Sharks take giant scalp in SFL Community League blockbuster as finals approach

Dodges Ferry have sent a statement across the SFL Community League competition with a big win over a premiership contender as they’ve jumped into the top two with finals just a month out.

Dodges Ferry have sent a statement to the SFL Community League competition that the Sharks are coming after a strong win against premiership contender Huonville Lions at Shark Park.

The Sharks piled on eight goals in the third quarter as they ran over the top of the Lions to claim an 18.8 (116) to 14.8 (92).

It felt like two different teams in the two halves as the Lions were in control of the game in the first half, causing turnovers and plenty of mistakes for the Sharks.

Sharks coach Jesse Tegg said he challenged his side at half time.

“We were tense and I just said to the boys that they didn’t need to be tense, just play our game,” Tegg said.

“That was what we did after half time and it was amazing to see how different we play when we play with the freedom.

SFL Community League – Dodges Ferry's Brad Joseph during the clash against Huonville Lions at Shark Park. Picture: Jake Garland

“They are a classy outfit Huonville, we knew they were going to be tough to beat but credit to our boys who understood that, yes the occasion might have gotten to them in the first half but the second half is how we want to play footy.

“That was our best quarter of footy and probably our best second half of footy we have played all season.”

The win leapfrogs the Sharks into second spot, knocking the Lions down to third.

For the Lions, they have now lost two games in a row against top four sides in the Sharks and Lindisfarne before the bye.

SFL Community League – Dodges Ferry forward Connor McGee kicks a goal in the final quarter against Huonville Lions at Shark Park. Picture: Jake Garland

Sharks’ Brad Joseph was dominant booting a game high six goals for the home side while Michael Paul booted four goals for the Lions.

It was the fast running of the Sharks which changed the game in the second half which could be the blue print to how to knock off the Lions.

“We pride ourselves on the running and handball game rather than just bombing long and that opens up the game,” Tegg said.

“When we played them (Huonville) down there they sort of bullied us around the contest and we just weren’t able to play our game.

“But it is something we really have worked on and we want to continue to play that style of footy going forward.”

Around the grounds, Hobart’s Jye Graham led the Tigers to a 39-point win over Claremont thanks to a six goal game as the Magpies still chase their first win of the season.

Sorell held on to claim a 13-point win over New Norfolk to lock out the finals race.

While Cygnet remain undefeated after coming from behind to defeat major rivals Lindisfarne who sit fourth.