Port Noarlunga warmed up for finals action with a 34-point win over Flagstaff Hill during round 18 action in the Southern Football League (SFL) at Flagstaff Hill on Saturday. Ironically these two teams will clash again, at the same venue, on Saturday in the Qualifying Final. Flagstaff Hill started well to take a handy 18-point lead at quarter-time, before Port Noarlunga hit back with eight goals to three in the second quarter to lead by 15 points at halftime. A further nine goals to five in the second half saw the Cockle Divers home 18.12 (120) to 12.14 (86). Zac Sproule (4) and Ryan Kelly (3) were the leading goalkickers for ‘Porties’, while Mason Carney (4), Nathan Beenham (3) and Blake Aldridge (2) were the multiple goalkickers for the Falcons. Best players for the Cockle Divers included Nick Steele, Kelly, Sproule, Brodie Smith, Eduard Van den berg and Richard O'Grady. Flagstaff Hill was served best by Ben Rossi, D’Arcy Mitchell, Aldridge, Beenham, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Kirk. 

Happy Valley made it 17 wins on the trot after defeating reigning premier Reynella by 62 points on Saturday. The Vikings led at every change before running out winners 15.13 (103) to 6.5 (41). Dylan Brown (4), Luke Edwards (2) and Nick Kraemer (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Happy Valley, while their best players were Harry Spacie, Brown, Darnell Tucker, Nicholas Frisby-Smith, Sam Flett and Joel Beeche. Best players for the Wine Flies included Matthew Stanford, Jake Agnew, Hudson Voigt, Bailey Marshman, James Papworth and Patrick Davies.

Christies Beach wrapped up their spot in the top-five after a convincing 114-point win over Aldinga. ‘Christies’ won every quarter on their way to a 28.10 (178) to 10.4 (64) triumph. Saints co-captain Michael Mazey slotted eight majors, while Ryder Kortman and Mackenzie Darling kicked two goals each for the Sharks. Aidan Coakley was named best player for the Saints and he was well supported by Shannon Archbold, Mackenzie Nield, Thomas Kirwan, Clayton Wise and Ryan Kelly. Aldinga’s best were Darling, Noah Mulkerin, Blake Florance, Brayden Hooper and Angus Stangewitz.

Noarlunga finished their season strongly with a third consecutive win, this time by 67 points over Ironbank Cherry Gardens. The Shoes won every quarter on their way to a 20.21 (141) to 11.8 (74) victory. Brad Inglis kicked eight goals for Noarlunga to give him 85 majors for the season, while Jacob Campbell, Jak Goudman-Glasson and Nic Warner all kicked two goals for Ironbank Cherry Gardens. Luke Ross was named best-on-ground for the Shoes and he got good support from Jarrad Liebelt, Brad Inglis, Callan Hart, Jamison Snelling and Nick Mott. Best for the Thunderers included Levi Grigg, Campbell, Ben De Kievit, Jake Pokoina, Seth Powell and Ben Marsh.

Cove won their sixth game of 2025 after defeating Morphett Vale by 59 points. The Cobras led by 26 points at halftime, before kicking a further nine goals to five in the second half to win 17.21 (123) to 10.4 (64). Thomas Simpson (4) and Rourke Turner (3) were the leading goalkickers for the Cobras, while Josh Morris kicked three majors for the Emus. Louis Piva, Simpson, Turner, Dylan Seirch and Noah Kliems-Carlaw were named best for Cove. Meanwhile, the best players for Morphett Vale included Oleh Trus, Daniel Bode, Connor Mulloy, Robert Schindler-Taylor, Morris and skipper Connor Lock.

Ladder (after round 18)

Happy Valley 34, Port Noarlunga 32, Flagstaff Hill 28, Reynella 24, Christies Beach 18, Noarlunga 18, Cove 12, Ironbank Cherry Gardens 10, Aldinga 4, Morphett Vale 0. 

Qualifying Final (30/8/25 @ Flagstaff Hill)

Port Noarlunga v Flagstaff Hill

Elimination Final (31/8/25 @ Morphett Vale)

Reynella v Christies Beach