Morphett Vale won their first game of the season after defeating Christies Beach by a solitary point during round four action in the Southern Football League (SFL) on Saturday. In a low-scoring affair, Morphett Vale prevailed 5.10 (40) to 5.9 (39). Blake Carter kicked three goals for the Emus, while Harrison Butcher also kicked three goals for the Saints. Best players for Morphett Vale included Robert Schindler-Taylor, Connor Lock, Michael Smith, Liam Corrie, and Daniel Bode. Christies Beach was served best by Josh de Roode, Butcher, Kyle Daris, Josh Semmens, and James Conlon. 

Cove also won their first game of the season with a tight eight-point win against Aldinga at Hallett Cove. Aldinga started brightly to take a handy 19-point lead at the first break, before the Cobras got into the game in the second term to cut the margin to just five points at halftime. Aldinga still held sway at the last change with the margin still a narrow five points, before the Cobras finished strongly, kicking three goals to one in the last quarter, to win 7.11 (53) to 6.9 (45). Brady O’Hanlon from Aldinga was the only multiple goalkicker on the ground with two majors. Best players for Cove included Aaron Wordsworth, Riley Jones, Michael Galley, Corey Jackson, and Jayj Butler-Chaseling. Aldinga’s best were Tyler Stewart-England, Angus Stangewitz, Jack Langdon, Luke Watson, and Ryder Kortman. 

Flagstaff Hill maintained their unbeaten start to 2023 with a comfortable 62-point win against Happy Valley. The Falcons held sway in the first three quarters, but the margin was only 23 points at the last change, and the Vikings were still in with a 'shout' for victory. ‘Flaggies’ had other ideas as they piled on the pressure to kick eight goals to two in the final term, and win 15.13 (103) to 6.5 (41). Key recruit Sam Jacobs kicked three goals (16 for the season), as did 150-gamer Michael Shearer and Sam Smith. The Falcons were well served by David Kearsley, Reece Milsom, Josh Rosman, Ryan Mountford, and Leith Mitchell. The Vikings’ best were Josh Dwyer-Sterzl, Dwayne Ruddock, Joel Beeche, Nick Frisby-Smith, and Jack Flett.

Noarlunga also remained undefeated after a come-from-behind 29-point win against local rival Port Noarlunga. ‘Porties’ led narrowly at every change, including by four points at three quarter time, until the Shoes came rattling home with six goals to one in the final stanza to win 15.9 (99) to 10.10 (70). Tom Anderson (3), Vic Robertson (2), and Jamie Grosser (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Noarlunga, while Gerard Dutton and Ashley Baxter each kicked two goals for Port Noarlunga. The Shoes’ best were Luke Ross, Sam Beard, Nick Robertson, Hayden Case-Peach, and Bailey Hann. Best players for the Cockle Divers included Tom Redden, Jayden Close, Chris Black, Nathaniel Paredes, and Patrick Smith. 

Reynella had the bye.

Ladder after Round 4

Flagstaff Hill 8, Noarlunga 8, Happy Valley 6, Reynella 4, Port Noarlunga 2, Morphett Vale 2, Cove 2, Aldinga 0, Christies Beach 0.

Round 5 Fixtures

Morphett Vale v Port Noarlunga

Reynella v Christies Beach

Cove v Happy Valley

Aldinga v Flagstaff Hill

Noarlunga has the bye