Aldinga won their first game of 2023 with a thrilling four-point win at Morphett Vale during round seven action in the Southern Football League (SFL) yesterday. Morphett Vale started well to lead by 15 points at halftime, and they were looking good for their second win of the season. The Sharks had other ideas as they kicked four goals in the third term to reduce the margin to a solitary point at the last change. The last quarter was a real arm wrestle with Aldinga kicking the only goal to win 8.9 (57) to 7.11 (53). Sam Bentley was named best for Aldinga and he was well supported by Mitchell Jarrett, Brady O’Hanlon, Jack Langdon and Matthew Beinke. The Emus’ best were Blake Carter, Jack Dal Santo, Max Sampson, Harry Clarkson and Scott Carpenter.

Noarlunga continued their unbeaten start to 2023 with a 21-point home win against Happy Valley. The Shoes led at every change as they triumphed 13.8 (86) to 9.11 (65). Luke Ross was the leading goalkicker on the ground for the Shoes with five majors, while Vic Robertson slotted three goals. Jack Flett also kicked three goals for Happy Valley. Nathan Schulz, Bailey Hann, Ross, Jake Anderson and Jamison Snelling were named best players for the Shoes. For the Vikings, Harry Vick, Tate Coleman, Flett, Tain Smelt and Jayden Little were their best players.

Reigning premier Reynella consolidated their spot in the top-three with a comfortable 41-point win against Cove. The Cobras started well to take an eight-point lead at quarter time. The Wine Flies hit back in the second stanza as they kicked four goals to zero to lead by 20 points at the long break. The third quarter saw both sides attack with six goals each as Reynella turned for home with a 21-point advantage. The Wine Flies finished strong, kicking five goals to two in the last quarter, to win 18.18 (126) to 13.7 (85). Callan Semple (4), Marc Borholm (3), Daniel Harris (3) and Sam Whitbread (3) were the multiple goalkickers for Reynella, while Scott Grieve and Ryan Need each kicked three goals for the Cobras. Semple, Whitbread, Borholm, Joel Stone and Tyler Davies were the best players for Reynella. Corey Jackson, Lincoln Holder, Michael Galley, Riley Jones and Need were best for Cove.

Port Noarlunga won their fourth game for the season after defeating Christies Beach by 25 points at Bice Oval. ‘Christies’ led by 17 points at quarter time and were still in front by seven points at halftime. ‘Porties’ responded well with eight goals to three in the second half to win 13.11 (89) to 10.4 (64). Oliver Petrohilos was the leading goalkicker on the field with five goals for the Cockle Divers, while James Conlon and Rhys Mundy kicked three goals each for the Saints. Best players for Port Noarlunga were Liam Lusty, Nathaniel Paredes, Riley Lavery, Aaron Peterson and Declan Henty-Smith. The Saints’ best included Josh de Roode, Mundy, Matt Hodge, Conlon and Nathan Sable. 

Flagstaff Hill had the bye.

Ladder after Round 7

Flagstaff Hill 12, Noarlunga 12, Reynella 10, Port Noarlunga 8, Happy Valley 6, Cove 4, Morphett Vale 2, Aldinga 2, Christies Beach 0.

Round 8 Fixtures

Flagstaff Hill v Port Noarlunga

Reynella v Noarlunga 

Morphett Vale v Cove

Christies Beach v Aldinga

Happy Valley has the bye