Willunga claimed the minor premiership with a come-from-behind eight-point win against reigning premier Langhorne Creek during round 18 action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) at Willunga Oval yesterday. Langhorne Creek started well to lead by 12 points at quarter time and they extended the margin out to a handy 25 points by halftime. Things were looking good for the Hawks to take the minor premiership and get the week off, but Willunga had other ideas. Urged on by the home crowd, the Demons stormed back into the contest during the third term as they kicked five goals to two to turn for home just four points in arrears. A further three goals to one in the final term saw Willunga triumph 11.9 (75) to 10.7 (67). Jake Standfield rolled back the clock as he slotted five majors for the Demons, while Job Colwell kicked two goals. Caleb Howell was a standout up forward for the Hawks with five goals, while Lachlan McGregor kicked three. Best players for Willunga were Colwell, Marcus Burdett, Standfield, Cameron McDonald and Nicholas Scanlan. Langhorne Creek was best served by Howell, Matt Dominish, Jarrod Kellock, Tom Derham and Ben Arbon.

Mount Compass tuned up for their finals assault with a comprehensive 75-point away win at Yankalilla. The Bulldogs led by 34 points at quarter time, 49 points at halftime and 88 points at the last change before winning 21.13 (139) to 9.10 (64). The Mount Compass forwards had a field day with Lewis Johnston (8), Tom Pinyon (6) and Jordan Boots (5) leading the way. Pinyon finished the minor round with a league-leading 82 goals. Denver Ker kicked four goals for Yankailla. Corey Grove was named best for Mount Compass and he was ably supported by Johnston, the ever consistent Matthew Skrypek, Tomas Vitkunas and Brandon McKenzie. Chris Clark, Murphy Ames and Finn Betterman were among the best players for Yankalilla. 

Goolwa/Port Elliot finished off their 2021 campaign in style with their fourth win of the season, a comprehensive 60-point win against Victor Harbor. The loss consigned Victor Harbor to the wooden spoon. Goolwa/Port Elliot took a handy 35-point lead to halftime and added a further nine goals to five in the second half to win 22.11 (143) to 12.11 (83). The Magpies shared the goals around with 12 different goalkickers including former Carlton and West Adelaide player Adam Hartlett who kicked six majors. Hartlett was well supported by Zac Bates who kicked four goals. Rhys Mutch (5), Sam Basham (3) and Jaymes Hewett (2) were the multiple goalkickers for the Kangaroos. Ben Cummings, Hartlett, Rory Hausser, Fred Nissen and Ty Rigney were best for Goolwa/Port Elliot. Better players for Victor Harbor were Seb Guilhaus, Mutch and James Boyd.

Myponga/Sellicks travelled to Encounter Bay and came away with just their second win of 2021, and in the process lifted themselves off the bottom of the ladder. It was a tight and low-scoring game for the first three quarters as the Bays led by just five points at the last change. The Mudlarks wouldn’t be denied as they totally dominated the final term, kicking 4.6 to 0.0, to win 8.13 (61) to 5.6 (36). Jayden Scott kicked four goals for the Mudlarks while Cam Vinall slotted three majors. Nick Marshall and Elijah Horrocks each kicked two goals for Encounter Bay. Bradley Clarke, Scott, Scott Ogilvie, Luke Whitford and Ryan Kelly were best for Myponga/Sellicks. Hamish Tonkin, Jayden Christophers and Andrew Fyfe were among the best players for Encounter Bay.

McLaren warmed up for their Elimination Final next Sunday against Strathalbyn with a win against the same opponent to the tune of 46 points at McLaren Vale yesterday. It was a dour and low scoring first half with just seven goals kicked as the home side led by 15 points at the long break. A powerful second half saw McLaren kick 12 goals to seven and win 17.8 (110) to 9.10 (64). McLaren had 11 different goalkickers with Matthew Merrett leading the way with three goals. Jacob Wright also kicked three goals for Strathalbyn. Best players for McLaren were Will Gomer, Sam Bentley, Merrett, Henry Mathews and Alex Moyle. Strathalbyn were best served by Brodie Martin, Tom Redden, Sam Elliott, Wright and Lachlan Butler.

Ladder after Round 18

Willunga 27, Langhorne Creek 27, Mount Compass 26, McLaren 22, Strathalbyn 20, Encounter Bay 16, Goolwa/Port Elliot 8, Yankalilla 6, Myponga/Sellicks 4, Victor Harbor 4.

Saturday 28 August (2.30pm @ Strathalbyn)

Langhorne Creek v Mount Compass (Qualifying Final)

Sunday 29 August (2.30pm @ Willunga)

McLaren v Strathalbyn (Elimination Final)