Sharks swim into inaugural season

THE inaugural season of the South Coast Sharks, the Surf Coast’s newest football club, is officially underway.

The Sharks, led by coach Luke Vassallo, enjoyed an 80-point win (124-44) over Maryborough at Spring Creek Reserve last weekend to get their first ever season off on the right foot.

“We certainly had a bit of fun. We had to share a few of our players with Maryborough, which made a really good game of it, and I think that reflected the good spirit in what the day was all about,” Vassallo said.

“We had a good win on the day, but it was goosebump stuff for the guys. We had a banner to run through and a minute’s silence ahead of Anzac Day, and even the pre-game chat in the changerooms before we ran out was awesome to be a part of.”

The contest marked the culmination of more than four months of work preparing for the this year’s campaign.

The Sharks also hosted its jumper presentation just days prior to the game, with Bells Beach Brewing jumping on board as a major sponsor.

The Sharks will compete in the AFL Masters Victoria Country league for this season, travelling all over the state to compete against Over-35 and Over-45 teams.

South Coast will hit the road for its Round 2 clash, taking on Melton at Melton Recreation Reserve as the team hopes to make it two wins from two games.

Vassallo says Melton has plenty of weapons and will provide a real test for the Sharks.

“We know they’re a serious side. They’ve been walloping sides for a while now, and the guys from Maryborough said it will be a real test as well,” Vassallo said.

“Our best are really looking forward to the challenge and we’ll need to be on our best game to really take it to them.”

Surf Coast residents are welcomed to attend the Sharks next home game at Bob Pettit Reserve in Jan Juc on June 16.