Aldinga Sharks win first game since May last year with coach Trevor Mitton on holiday at Uluru
Long-time Southern Football League battler Aldinga has broken a 18-game losing streak – despite coach Trevor Mitton not being at the match. He helped plan the victory before holidaying in Uluru.
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It took 392 days but the Aldinga Sharks are finally celebrating after winning their first game since May 26 last year, while reigning premier Flagstaff Hill puts Happy Valley to the sword.
Here are Messenger Community News’ Southern Football League round 10 match wraps:
ALDINGA 15.13 (105)
COVE 9.15 (69)
Aldinga coach Trevor Mitton is proving to be the miracle man the club urgently needs, even calling the winning shots while on holiday at Uluru.
Mitton had committed to a prearranged family trip to the Red Centre before being appointed the Sharks’ A-grade coach.
But before heading off to the heart of Australia, Mitton helped set up the structures during the week for B-grade coach Jake Stangewitz to implement in the top tier’s clash with Cove away last Saturday.
Stangewitz followed the instructions well as Aldinga claimed its first victory of this season, beating the Cobras 15.13 (103) to 9.15 (69).
It was the Sharks’ first victory since May 26 last year, when they beat Morphett Vale.
Stangewitz said Mitton’s influence on the club and players had been amazing.
“Anyone who knows Trevor knows he is the perfectionist,” Stangewitz said.
“He sent me a team list during the week with instructions on how to set up.
“Even on the day, all the way from Ayers Rock, he sent a cheeky text to team manger Dee Dukes to tell her to tell (Shane) Comer to (jokingly) pull the finger out and make sure he just gets the team home.
“The win was great for the team and I can now have the perfect A-grade coaching record.”
Luke Watson, Comer and Tyler Stewart-England played well for the visitors, while Bryan Sienes kicked four goals.
Cove entered the clash without captain and star player Michael Galley and an injury hampered Scott Grieve.
But the hosts were best served by Chris Sandow, Sam Kendall and Alex Shaw.
Mitton could not be reached by deadline.
FLAGSTAFF HILL 15.13 (103)
HAPPY VALLEY 1.4 (10)
Flagstaff Hill held Happy Valley to its lowest score this season when it beat the Vikings by 93 points away on Saturday.
The Falcons’ watertight defence was on show during the 15.13 (103) to 1.4 (10) victory.
They only led by 15 points at quarter-time but blew the game away in the second term to take home the commanding win.
Kobe Cavouras and Sam Smith booted three goals each for the visitors, while skipper David Kearsley also shone.
Nicholas Frisby-Smith, Ben Peters and Justin Schurgott battled for the Vikings.
Despite the hefty loss, Happy Valley does not hold the record for the lowest score this season – Aldinga holds that after only scoring nine points in its round seven battle with Flagstaff Hill on May 25.
NOARLUNGA 17.14 (116)
REYNELLA 8.3 (51)
Noarlunga’s ability to pile on goals quickly played a big part in its 65-point triumph against Reynella at home on Saturday.
The unbeaten Shoes kicked 7.4 in the second and fourth quarters, while the Wineflies could not score more than three goals in any term.
Nathan Schulz continued his fine form this season to be the Shoes’ best player, while Nick Mott (five goals) and Josh Beard provided plenty of support.
Tom Caudle (five goals) and Reece Martell (three goals) proved vital cogs in attack.
Luke Matheson, Bailey Marshman and Ryan Mahony played well dor the fifth-placed Wineflies.
CHRISTIES BEACH 20.13 (133)
MORPHETT VALE 4.8 (32)
Former Emu Blake Carter proved a thorn in the side of Morphett Vale as Christies Beach crushed the hosts in their clash last Saturday.
Carter kicked seven goals – a follow on from the eight he booted when the two sides met in round one.
But he was not the only Saint to star as they consolidated third place on the ladder with a 20.13 (133) to 4.8 (32) victory.
Christies set up their win with a 9.2 to 1.3 opening quarter and held sway by 55 points at half-time.
Jacob Crate, Aidan Coakley and Mathew Hodge played big games for the visitors.
Morphett Vale’s best included Casey Chester, Shane Hill and Julian Mardigan.
GORDO’S GRILL
■ What a big weekend in store for the SFL this weekend. A mix of Friday night action at Port Noarlunga where the home supporters might be trying a few of the club’s new ales against Happy Valley, a Saturday top-of-the-table blockbuster between Flagstaff Hill and Noarlunga before a traditional Sunday battle between Reynella and Morphett Vale. It might not be quite the same build up for the Saints and Cobras at Bice Oval but Cove should be looking for a response from last week’s loss to Aldinga.
■ You can’t undersell the importance of experience, particularly in a young, developing side. Players, coaches, officials and supporters are loving the influence of SFL icon Shane Comer has had on the developing Aldinga players. Comer, let’s say in his mid to late 30s, was a key ruckman for Noarlunga back in the day. He was asked by Aldinga coach Trevor Mitton to help some of the players when he came on board earlier in the season and Comer has left his mark with his work on and off the ground. President Danny Wilde said Comer had been “simply outstanding” since putting the boots on again.
■ Well done to Flagstaff Hill player Ben Steer on his A-grade debut against Happy Valley last Saturday. Steer, originally a Falcons junior, played a handful of B grade games in 2012, 2013 and 2015, moved to Brighton and then returned to Flaggies this season. He then featured in six more B-grade games before his A-grade debut. And well done to Flaggies on winning the Baxter/Farrell Shield for the eighth straight time after the Valleys had dominated in the early days.
THIS WEEK:
Friday, June 28
■ Port Noarlunga v Happy Valley
Saturday, June 29
■ Christies Beach v Cove
■ Flagstaff Hill v Noarlunga
Sunday, June 30
■ Reynella v Morphett Vale
■ Aldinga – bye
