Goolwa/Port Elliot won their first game since 2023 after defeating Strathalbyn by six points during round two action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) at Goolwa yesterday. After a winless 2024, the Magpies are on the board in what is a magnificent fillip for the club. Goolwa/Port Elliot made a fast start to lead by 20 points at quarter time, before Strathalbyn hit back in the second term to trail by just one point at halftime. The second half was a tight tussle with the Magpies prevailing 14.13 (97) to 14.7 (91). Carter Norman (4), Ryan Carnelly (3), Jye Bottroff (2) and Kai Iwao (2) were the multiple goalkickers for the jubilant Magpies, while Declan Grant kicked four majors for the Roosters. Ken Angus, Bottroff, Jesse Bates, Norman, Ryan Pearce and Patrick Grigg were named best for the Magpies. Strathalbyn was best served by Thomas Welk, Jack Gilbert, Declan Gladigau, Liam Newton and Jake Stafford.

Encounter Bay won their first game of the season after defeating a gallant Yankalilla by eight points. The game was tight throughout with the Bays prevailing 12.6 (78) to 9.16 (70). Tyson Neale kicked six goals in a best-on-ground performance for Encounter Bay and he was well supported by Marcus Lippett, Hamish Tonkin, Andrew Fyfe, Callum Tonkin and Mitchell Davis. Kim Kantilla kicked three goals for the Tigers, while their best were Ryan Borlace, William Hogben, Cameron Ker, Brad Fitzgerald, Joel Kay and Ryan Fisher.

Willunga won their second game in a row to start the season after winning a thriller against Myponga-Sellicks by two points at Myponga on Saturday. The Demons trailed by eight points at halftime, before coming home strongly to triumph 11.13 (79) to 11.11 (77). Best players for Willunga included Liam Nye, Zachary Dumesny, Jake Shirvington, Jaxon Hams (3 goals), Nathan Stark and Dylan Draper (4 goals). Darren Shillabeer kicked five goals for the Mudlarks, while their best players were Mitchell Wilkins, Jacob McGarry, Scott Ogilvie, Luke Whitford and Jack O'Hanlon.

Victor Harbor remained top of the ladder after a comfortable 81-point win against Langhorne Creek. After trailing by 11 points at quarter time, ‘Victor’ kicked 26 goals to 10 to win 26.7 (163) to 12.10 (82). Harry Vincent kicked six goals for the ‘Roos, while Daniel Stock (5), Ben Heaslip (4), Michael Ross (3) and Sam Basham (3) also hit the scoreboard. Best players for Victor Harbor included Heaslip, Vincent, Jackson Elmes, Dylan Kleinig, Ryan Fletcher and Clayton Mesecke. Best players for the Hawks were Mitchell Cleggett, Henry Bruce, Jarrod Kellock (3 goals), Matt Dominish, Harry Cates and William Bruce.

McLaren Districts are also undefeated after defeating Mt Compass by 98 points. The Eagles led by 42 points at halftime, before kicking a further 11 goals to three in the second half to win 24.15 (159) to 9.7 (61). McLaren Districts had 11 different goalkickers with Connor Fitt (4), Brett Ellis (3), Cameron Jarrett (3) and Matthew Merrett (3) leading the way. Aidan Brencens (3) and Tom Pinyon (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Mt Compass. Ashley Goodieson, Ellis, Sam Lawrie, Fitt, Leon Groves and Codey Ellison were named best for the Eagles, while Peter Hoban, Lochie Nash, Klaus Simons, Brencens, Leo Turner and William Zimmermann were named best for the Bulldogs.

Ladder (after round 2)

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

Round 3 fixtures - home teams named first

Strathalbyn v Langhorne Creek

Yankalilla v Myponga-Sellicks

Encounter Bay v Victor Harbor

Mt Compass v Goolwa/Port Elliot

McLaren Districts v Willunga