Noarlunga pulled off one of the upsets of the season after defeating finals-bound Flagstaff Hill by three points during round 17 action in the Southern Football League (SFL) at Old Noarlunga today. Noarlunga trailed by 13 points at three-quarter time, before kicking 2.5 to 0.1 in the final term to win 7.9 (51) to 7.6 (48). Vic Robertson and Brad Inglis kicked three goals each for the Shoes, while Brad Patterson kicked two majors for the Falcons. Callum Gaspari was named best for the Shoes and he received good support from Nick Mott, Jarrad Liebelt, Aaron Killian, Sam Goldfinch and Bryce Johnstone. Best players for the Falcons included Mitchell Johnson, Ben Rossi, Mason Carney, Ben Jeffries, Casey Davies and Brayden Heyward-Ferors.

Ironbank Cherry Gardens won their fifth game of the season after a comfortable 60-point win over Morphett Vale. The Thunderers led by just one point at halftime, before kicking 14 goals to five in the second half to win 21.20 (146) to 13.8 (86). Jak Goudman-Glasson was the standout forward on the field with eight goals for Ironbank Cherry Gardens (54 for the season), while Josh Morris kicked three goals for the Emus. Kyle Schefe, Levi Grigg, Jake Pokoina, Lachlan Knight, Alec Bryars and Chase Wooley were named best players for Ironbank Cherry Gardens. Meanwhile, best players for

Morphett Vale included Daniel Bode, Jaidyn Turner-Tilbrook, Connor Mulloy, Braden Ritter, Connor Lock and Morris. 

Happy Valley wrapped up the minor premiership after a convincing 111-point win at Aldinga. The Vikings won every quarter on their way to a 19.12 (126) to 2.3 (15) victory. Nick Kraemer (5), Cooper Rogers (3), Luke Edwards (3) and Harry Davenport (3) were the leading goalkickers for Happy Valley, while their best players included Liam Hamilton, Kraemer, Edwards, Darnell Tucker, Liam O’Connor and Jayden Little. The Sharks were best served by Sam Bentley, Jacob McDonald, Mackenzie Darling, Angus Stangewitz, Zach Young and Joel Cartwright.

Reigning premiers Reynella warmed up for finals action with a comfortable 57-point win at home against Cove. Bailey Marshman kicked seven goals (87 for the season) for the Wine Flies to fire them to a 20.5 (125) to 10.8 (68) win. James Papworth was named best-on-ground for Reynella and he was well supported by Alex Lawley, Marshman, Dylan Roser, Jake Agnew and William Gregory. Ryan Need and Jayden Hall kicked three goals each for the Cobras, while their best players were Lucas Hill, Michael Galley, Samuel Kendall, Lachlan Hayes and Need. 

Port Noarlunga are also gearing up for a premiership assault after winning their seventh game in a row, this time by 36 points over Christies Beach. ‘Porties’ led at every change before winning 16.11 (107) to 10.11 (71). Zac Sproule (4) and Nick Steele (3) were the leading goalkickers for Port Noarlunga, while Zak Short kicked three goals for the Saints. Best players for the Cockle Divers included Nathaniel Paredes, Eduard Van den berg, Richard O'Grady, Steele, Rhys McKay and Ryan Kelly. Christies Beach was best served by Aidan Coakley, Nathan Sable, Joshua Semmens, Thomas Kirwan, Joshua de Roode and Shannon Archbold.

Ladder (after round 17)

Happy Valley 32, Port Noarlunga 30, Flagstaff Hill 28, Reynella 24, Christies Beach 16, Noarlunga 16, Cove 10, Ironbank Cherry Gardens 10, Aldinga 4, Morphett Vale 0. 

Round 18 fixtures - home teams named first (Saturday 23/8/25)

Happy Valley v Reynella

Flagstaff Hill v Port Noarlunga

Cove v Morphett Vale

Christies Beach v Aldinga

Ironbank Cherry Gardens v Noarlunga