Encounter Bay are just one win away from a Grand Final berth in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) after defeating McLaren by 42 points in the Qualifying Final at Encounter Bay on Saturday. The Bays set up their win with a six goal to one first term which saw them lead by 32 points at the first break. McLaren fought their way back into the contest during the second and third quarters to reduce the margin to a manageable 15 points at three quarter time and it was game on. Encounter Bay steadied and eventually dominated the final term to kick 5.1 to 0.4 as the Bays booked their spot in the second semi-final against Langhorne Creek, winning 13.4 (82) to 5.10 (40). Daniel Toole (3), Kyle Hayter (2) and Gary Karpany (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Encounter Bay while Stuart Green kicked two majors for McLaren. Hamish Tonkin, Wade Sweetman, Hayter, Reece Kleining and Braedon Renshaw were named in the best players for the victors while Thomas Fenoughty, Green, Brendan Gill, Joel Vandeleur and Kiefver Zohar were best for the Eagles.

Willunga’s season is still alive after a nail-biting seven point win against Mount Compass in yesterday’s Elimination Final at Mount Compass. Willunga led by two points at quarter time and had extended their lead out to eight points by halftime. Mount Compass hit back in the third term to kick three goals to two and the margin was just a solitary point in favour of Willunga as the teams readied themselves for what would be the last quarter for one team in 2020. Mount Compass had the home ground and crowd in its favour but Willunga steadied to kick two goals to one in the final term to win 11.10 (76) to 9.15 (69). Sam Renney and Brad Haskett kicked three goals each for the Demons while Nick Mott and Ziggy Vitkunas each kicked two majors for the Bulldogs. Cameron Hutchens, Sean Beath, James Collier, Sam Tregenza and Haskett were best for Willunga. Sam Haniford, Adam Hunter and Aidan Brencens were named among Mount Compass’ best players. 

Semi-Final fixtures (2.30pm)

Langhorne Creek v Encounter Bay (2nd semi-final @ Willunga, Saturday 19 September)

McLaren v Willunga (1st semi-final @ Yankalilla, Sunday 20 September)