Flagstaff Hill and Morphett Vale to face off in 2021 Southern Football League grand final

A record which has stood for close to a century could be equalled when Flagstaff Hill and Morphett Vale clash in this Saturday’s Southern Football League grand final.

When Flagstaff Hill takes to the field for this Saturday it will not only be aiming for a sixth straight premiership, the Falcons will also be seeking to equal an 89-year-old record.

The Southern Football League’s two most successful clubs since the turn of the century – Flaggies and Morphett Vale – will meet at Noarlunga in what looms as a historic grand final.

A Falcons triumph would match the competition record for consecutive flags held by Aldinga’s legendary 1927-1932 sides.

While a chance to carve the Flagstaff Hill legacy even deeper into the history books was on offer, co-captain David Kearsley said it would not distract the experienced playing group.

Flagstaff Hill co-captains, Michael Shearer (left), and David Kearsley (centre), with Morphett Vale captain Michael Smith ahead of Saturday’s SFL grand final. Picture Dean Martin

“Back in 2016 when we won our first one I don’t think anyone could have sat there and said ‘in five years time you’ll be going for number six’,” Kearsley said.

“To actually do five in a row and be there for number six is pretty special, but the history side is just one of those things that comes with it. I don’t think too many people will be thinking about it too much.

“Being a bit older it does get tougher each year, personally, but I think as a group there’s different personnel every year so it naturally refreshes itself.

“But in saying that, we take a lot of confidence that they majority of the group have been here and done it before.”

Three Falcons – Kearsley, Brad Kirk and Daniel Butcher – will line up for their sixth straight grand final having all been part of the previous five flags.

A win on Saturday would also make it back-to-back undefeated campaigns.

Daniel Butcher, Mitchell Fazekas, David Kearsley, and Bradley Kirk, have played all five of Flagstaff Hill’s winning grand finals. Only Fazekas will be absent for Saturday’s decider against Morphies. Picture: Dean Martin

“We’ve got a lot more to achieve and every year is a new year,” second-year Flagstaff Hill coach Russell Veenvliet Veenvliet said of the culture driving the club.

Looking to spoil the party will be a reinvigorated Morphett Vale.

The Emus were Flaggies’ first grand final opponent in their run of success back in 2016 but have endured tough times in between.

After finishing equal-bottom of the ladder with one win in 2018, Morphies have slowly rebuilt under coach Braden Bayly to reach Saturday’s decider.

Bayly said the Emus were every chance to cause an upset having lost to Flaggies by just seven points in the opening round.

“Our sole focus throughout the year was to get into a final and win one, once we did that it’s just snowballed from there,” Bayly said.

Morphett Vale coach Braden Bayly in action for the Emus during his playing days. Picture: Matt Loxton

“We grew a lot of belief that we could keep going and now here we are.

“I played in an era where we one four in a row then going for our fifth we got blown out of the water in the grand final.

“We probably had that belief that no one could beat us – but it happened.

“All good runs do come to an end. They’re a great side … but we believe when we play our best footy we can match it with anyone.”

Morphett Vale captain Michael Smith said former Emus player Bayly’s return as coach in 2019 brought something key to the club’s revival.

“He came in and really focused on the culture first,” Smith said.

“Braden’s done a fantastic job with the group so hopefully we can go one more for him.”

The Falcons and Emus’ clash is one of 13 A grade men’s grand finals across the final day of the country footy season on September 18.

Hills powerhouse Hahndorf faces Uraidla Districts for a third consecutive flag and sixth in seven seasons.

While in the Great Southern, Langhorne Creek has its sights set on a fourth in a row but will need to get past a tough opponent in Willunga.