Langhorne Creek won their fifth game of the season, after handing Myponga-Sellicks their first loss of 2024, during round six action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) at Langhorne Creek yesterday. The Hawks trailed by 21 points at quarter time, but fought their way back into the contest to see scores level at halftime. The third term was tight with the Mudlarks taking a slender four-point lead into the last quarter. Urged on by their home crowd, Langhorne Creek kicked four goals to three in the final quarter to win 15.16 (106) to 15.9 (109). Caleb Howell kicked five goals for the Hawks, while Jarrod Kellock kicked three. Barossa Districts recruit Darren Shillabeer was a standout for the Mudlarks with 10 goals. Shillabeer has now kicked 37 goals for the season. Kellock, Howell, Matt Dominish, Henry Bruce, Darcy Paech and Adam Towk were named in the best players for Langhorne Creek. Shillabeer, Jack Cooper, Ben Kennedy, Mitchell Wilkins, Luke Whitford and Harrison Cock were best for the Mudlarks.

Victor Harbor remained undefeated and on top of the ladder following a comfortable 77-point win against Willunga. The ‘Roos led at every change to win 16.13 (109) to 5.2 (32). Sam Basham continued his excellent recent form as he kicked five goals for ‘Victor’ to give him 26 majors in the past three games, while skipper Sam Overall (4) and Bryce Gibbs (3) were the other multiple goalkickers. Jaxon Hams kicked two majors for the Demons. Best players for the ‘Roos were Reece Kleinig, Gibbs, Jesse McKinnon, Dylan Kleinig, Matthew Wiese and Benjamin Heaslip. Best for Willunga included Tom Messenger, Daniel Bass and Job Colwell.

Reigning premier McLaren Districts consolidated their spot in the top-five with a 69-point victory at Mt Compass. The Eagles led throughout to win 21.9 (135) to 10.6 (66). Cameron Jarrett kicked six goals for McLaren Districts and Matthew Merrett kicked four majors. Brandon McKenzie and Tom Pinyon each kicked three goals for the Bulldogs. The Eagles had plenty of good players including Daniel Marr, Jackson Daniels, Sam Lawrie, Jarrett, Joel Vandeleur and Patrick McMahon.Best for Mt Compass included McKenzie, Klaus Simons, Will Zimmermann, Harry Wilcock and Brent Creek.

Strathalbyn won their second game of 2024 with a convincing 128-point win against Goolwa/Port Elliot at Goolwa yesterday. The Roosters led by 53 points at halftime, before kicking a further 14 goals to three in the second half to win 25.20 (170) to 6.6 (42). Ben Simounds kicked eight goals for the Roosters (22 for the season), while Mitchell Godfrey (6), Marc Elliott (5), Jacob Wright (2) and Ashton Hoffman (2) were the other multiple goalkickers. Ken Angus was a standout for the Magpies with four goals. Other good players for Goolwa/Port Elliot included Brock Donaldson, Ryan Pearce, Dene McKinlay and Finn Hayden. Elliott was best for ‘Strath’ and he was well supported by Wright, Simounds, Godfrey, Ethan Fox and Charles Durack. 

Encounter Bay moved up to second spot on the ladder after defeating Yankalilla by 43 points at ‘Yank’ yesterday. The Bays had 25 scoring shots to seven to win 11.14 (80) to 6.1 (37). Tyler Baldock was best-on-ground for the Bays and he was well supported by Ryan Pearsons, Callum Tonkin, Jack Crispin, Marcus Lippett and Jarran Crabb. Scott Biddle was the leading goalkicker on the field with three goals for the Tigers, while their best players were Jack Fitzgerald, Bailey Gaskin, Travis Bartlett, Michael Thompson, Kohen Major and Jesse Fitzgerald.

Ladder (after round 6)

Victor Harbor 12, Encounter Bay 10, Langhorne Creek 10, Myponga-Sellicks 9, McLaren Districts 9, Mt Compass 4, Strathalbyn 4, Yankalilla 2, Willunga 0, Goolwa/Port Elliot 0.

Round 7 fixtures (home team named first)

Encounter Bay v Strathalbyn

Langhorne Creek v Mt Compass

McLaren Districts v Goolwa/Port Elliot

Myponga-Sellicks v Victor Harbor

Willunga v Yankalilla