Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill got their premiership defence off to the perfect start with a convincing 78-point win over Morphett Vale during round one action in the Southern Football League (SFL) at Flagstaff Hill yesterday. The Falcons won every quarter on their way to a 21.13 (139) to 9.7 (61) triumph. Sam Smith (4) and Michael Shearer (3) were the leading goalkickers for Flagstaff Hill, while their best players were Mitch Johnson, Zakaria Cavouras, Reece Milsom, D’Arcy Mitchell and Nathan Beenham. Best for Morphett Vale included Blake Carter (3 goals), Brian Gill and Aiden Baker.

Cove Cobras ‘welcomed’ Ironbank Cherry Gardens to the competition with a high-scoring 35-point win at Cherry Gardens yesterday. The hosts started well to lead by six points at the first change, before the Cobras kicked five goals to one in the second quarter to lead by 19 points at halftime. A further 11 goals to nine in the second half saw Cove win 20.14 (134) to 15.9 (99). Cove had 11 different goalkickers with Ryan Need and Lincoln Holder leading the way with three goals each. Levi Grigg and Nick Marshall kicked four goals each for Ironbank Cherry Gardens. Former Thunderer Simon Hulme, Rhys Pasut, Mitch Riddle, Jayj Butler-Chaseling and Scott Abbott were named best for the Cobras. Best for the Thunderers included Bradley Kreuger, Nick Marshall and Grigg.

2023 runner-up Noarlunga opened their season with a comfortable 41-point win at Christies Beach. Noarlunga got off to a fast start to take a 33-point lead at quarter time, before ‘Christies’ hit back in the second term to reduce the gap to 19 points at the main break. The Shoes kicked eight goals to four in the second half to run out winners 14.5 (89) to 7.6 (48). Jamie Grosser was the standout forward on the field with five majors for Noarlunga. Best players for the Shoes were Nick Robertson, Terry Kathopoulis, Nathan Schulz, Grosser and Nick Mott, while the Saints were best served by Emmerson White, Kyle Daris, Callum Haddon, Harry Caught and Jace Daris. 

Port Noarlunga got their season off to the perfect start with a 46-point win at Happy Valley yesterday. The Cockle Divers led at every change before winning 22.11 (143) to 15.7 (97). Zac Sproule was a star up forward for ‘Porties’ with eight goals, while Nick Steele kicked four majors. Josh Dwyer-Sterzl kicked three goals for the Vikings. Rhys McKay, Nathaniel Paredes, Tom Dix, Steele and Sproule were the best players for the winners. Among the best for Happy Valley were Dylan Strickland, Sebastian Oliver and Jack Flett.

2022 premier Reynella started the season in style with a 41-point win at home against Aldinga. The Wine Flies led by nine points at halftime, before kicking six goals to two in the second half to win 11.12 (78) to 6.1 (37). Callan Semple kicked four goals for Reynella, while new recruit Jayden Scott kicked two majors for Aldinga. Best players for the Wine Flies were Bailey Marshman, Bradley Potter, Samuel Whitbread, Dylan Roser and Tyler Davies. Best for the Sharks included Scott O'Dea, Mitchell Jarrett and Cooper Rose. 

Ladder (after round 1)

Flagstaff Hill 2, Reynella 2, Noarlunga 2, Port Noarlunga 2, Cove 2, Ironbank Cherry Gardens 0, Happy Valley 0, Christies Beach 0, Aldinga 0 , Morphett Vale 0.

Round 2 fixtures (home team named first)

Noarlunga v Ironbank Cherry Gardens

Cove v Christies Beach

Port Noarlunga v Flagstaff Hill

Aldinga v Happy Valley

Morphett Vale v Reynella (Sunday 21 April)