Aldinga came from behind to win their first game of the season after defeating Cove by three points during round four action in the Southern Football League (SFL) at Shark Park yesterday. Cove got off to a great start to lead by 33 points at quarter time. Aldinga worked their way back into the game over the next two quarters, but the visitors still held a 20-point advantage at the last change. Urged on by their home crowd, the Sharks kicked four goals to none in the final term to win 12.6 (78) to 11.9 (75). Jayden Scott kicked seven goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Jayden Morton kicked five majors for the Cobras. Other good players for Aldinga included Sam Bentley, Luke Watson, Thomas Boreham, Josiah Sheppard and Angus Stangewitz. Best players for Cove were Kyle Stoldt, Alex Shaw, Jayj Butler-Chaseling, Morton and Alex Marra.

Port Noarlunga continued their undefeated start to the season with a convincing 107-point win against Ironbank Cherry Gardens. ‘Porties’ started the game on fire with 12 goals in the first quarter to take a 50-point lead to the first change. The Cockle Divers extended their lead to 82 points at halftime, and out to a whopping 115 points at the last change. Ironbank Cherry Gardens kicked seven goals to five in the last term as Port Noarlunga won 30.19 (199) to 14.8 (92). Gary Karpany kicked six goals for ‘Porties’ in a best-on-ground performance, while Zac Sproule and Nathaniel Paredes chipped in with five majors each. Nick Marshall and Elijah Ware were the leading goalkickers for the Thunderers with three goals each. Joining Karpany in the best players for the Cockle Divers included Paredes, Josh Johns, Jayden Green and Russell Curyer. Best players for Ironbank Cherry Gardens were Jake Pokoina, Josh Marshall, Conor Lidstone, Dion Davidson, Joshua Brown and William Bryars.

Reynella also continued their undefeated start to 2024 with a 22-point win at Christies Beach. Scores were level at halftime and an upset appeared a possibility, but the Wine Flies kicked five goals to two in the second half to win 9.11 (65) to 6.7 (43). Brad Potter was named best for Reynella with four goals, while Marc Borholm kicked three. Other good players for Reynella were Tom Schirmer, Tyler Davies, Brody Dayman, Nick Mclean and Talon Copley. Best for the Saints included Michael Mazey, Nathan Sable, Shannon Archbold, Mackenzie Nield, Jordan Hunnable-Ford and Rhys Mundy.

Flagstaff Hill consolidated their spot in the top-three with a comfortable 52-point win at Happy Valley. It was a tight and low-scoring game in the first half with just six goals kicked and the Falcons leading by 11 points. ‘Flaggies’ opened the game up in the second half as they kicked seven goals to one to win 11.12 (78) to 3.8 (26). Sam Smith was a star up forward for the Falcons with five goals and he was well supported by Brad Patterson who kicked three majors. David Kearsley, Samuel Smith, Zakaria Cavouras, Brayden Heyward-Ferors, Michael Shearer and Joshua Rosman were named best for Flagstaff Hill, while for the Vikings, Cody Cox, Scott Rademacher, Dylan Strickland, Nicholas Frisby-Smith, Jack Flett and Riley Jarmyn were their best players. 

Noarlunga won their second game of the season after defeating Morphett Vale by 16 points at Morphett Vale yesterday. The Shoes led at every change before winning 11.5 (71) to 8.7 (55). Jamie Grosser and Vic Robertson kicked four goals each for Noarlunga. Blake Carter was a standout for the Emus with five goals. Best players for the Shoes were Nick Mott, Callum Gaspari, Brayden Wait, Patrick Marshall, Samuel Goldfinch and Michael Balas. Morphett Vale were best served by Leroy Marsh, Blake Carter, Connor Lock, Connor Panozzo and Jake Dorshorst.

Ladder (after round 4)

Reynella 8, Port Noarlunga 8, Flagstaff Hill 6, Cove 4, Ironbank Cherry Gardens 4, Noarlunga 4, Christies Beach 2, Happy Valley 2, Aldinga 2, Morphett Vale 0.

Round 5 fixtures (home team named first)

Noarlunga v Cove

Happy Valley v Ironbank Cherry Gardens 

Flagstaff Hill v Reynella

Christies Beach v Aldinga

Port Noarlunga v Morphett Vale