Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill got their premiership defence off to a winning start with a seven-point victory at home against Morphett Vale during round one action in the Southern Football League (SFL) on Saturday. The reigning premier started well to lead by 16 points at quarter time, and after a tight second term, the Falcons led 7.5 (47) to 5.2 (32) at the main break. It was the third quarter that proved the difference between the teams as Flagstaff Hill kicked 5.5 to 2.1 to turn for home with a handy 37-point lead. Morphett Vale wouldn’t lie down as they finished the game off well by kicking 6.2 to 1.2 in the final term but it was not enough as ‘Flaggies’ won 13.12 (90) to 13.5 (83). Daniel Butcher (4), Anthony Karner (3), Samuel Smith (2) and Ryan Mountford (2) were the multiple goal kickers for the Falcons while Aiden Baker (3), Daniel Noble (3) and Denis Iljcesen (2) were the leading goal kickers for the Emus. Bradley Kirk, Daniel Webb, Cooper Gilbert, Matthew Walton and Huw Channing were named in the best players for the Falcons. For Morphett Vale, Liam Corrie, Jack Langdon, Baker, Michael Smith and Scott Carpenter were their best.

2020 runners-up Noarlunga had a solid 26-point win at Christies Beach to get their 2021 campaign off to a flying start. Christies got off to an excellent start as they raced out to a 27-point lead at the first break. Noarlunga fought their way back into the contest with a four goal to one second term to only trail by eight points at the main break. The second half was all Noarlunga as they dominated the last hour of the match, kicking eight goals to three to win 12.11 (83) to 8.9 (57). Thomas Mott, Sam Carlyle, Joel Brown, Shay Connolly and Nick Robertson were best for the Shoes while Austinn Wurst kicked four goals and Reece Martell slotted three majors for the winners. Jacob Crate, Josh Semmens, Josiah Sheppard, Patrick Jolly and Bradley Truscott were best for the Saints and Keelan Boehm (3) and Josh Walker (2) were the multiple goal kickers.

Aldinga made a triumphant return to SFL ‘A’ grade ranks with a 15-point victory over the Cove Cobras at Aldinga Oval. It was a ‘game of two halves’ with Cove skipping out to a handy 25-point lead at halftime. Aldinga came roaring back into the contest with a stunning 6.6 to 0.0 third term to head for home with an improbable 17-point lead. A tight last quarter saw the Sharks win 10.10 (70) to 8.7 (55). New recruit Timmy Sumner kicked six goals for the winners while Sam Noble, Michael Balas, Brady O’Hanlon, Tyler Flintham and Jack O’Hanlon were the Sharks’ best players. Scott Grieve kicked two goals for the Cobras with Damian Roach, Grieve, Oliver Moore, Dean Hancock and Hayden Kernahan named in the best players.

Reynella started their season with a convincing 57-point victory against Port Noarlunga at Reynella Oval. Reynella started fast to lead by 39 points at quarter time and went on to win 14.10 (94) to 5.7 (37). Callan Semple kicked five majors for the Wine Flies and he was supported by Dylan Roser and Robert Irra who each kicked two goals. Irra, Kieran Powell, Roser, James Smith and Semple were named in Reynella’s best players. For Port Noarlunga, Leigh Smith, Alex McKay, Russell Curyer, Dylan Williams and Daniel Loveridge were their best.

Happy Valley had the bye.

Ladder after Round 1

Reynella 2, Noarlunga 2, Aldinga 2, Flagstaff Hill 2, Morphett Vale 0, Cove 0, Christies Beach 0, Port Noarlunga 0.

Round 2 Fixtures (Home team named first)

Christies Beach v Aldinga

Cove v Happy Valley

Noarlunga v Reynella

Port Noarlunga v Flagstaff Hill

Morphett Vale has the bye