Sport
9 May, 2026
The Sharp show ignites one mean comeback
BRIDGEWATER coach Lachie Sharp’s 11-goal haul proved the difference between the Mean Machine and Bears Lagoon Serpentine on Saturday.
BRIDGEWATER coach Lachie Sharp’s 11-goal haul proved the difference between the Mean Machine and Bears Lagoon Serpentine on Saturday.
A champion goalkicker at one end again highlighted the absence of Josh Mellington at the other, with the Bears struggling to hit the scoreboard.
Serp led by nine points at half-time and an upset was brewing, but led by Sharp’s one-man band, Bridgewater piled on 11 goals to two in the second half.
Sharp said his team “couldn’t really get our hands on the footy” in the first half, but some positional changes at the main break saw a massive turnaround.
Bridgewater was missing forward Oscar McKinley, who did not travel from the Gold Coast for the Bears clash, and his brother and captain Harry, who wrecked his knee in round three and will miss the rest of the season.
The skipper ruptured his ACL, PCL and meniscus, and his drive and leadership in the middle will be missed.
“He’s the heart and soul of the club,” Sharp said, and he would be part of the bench team for the remainder of the year after asking how he could help out.
Midfielder Pat Murphy stepped up in Harry McKinley’s absence to continue his impressive debut season with the Mean Machine, while reliable defenders Jack Symons and Jack Merrin were resolute in a strong and settled back six.
Oscar McKinley and fellow Queensland fly-in player Mitch Patten will be back for the huge clash with Marong this week.
Serp got a good return from half-forward Russell Clark, who kicked three goals, while Charlie Gadsden and ruckman Nathan Twigg were dominant at times in the midfield.
The Bears are at home to Maiden Gully on Saturday, looking for their second win of the season.
- GARY WALSH
Read More: Bridgewater