There was plenty of heartache for former Brisbane Lions Danny Dickfos and Luke Weller when the Zillmere Eagles lost the AFLQ grand final to Southport yesterday in a thrilling, high scoring encounter.In yet another see-sawing clash between the two evenly matched teams, the Sharks got off to a flyer to lead by 25 points at quarter-time; the Eagles leveled the match just eight minutes into the second term and led by two goals at halftime; the Sharks edged ahead again at the final change; and the game was in the balance with just six points separating the sides 22 minutes into the final term.That’s when burly Southport defender Daniel Hawkins surged out of defence and the ball went untouched by an opponent through to rover Glenn Screech deep in the forward pocket. He shrugged off his marksman and tiptoeing along the boundary at full speed, drilled the matchwinner from 25m.It was Southport’s blend of youth and experience that overcame their backs-to-the-wall situation one last time to claim their 12th AFLQ Balfours Cup premiership in the classic finale at Gold Coast Stadium, Carrara.Leading by a slender 10 points at the final change and kicking into the teeth of a three-goal wind, the Sharks found something extra in the draining sunny conditions to triumph by 12 points, 17.14 (116)-16.8 (104).It was a fitting grand final to one of the most competitive seasons on record, with the 3000-strong crowd on the edge of their seats until the final siren.Southport rover Dane Carmody won the Joe Grant Medal for best afield with a busy display, kicking three goals and springing to life when his team needed him most.Despite missing four weeks due to a hamstring strain, Dickfos was one of his side’s better players, kicking three goals and lifting his side when moved into the ruck in the second quarter.Weller also kicked three goals and presented all day, and was engaged in a highly competitive duel with youngsters Brent Renouf and Ben Merrett, son of Roger, all day.Of the four prospective draftees in action, Renouf was the standout. The regular ruckman spent virtually the first three quarters at centre-half-back on Weller, and he provided his side with plenty of drive.Eagle Daniel Dzufer was composed at half-back and did his chances no harm, while regular forward Kurt Tippett struggled to get into the play until moved onto the ball in the second term. Outstanding Zillmere forward Ben Warren had his quietest day of the season when he just couldn’t find the ball.Zilmere rover Luke Crane was the star of the day and could easily have shared the Joe Grant Medal with Carmody.He was simply explosive with his speed and used the football superbly, particularly in heavy traffic. He had an assist in at least 10 of his side’s goals and did everything in his power to get his side over the line.Carmody, a handy midfielder with WAFL power side Subiaco until last year, gave his side a lift each time they looked like being overrun.Grogan Medallist Matt Payne was also very good with 34 possessions, while former Richmond and Essendo and utility Ty Zantuck, who trialled with the Lions pre-season, booted eight goals for the losers.His body strength was too good for three opponents as he booted six goals in the first half, but was restricted to two goals after the break by Dan McEntee.Southport have now won 12 premierships from 19 grand final appearances in their 24 years in the state league competition.The Eagles have now lost two grand final deciders to the Sharks – in 2000 and 2006 – since their last flag in 1995.Scoreboard:Southport, 7.3, 9.5, 15.11, 17.14 (116)Zillmere Eagles, 3.2, 11.5, 14.7, 16.8 (104)Goals, Sharks: B McEntee 3.2; Carmody 3.0; James 2.2; Kiel 2.1; Screech 2.0; Wise 1.2, Johnson 1.1; K Tippett, D McEntee, Miller 1.0; 5 points forced. Eagles: Zantuck 8.0; Dickfos 3.1, L Weller 3.1; Crane, Payne 1.0; Wolfe, Evans, Pratt, Waters, Warren, Medvecsky 0.1.Best: Southport: James, Carmody, Renouf, Wise, Betts, Grant, Hawkins. Eagles: Crane, Payne, Zantuck, Lewison, Dickfos, L Weller, Dzufer.Final 2006 AFLQ Placings:1. Southport2. Zillmere3. Morningside4. Broadbeach5. Mt Gravatt6. Suncoast Lions7. Labrador8. Redland