Strathalbyn kept their finals hopes alive after defeating Mount Compass by 15 points win during round 16 action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) yesterday. ‘Strath’ needed to dig deep in the final term as they trailed by six points at the last change. With their season on the line, the Roosters kicked four goals to one in the last quarter to win 13.6 (84) to 10.9 (69). Riley Clamp kicked five goals for the Roosters, while Tom Pinyon also kicked five majors for Mount Compass. Best players for Strathalbyn were Jacob Wright, Clamp, Ben Simounds, Marc Elliott and Austin McFarlane. Pinyon, Adam Hunter, Ziggy Vitkunas, Klaus Simons and Tom Vitkunas were best for the Bulldogs.

McLaren Eagles remained undefeated after winning by 14 points at Victor Harbor. The Eagles led at every change to win 13.9 (87) to 11.7 (73). James Grimley kicked five goals for McLaren, while Jackson Elmes also kicked five goals for Victor Harbor. Best players for the Eagles were Joel Vandeleur, Codey Ellison, Lachlan Mathews, Kaine Hopkins and Leon Groves. Elmes, Zac Dowling, Ben Yeomans, Jack Lang and Heath Treloar were among the best players for the ‘Roos.

Willunga wrapped up the double chance with a comfortable 42-point win against fellow finals aspirant Encounter Bay. The Demons won 16.6 (102) to 8.12 (60). Willunga had 11 different goalkickers with Daniel Bass leading the way with three majors. Ben Davis was a standout for the Bays with six of his team’s eight goals. Best players for Willunga included Cam Hutchens, Sam Tregenza, Darcy Scott, Danny Juckers and Craig Nelson. Ben Davis was named best for Encounter Bay and he was well supported by Marcus Lippett, Fraser Tonkin, Lachlan Williams and Aaron Gould. 

Myponga/Sellicks also secured the double chance with a huge 138-point win against Goolwa/Port Elliot at Goolwa. The Mudlarks led by 41 points at quarter time, 74 points at halftime, and 105 points at the last change, before winning 25.12 (162) to 3.6 (24). Ben Kennedy had an absolute day out for the 'Muddies' with 16 goals in a best-on-ground display. Jake Spinks (4), Thomas Carroll (3) and Ryan Kelly (2) were the other goalkickers for the Mudlarks. Trent Griffen kicked two goals for the Magpies. Joining Ben Kennedy in the best for the Mudlarks were Sam Kennedy, Spinks, Kelly and Levi Proude. Best for the Magpies included Dene McKinlay, Fred Nissen and Leo Harrison.

Langhorne Creek are still in the finals race after a percentage-boosting 154-point win against Yankalilla. The Hawks led by 78 points at the last change, before kicking 12 goals to none in the last term to win 27.18 (180) to 3.8 (26). Hawks skipper Matt Dominish kicked six goals in a best-on-ground display and he was well supported by Coby Helyar (5), Caleb Howell (5) and Jake Dominish (4). Darcy Clifford and Mitch Cleggett were other good players for the Hawks. Best players for the Tigers included Angus Weir, Jack Fitzgerald and Sam Crawford.

Ladder after Round 16

McLaren 32, Willunga 24, Myponga/Sellicks 22, Encounter Bay 18, Victor Harbor 18, Langhorne Creek 16, Strathalbyn 16, Mount Compass 10, Yankalilla 4, Goolwa/Port Elliot 0.

Round 17 Fixtures (Saturday 13 August)

McLaren v Mount Compass

Langhorne Creek v Willunga

Myponga/Sellicks v Victor Harbor

Yankalilla v Strathalbyn

Encounter Bay v Goolwa/Port Elliot