Ex-St Kilda speedster Terry Milera leads Shoes to victory in the Noarlunga derby
Ex-St Kilda speedster Terry Milera proves the difference in the Noarlunga derby, a coach quits after a 166-point loss and the reigning premiers take the chocolates in the grand final rematch. All that and more in Messenger Community News’ wrap of the Southern Football League’s round three.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Coach quits club in change rooms after thrashing
- Competition ban for Glenelg player and ex-Gold Coast Sun
- Reigning premier to pay tribute to the Anzacs
- Shoes belt reigning premier, Wineflies edge Emus
Former Glenelg, Port Adelaide and St Kilda speedster Terry Milera proves the difference in the Noarlunga derby, a coach quits after a 166-point loss and the reigning premiers take the chocolates in the grand final rematch.
All that and more in Messenger Community News’ wrap of the Southern Football League’s round three.
NOARLUNGA 15.10 (100) PORT NOARLUNGA 12.12 (84)
Between them they have lined up in 338 SANFL and 32 AFL games.
But on Saturday Terry Milera, Josh Thewlis and Jake Veide were the headline acts at grassroots level in the Southern Football League’s Noarlunga derby at Port Noarlunga Oval.
The match was played with finals-like intensity and in front a big crowd, and became a thriller after the Shoes had jumped the hosts to lead by 15 points at half-time and six majors during the second term, then Veide and 250-gamer Aaron Peterson helped lead a Cockledivers fightback.
Former Glenelg, Port Adelaide and St Kilda speedster Milera proved the difference, kicking four goals, including three in the last quarter, as his Shoes prevailed 15.10 (100) to 12.12 (84).
Milera and ex-South Adelaide workhorse Veide were named second-best for their sides but former Panthers captain Thewlis injured his left ankle in the opening 10 minutes and was forced to leave the ground.
Shoes coach Barry Pilmore said the presence of the high-profiled trio added more spice to a tremendous afternoon and he was pleased his side dug deep to triumph.
“Having them play is good for both clubs because all the kids can look up to them,” Pilmore said.
“It’s great for the spectators.
“Both sides are just up the (Onkaparinga) river from each other so there’s always been a good rivalry.
“We always like to have bragging rights over the other because it helps get kids and recruits to your club.”
The Shoes jumped out of the blocks to lead 4.2 to 1.5 at quarter-time after the Cockledivers had butchered some early opportunities.
But Porties kicked 5.2 to 3.3 in the second term and then hit the lead during the last quarter after goals to Peterson and Tom Dix.
From there, Milera’s class and a couple of huge pack marks from Mail medallist Nick Mott helped get the visitors over the line.
Fittingly, Veide, who had ran tirelessly all day, kicked the game’s last goal and Peterson was the Anzac medal for most courageous player after soldiering on through cramp and lower leg soreness.
Cockledivers coach Clinton Howes said it was a game of momentum swings.
“They are a pretty talented side with some high-end talent, some youth and some leg speed but we certainly believe in what we’re trying to do and that we can match them,” Howes said.
“The intent and effort was top notch but it (a major issue) was just execution.”
Port Noarlunga stalwart Norm Bergman thought it was an enjoyable match, watched on by a very good crowd.
“For a minor round game, the commitment at the body has been incredible,” Bergman said.
But the best-on-ground medal went to Porties' workhorse Aaron Peterson, who was playing his 250th game and got chaired off the field. pic.twitter.com/KxpzcLsYvf
— Matt Turner (@mattturner1986) April 27, 2019
FLAGSTAFF HILL 13.13 (91) REYNELLA 10.6 (66)
Reigning Southern Football League premier Flagstaff Hill was forced to find an extra gear to record a solid win against a gallant Reynella at home last Saturday.
The hosts were trailing 10.6 to 8.9 at three-quarter time but dug deep and kept the Wineflies scoreless in the last quarter, eventually prevailing 13.13 (91) to 10.6 (66).
Flagstaff Hill coach Darren Vanzetta credited Reynella for a tough game.
“They are a very fit and skilled young side,” Vanzetta said. “We started well but Reynella hit back hard. We came out better in the second half after I put the heat on several players at half-time.
“Our skills let us down at times but we found a way.’’
The Falcons opened strongly to lead 4.2 to 1.1 at quarter-time but Reynella responded with a strong attack on the ball to lead 6.3 to 5.6 at half-time and by nine points at the last change.
MORPHETT VALE 19.11 (125) COVE 7.12 (54)
Morphett Vale recorded its first victory of the SFL season when it triumphed over Cove away on Saturday.
The Emus accounted for the Cobras 19.11 (125) to 7.12 (54) after leading 3.4 to 2.1, 6.7 to 3.5 and 11.9 to 4.6 before a strong last quarter with 8.2 to 3.6.
Best for the visitors were Kalem Greenwood, Rhys Reynolds and Jack Langdon.
Scott Ridley (six goals) and Connor McCormac (four) were strong inside 50.
Shannon Houweling, Jake Williams and Alex Marra played well for Cove.
The Emus, who lost to Reynella by seven points the previous week, host reigning premier Flagstaff Hill on Saturday, while Cove has a bye.
CHRISTIES BEACH 27.15 (177) ALDINGA 1.5 (11)
Christies Beach’s firepower proved too strong for Aldinga at Bice Oval.
The Saints won 27.15 (177) to 1.5 (11).
Blake Carter continued his dominance for the Saints with 12 goals, while Aidan Coakley and Nathan Stock led a long list of strong players.
Best for the Sharks were Tyler Stewart-England, Bryan Sienes and Luke Watson.
Aldinga’s coach Damien Smith walked out on the battling club, resigning immediately after the Sharks’ 166-point loss to the Saints.
In 2014, they gained national media attention after sacking their coach following a 300-point defeat and later when ex-Hawthorn star Shane Crawford played a one-off game for the battling club.
GORDO’S GRILL
■ It was another great game and a terrific atmosphere at Port Noarlunga last week in the clash between Porties and Noarlunga.
It was also fitting that Aaron Peterson won the Anzac Medal in his 250th A grade game, with the honour judged by respective coaches Clint Howes and Barry Pilmore. The clubs also played for a cup to honour the deeds of past long-serving secretaries Ray Challis (Port Noarlunga) and David Couch (Noarlunga).
■ The Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach C grade teams finally resumed their keenly contested bid for the coveted “Dinga” Bell Cup (we believe it’s a beer mug but who’s arguing?) when they played last Sunday.
The last time the sides played for the cup was about 10 years ago when Port last fielded a C-grade side.
The cup, which Christies Beach won after beating Port Noarlunga 8.13 (61) to 5.4 (34), was named after Rodney Bell – a volunteer and stalwart of both teams’ C grade teams.
ROUND FOUR:
Saturday, May 4
■ Aldinga v Port Noarlunga
■ Christies Beach v Reynella
■ Morphett Vale v Flagstaff Hill
■ Noarlunga v Happy Valley
■ Cove – bye
Adelaide Footy League club lands superstar signing for 2025
A local SA footy star and former SANFL captain and premiership player has joined an Adelaide Footy League club on the rise for season 2025.
Bartel’s best: Saints legend lists top teammates, opponents in stellar career
A Goodwood Saints legend has looked back on his career and picked his top opponents and teammates after being named as the top Adelaide Footy League player of the 21st Century.