Langhorne Creek defeated local rival Strathalbyn by nine points in an ANZAC Day classic during round three action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) at Langhorne Creek on Thursday. Langhorne Creek led by 21 points at halftime and appeared in a comfortable position to win their second game of the season. Strathalbyn came right back into the contest, kicking three unanswered goals in the third term, to cut the margin to just two points at the last change. Urged on by the big crowd, the home side steadied in the final quarter to win 9.11 (65) to 8.8 (56). Henry Bruce and Matt Uebergang kicked two goals each for the Hawks, while Ben Simounds kicked three goals for the Roosters. The Hawks’ Henry Bruce won the Follett-Smith Medal for his best-on-ground performance and he was ably supported by Angus Cole, Matt Dominish, Adam Towk, Jarrod Kellock and Uebergang. Strathalbyn were best served by Jake Stafford, Tay Crawford-Sandison, Thomas Welk, Joel Hodgson, Brock Keding and Marc Elliott.

Victor Harbor remained undefeated and on top of the ladder following their convincing 73-point win against Encounter Bay at ‘Victor’ today. The ‘Roos welcomed former AFL player and Magarey Medallist Bryce Gibbs in for his first game of the season and the home side led throughout to win 16.10 (106) to 5.3 (33). Victor Harbor had 11 different goalkickers with Sam Basham and Jackson Elmes kicking three goals each. Tyson Neale kicked two goals for Encounter Bay. Kane Cooper, Heath Treloar, Benjamin Heaslip, Matthew Wiese, Elmes and Harry Vincent were named best for Victor Harbor, while James Bradford, Ben Davis and Marcus Lippett were among the best players for the Bays.

Myponga-Sellicks are also undefeated after three rounds following their 88-point win against Yankalilla at Myponga today. The Mudlarks led at every change before winning 19.11 (125) to 6.5 (41). Darren Shillabeer was a star up forward for Myponga-Sellicks with 8 goals (17 for the season), while Jake Spinks kicked five goals in a best-on-ground performance. Other good players for the home side were Dylan Lang, Samuel Kennedy, Scott Ogilvie and Mitchell Wilkins. Scott Biddle (2 goals), Joseph Tyllis and Bailey Gaskin were among the Tigers’ best.

Mt Compass moved up to third spot on the ladder after a convincing 133-point win against Goolwa/Port Elliot at Goolwa today. The Bulldogs led by 21 points at quarter time, 72 points at halftime, and 102 points at the last change, before winning 28.18 (186) to 8.5 (53). Gun forward Tom Pinyon had a day out for ‘Compass' with 12 majors, while Cody Connor, Tom Vitkunas and Ziggy Vitkunas all chipped in with four goals. Dale Cuthbert (2) was the only multiple goalkicker for the Magpies. Best players for Mt Compass were Tom Vitkunas, Brandon McKenzie, Connor, Lochie Nash, Pinyon and Dylan Camac. Goolwa/Port Elliot were best served by Kai Iwao, Ryan Carnelly and Logan Payne. 

Reigning premier McLaren Districts won their first game of the season with a 38-point win in the grand final rematch at Willunga. The Eagles led by just two points at three-quarter time, before they pulled away in the last quarter, kicking eight goals to two, to win 13.8 (86) to 7.6 (48). Cameron Jarrett was the leading goalkicker on the field with three goals for McLaren Districts, while Brad Haskett kicked two goals for the Demons. Luke Mitton, Ashley Goodieson, Henry Mathews, Lachlan Mathews, Lachlan Camm and Brett Ellis were named best players for the Eagles, while Willunga were best served by Jake Shirvington, Harrison Mills, Jake Renney, Hugh Daniell, Job Colwell and Felix Bekkers. 

Ladder (after round 3)

Victor Harbor 6, Myponga-Sellicks 5, Mt Compass 4, Langhorne Creek 4, Encounter Bay 4, McLaren Districts 3, Yankalilla 2, Strathalbyn 2, Willunga 0, Goolwa/Port Elliot 0.

Round 4 fixtures (home team named first)

Encounter Bay v Mt Compass

Langhorne Creek v Yankalilla

McLaren Districts v Strathalbyn

Goolwa/Port Elliot v Victor Harbor

Myponga-Sellicks v Willunga