Morphett Vale won their fourth game of the season after defeating Ironbank Cherry Gardens by 28 points during round 17 action in the Southern Football League (SFL) at Ironbank on Saturday. Ironbank Cherry Gardens led by four points at halftime, before Morphett Vale poured on five unanswered goals in the third quarter to take a handy 26-point lead at the last change. An even last quarter saw the Emus win 13.10 (88) to 9.6 (60). Dylan Williams (4) and Blake Carter (3) were the leading goalkickers for Morphett Vale, while Kaea Cleary and Jayden Rea kicked two goals each for the Thunderers. Best players for Morphett Vale included Aiden Baker, Braydan Hartwig, Brian Gill, Daniel Bode, Connor Lock and Troy Sherratt. Ironbank Cherry Gardens was best served by Jake Pokoina, Tyler Quinn, Josh Marshall, Isaac Hoepfl, Levi Grigg and Zane Lewis.

Flagstaff Hill kept their minor premiership hopes alive with a comprehensive 162-point win against Aldinga. The Falcons led by 73 points at halftime, before kicking a further 13 unanswered goals in the second half to win 24.21 (165) to 0.3 (3). Michael Shearer kicked six goals in a best-on-ground display for the Falcons, while Sam Smith (5), Nathan Beenham (4), Ethan Johnson (3) and Jordan Etto (2) were the other multiple goalkickers. Joining Shearer in the best players for ‘Flaggies’ were Brad Patterson, Luke Beenham, Aiden Grayson, Mitchell Johnson and Smith. Best for Aldinga were Cooper Rose, Harrison Jarman, Tom Pilmore, Luke Watson, Zach Young and Angus Stangewitz.

Happy Valley confirmed their finals spot after defeating Cove by 108 points on Saturday. The Vikings won every quarter on their way to a 21.21 (147) to 5.9 (39) victory. Happy Valley had 11 different goalkickers with Jett Carlier (4), Harry Davenport (3) and Sebastian Oliver (3) leading the way. Ryan Need was a standout for the Cobras with four goals. Liam Hamilton, Harry Spacie, Carlier, Joel Beeche, Dylan Strickland and Billy Wilson were named best for the Vikings. Joining Need in the best players for Cove were Alex Marra, Lucas Hill, Rhys Mutch, Kyle Stoldt and Jayj Butler-Chaseling.

Reynella maintained top position with one round to go after a comfortable 82-point win against Noarlunga. The Wine Flies Led by 24 points at halftime, before kicking 10 goals to one in the second half to win 17.15 (117) to 5.5 (35). Callan Semple (5), Marc Borholm (3), Brad Thompson (2) and Dylan Roser (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Reynella, while their best players were Brad Potter, Liam Reid, Cameron Kirkland, Bailey Marshman, Sam Whitbread and Tyler Davies. The Shoes were best served by Brayden Wait, Nathanael Dudley, Callum Gaspari, Thomas Anderson, Sam Goldfinch, Jamison Snelling. 

Port Noarlunga warmed up for the finals with a come-from-behind 29-point win at Christies Beach. ‘Christies’ started well to lead by 17 points at quarter time. ‘Porties’ hit back in the second quarter to take a five-point lead at halftime and they extended their lead to eight points at the last change. The Cockle Divers closed out the game in the last term, kicking three unanswered goals, to win 12.12 (84) to 8.7 (55). Gary Karpany and Nathaniel Paredes kicked three goals each for ‘Porties’, while Zak Short also kicked three goals for the Saints. Paredes was named best player for Port Noarlunga and he was well supported by Chris Black, Kyan Smith, Joshua Johns, Brodie Smith and Ben Currie. Best players for the Saints included Bradley Truscott, Mackenzie Nield, Ryan Matthews, Emmerson White, Joshua Semmens and Thomas Paparella.

Ladder (after round 17)

Reynella 30, Flagstaff Hill 28, Port Noarlunga 28, Happy Valley 20, Christies Beach 18, Noarlunga 16, Ironbank Cherry Gardens 10, Morphett Vale 8, Aldinga 7, Cove 5.

Round 18 fixtures (home team named first)

Morphett Vale v Christies Beach

Aldinga v Ironbank Cherry Gardens

Cove v Flagstaff Hill

Noarlunga v Happy Valley

Port Noarlunga v Reynella