Reigning premier McLaren Districts are the only remaining undefeated side after a tight nine-point win at Langhorne Creek during round three action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) this afternoon. The game was close throughout with McLaren Districts holding a slender one-point lead at the final change. In a high-scoring last quarter, where 11 goals were kicked, the Eagles triumphed 14.14 (98) to 13.11 (89). McLaren Districts had 10 different goalkickers with Darcy Brown, Billy Chahla, Daniel Marr, and Codey Ellison all kicking two majors. Jarrod Kellock (4), Darcy Clifford (3), and Matt Tonkin (2) were the multiple goalkickers for the Hawks. Best players for the Eagles included Sam Lawrie, Brett Ellis, Marr, Stuart Green, and Luke Goodieson. Shannon Jones, Clifford, Troy Blackwell, Kellock, and Jedd Rothe were named best for Langhorne Creek. 

Victor Harbor showed they will be a force in 2023 with a comprehensive 83-point win against Strathalbyn. The ‘Roos got off to a fast start, kicking eight goals to zero in the first quarter, to lead by 48 points at quarter time. ‘Strath’ hit back in the second term with four goals to two, but they still trailed by 37 points at the long break. ‘Victor’ fired up in the third term to put the game beyond doubt with a 10-goal quarter, before winning 24.11 (155) to 10.12 (72). The ‘Roos had 10 different goalkickers with Sam Overall leading the way with five majors. He was well supported by Sam Basham and Michael Ross who kicked four goals each. Riley Clamp and Ben Simounds slotted three majors each for the Roosters. Best players for Victor Harbor were Jesse McKinnon, Ross, Overall, Heath Treloar, and Jaid Cooper. Best players for Strathalbyn included Marc Elliott, Brock Keding, Adam Clark, Lachlan Butler, and Mitch Godfrey. 

Myponga-Sellicks moved up to second spot on the GSFL ladder following their comfortable 65-point win against Goolwa/Port Elliot at Myponga. The Mudlarks led at every change before winning 15.12 (102) to 5.7 (37). Jayden Scott kicked five goals for Myponga-Sellicks, while Ben Kennedy kicked four. Lucas Hughes kicked two goals for the Magpies. Best players for the Mudlarks included Ryan Kelly, Harrison Cock, Hugh Daniell, Sam Kennedy, and Scott. Goolwa/Port Elliot were best served by Fred Nissen, James Fry, Brett Heintze, Ryan Carnelly, and Daniel Fry.

2022 runners-up Willunga won their second game of the season with a 36-point win at home against Encounter Bay. The win was set up by a good first half from the Demons which saw them lead by 34 points at halftime. It was an even contest in the second half, with each side kicking three goals, before Willunga prevailed 10.16 (76) to 5.10 (40). Daniel Lee, Danny Juckers, Lachlan Scott, Sam Tregenza, and Tom Messenger were named best players for the Demons, while Connor Hills, Mason Middleton, Cohen Pettitt, Jack Crispin, and Callum Tonkin were best for the Bays. Braden Altus, Sam Renney, Ryan Sherry, and Lee kicked two goals each for the Demons, while Crispin kicked two goals for Encounter Bay. 

Mount Compass also won their second game of the season with a 74-point victory at Yankalilla. The Bulldogs were irrepressible in the first three quarters as they led by 76 points at the final change. ‘Yank’ won the final quarter but ultimately Mount Compass claimed a 16.5 (101) to 3.9 (27) victory. Tom Pinyon continued his good season for the Bulldogs with six goals (13 for the season), while Zak Hill and Jordan Hooper kicked three goals each. Gaetan Gerber was the only multiple goalkicker for the Tigers with two goals. Best players for ‘Compass’ were Shane Heatley, Adam Hunter, Cody Connor, Pinyon, and Lochie Nash. Yankalilla’s best players included Joe Tyllis, James Hargreaves, Sam Crawford, Angus Weir, and Adam Hunt.

Ladder after Round 3

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

Round 4 Fixtures

Goolwa/Port Elliot v Encounter Bay

Yankalilla v Langhorne Creek

McLaren Districts v Strathalbyn

Mount Compass v Willunga

Myponga-Sellicks v Victor Harbor (Night match @ 6.00pm)