Happy Valley confirmed their spot in the 2022 finals series after a thrilling three-point win against Morphett Vale during round 17 action in the Southern Football League (SFL) today. In what was a likely elimination final preview, Happy Valley came from 10 points down at three quarter time to win 11.7 (73) to 11.4 (70). Ben Geytenbeek (4), Dwayne Ruddock (3) and Jayden Little (2) were the multiple goalkickers for the Vikings, while Dylan Williams was a standout for Morphett Vale with six goals. Nick Frisby-Smith, Johnny Pegoraro, Liam O’Connor, Hayden Kari, Kieren Bartlett and Lachlan Hamilton were named best for the Vikings. Best players for Morphett Vale included Williams, Daniel Bode, Robert Schindler-Taylor, Braydan Hartwig and Anthony Biemans. 

Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill wrapped up a top-three spot with a convincing 142-point win against Port Noarlunga. ‘Porties’ have the bye next week meaning they’ll finish 2022 without a victory in ‘A’ grade ranks. The Falcons led by 58 points at halftime before kicking a further 13 goals to zero in the second half to win 22.20 (152) to 1.4 (10). Samuel Smith (5), Brad Patterson (4), Ryan Mountford (3) and Daniel Butcher (3) were the leading goalkickers for ‘Flaggies’, while Sam Roberts kicked the only goal for the Cockle Divers. Best players for Flagstaff Hill included Patterson, Michael Shearer, Mackenzie Short, Tynan Carney and Smith. Best players for Port Noarlunga included Jayden Close, Jordan Zeitz and Clint Calyun. 

Reynella won their 13th game of the season with a comfortable 80-point win against Aldinga at Shark Park. Aldinga started well to lead by 17 points at quarter time, and still led by nine points at halftime with an upset looking a distinct possibility. Reynella were having none of it as they came out firing after the long break to kick five goals to zero and take a handy 21-point lead into the last quarter. The final term was all Reynella as they slammed on 10 goals to one to win 19.15 (129) to 7.7 (49). Playing his first game in five weeks, Marc Borholm slotted seven majors and he was ably supported by Callan Semple who kicked five goals. Sam Noble (3) and James Bailey (2) were the multiple goalkickers for the Sharks. Best players for Reynella included Sam Whitbread, Daniel Whitaker, Cameron McGree, Borholm and Brodie Visser. Best for Aldinga were Luke Watson, Bailey Pilmore, Angus Stangewitz, Mitchell Jarrett and Scott O’Dea. 

Noarlunga wrapped up the double chance and booked a date with Flagstaff Hill in the qualifying final, following their comfortable 60-point win against Cove. The first half at Old Noarlunga was a tight one with the Shoes leading by just nine points at halftime. The home side completely took over in the second half, kicking 12 goals to three, to win 19.6 (120) to 8.12 (60). Reece Martell was named best for Noarlunga and he was well supported by Daniel Buechter, Vic Robertson, Josh Beard, Sammual Miller and Jake Birch. Best players for the Cobras were Damian Roach, Chris Buersch, Jayden Morton, Harrison Riddle and Alex Marra. Robertson was the leading goalkicker on the field with six goals for the Shoes to give him 44 majors for the season. Thomas Anderson chimed in with four majors for the Shoes, while Morton kicked three goals for Cove. 

Christies Beach had the bye.

Ladder after Round 17

Reynella 26, Noarlunga 22, Flagstaff Hill 22, Happy Valley 18, Morphett Vale 16, Christies Beach 14, Cove 12, Aldinga 6, Port Noarlunga 0.

Round 18 (Saturday 20 August)

Reynella v Noarlunga

Flagstaff Hill v Cove

Morphett Vale v Aldinga

Christies Beach v Happy Valley

Port Noarlunga has the bye