Encounter Bay warmed up for finals action with a thrilling two-point win over McLaren Districts during round 18 action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) at McLaren Vale yesterday. The Bays were in command for most of the match as they took a 36-point lead into the last quarter. McLaren Districts roared back into the contest with six unanswered goals in the last term, however the Bays held on to win 13.9 (87) to 13.7 (85). Tyson Neale kicked five goals for Encounter Bay, while Matthew Merrett kicked four goals for the Eagles. Best players for Encounter Bay included Jackson Savage, Callum Tonkin, Ambrose Willoughby, Tate Walker, James Brown and Bailey Coleman-Oakes. Meanwhile, best for McLaren Districts were Jackson Daniels, Brett Ellis, Codey Ellison, Merrett, Brodie Long and Jamie Smith.

Langhorne Creek notched their seventh win of the season after defeating Goolwa/Port Elliot by 52 points at Goolwa. Jarrod Kellock kicked six goals for Langhorne Creek as they won 19.18 (132) to 11.14 (80). Henry Bruce was named best for the Hawks and he was well supported by Darcy Clifford, Caleb Howell, Jake Yard, Liam Stirling and Kellock. Best players for the Magpies included Carter Norman (4 goals), Riley Davis, Jett Reid (3 goals), Jye Bottroff, Jayden Davis and Dene McKinlay.

Willunga won their 15th game on the trot after a convincing 117-point win at Strathalbyn. The Demons finished with the minor premiership and a 17-1 win-loss record and earned a week off before playing in the second semi-final on 6 September. Yesterday, Willunga led by 34 points at halftime, before kicking 14 goals to two in the second half to win 21.24 (150) to 4.9 (33). Daniel Nobes was the standout forward on the ground with 10 goals for the Demons, giving him 65 majors for the season. Jack Gilbert kicked two goals for the Roosters. Best players for Willunga were Zac Dumesny, Liam Nye, Nobes, Jaxon Hams, Jake Renney and Harry Saunders.

Yankalilla finished their season in style with a high-scoring 36-point win against Mt Compass. Karlson Kantilla kicked seven goals for the Tigers as they won 21.12 (138) to 15.12 (102), while Tom Pinyon slotted five majors for the Bulldogs. Best players for Yankalilla included Joe Tyllis, Mackenzie Ryan, Karlson Kantilla, Lachlan Whittlesea, Jack Fitzgerald and Michael Thompson. Mt Compass was served best by Nathan Hicks, Nathan Schulz, Adam Hunter, Braxton Watson, Hunter Bailey-Hill and Darcy Boots.

Victor Harbor defeated Myponga-Sellicks by nine points in the grand final rematch yesterday. ‘Victor’ led at every change before winning 16.12 (108) to 15.9 (99). Vice-Captain Jackson Elmes kicked five goals in a best-on-ground performance for the ‘Roos. He was well supported by Ben Heaslip, Jaidan Kappler, Harry Vincent, Heath Treloar and Michael Ross. Jayden Scott and Darren Shillabeer kicked four goals each for the Mudlarks, while their best players were Hayden Sampson, Jake Spinks, Liam Partridge, Scott, Connor Sampson and Anthony Kempster.

Ladder (after round 18)

Willunga 34, Victor Harbor 30, McLaren Districts 28, Encounter Bay 24, Myponga-Sellicks 18, Langhorne Creek 14, Mt Compass 12, Yankalilla 12, Strathalbyn 6, Goolwa/Port Elliot 2.

Qualifying Final (30/8/25 @ Yankalilla)

Victor Harbor v McLaren Districts

Elimination Final (31/8/25 @ Encounter Bay)

Encounter Bay v Myponga-Sellicks