Encounter Bay grabbed the double chance after a thrilling five-point win over Myponga-Sellicks during round 18 action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) at Myponga today. The game was tight throughout with Encounter Bay kicking six goals to three in the final quarter to triumph 12.8 (80) to 11.9 (75). Tyson Neale, after injuring his calf, moved forward and kicked five goals for the Bays, while skipper Tyler Baldock kicked three majors. Jake Spinks kicked four goals for the Mudlarks. Callum Tonkin, Neale, Cohen Pettitt, Elijah Horrocks, Baldock and Hamish Tonkin were named best players for Encounter Bay, while for the Mudlarks, Sam Kennedy, Ben Kennedy, John Butcher, Jake Spinks, James Hutchinson and Anthony Kempster were their best. 

Victor Harbor tuned up for finals action with a big 170-point win over Yankalilla this afternoon. Sam Basham was best-on-ground for the ‘Roos, kicking 16 goals to finish with 101 majors for 2024. ‘Victor’ led throughout to win 31.15 (201) to 5.1 (31). Joining Basham in the best for the ‘Roos were Jesse McKinnon, Bryce Gibbs, Ben Heaslip, Harry Vincent and Zac Dowling. Yankalilla was best served by James Hay, Chris Clark, Liam Gerber, Joel Kay, Brad Fitzgerald and Tyler Athanasos.

Willunga finished their season in style with a comprehensive 164-point win against Goolwa/Port Elliot. The Demons led by 69 points at halftime, before kicking another 18 goals to two in the second half to win 32.11 (203) to 5.9 (39). The Demons had 13 different goalkickers including Dylan Draper (7), Sean Beath (5) and Ryan Sherry (5). Draper, Sam Tregenza, Braden Altus, Cameron Hutchens, Beath and Cameron McDonald were best for Willunga, while Ken Angus, Logan Payne, James Fry, Fred Nissen, Dene McKinlay and Kai Iwao were named best players for the Magpies.

Mt Compass won their seventh game of the season with a comfortable 56-point victory at Strathalbyn. Tom Pinyon kicked nine goals for ‘Compass’ on their way to a 20.7 (127) to 10.11 (71) victory. Ben Simounds kicked four goals for Strathalbyn to give him 63 goals for 2024. Best players for Mt Compass included Brent Creek, Pinyon, Lochie Nash, Klaus Simons, Adam Hunter and Cody Connor. The Roosters were best served by Brock Keding, Marc Elliott, Simounds, Joel Hodgson, Zac Edwards and Jai Sanders.

Reigning premier McLaren Districts warmed up for a tilt at a third successive flag with a 119-point win at home against Langhorne Creek. The Eagles had 13 different goalkickers with Cameron Jarrett (8) and Matthew Merrett (6) leading the way. Jackson Dalitz, Caleb Howell and Heath McDougall kicked two goals each for the Hawks. Best players for the Eagles included Merrett, Tom Fenoughty, Sam Lawrie, Luke Mitton, Daniel Marr and Ashley Goodieson.

Ladder (after round 18)

Victor Harbor 32, McLaren Districts 29, Encounter Bay 28, Myponga-Sellicks 27, Langhorne Creek 18, Willunga 14, Mt Compass 14, Strathalbyn 12, Yankalilla 6, Goolwa/Port Elliot 0.

Qualifying Final

McLaren Districts v Encounter Bay (Saturday 31/8/24 - @ Langhorne Creek)

Elimination Final

Myponga-Sellicks v Langhorne Creek (Sunday 1/9/24 - @ Victor Harbor)