daniel said.