Flagstaff Hill’s hopes for a fourth-straight SFL flag were boosted with a 119-point thrashing of Cove
The Falcons’ form is really starting to heat up – their latest triumph was almost by 20 goals against the Cobras.
- Banned club to make case for return to footy
- Noarlunga continues perfect SFL season
- No feet, no worries for Sharks youngster
Sam Smith and Ben Rossi led the way for Flagstaff Hill in its huge thrashing of Cove, while Noarlunga kept lowly Aldinga to just a single goal in their clash on Saturday.
All that plus more in The Messenger’s round 15 Southern Football League match wraps.
Flagstaff Hill 23.18 (156) Cove 5.7 (37)
Flagstaff Hill’s premiership credentials were boosted after a thumping 119-point victory against Cove at home on Saturday.
The Cobras were no match for the reigning premier, going down 23.18 (156) to 5.7 (37).
Sam Tharaldsen, (who returned from the Crows SANFL side), Sam Smith and Ben Rossi (five goals) starred for Flaggies.
Michael Galley, Lincoln Holder and Ben Charlesworth stood tall for the Cobras.
Flagstaff Hill coach Darren Vanzetta said it would be a juggle act in the coming weeks as he rotated players in the lead up to the finals.
Vanzetta said the bigger picture was getting the right game time into his players.
“We have had several players who are gradually coming back from injuries,” Vanzetta said.
“We are looking at mixing it up a bit, bringing back some players and resting others in the next couple of weeks.
“We had a chat with Ben Rossi about hitting the scoreboard a bit more often and he did that with five goals against Cove so that was good.
“We also debuted Jackson Roberts who had played state under-16s and
he didn’t look out of place.
“Now, it is a matter of finetuning and getting game time into players so they will be right to go once the finals begin.’’
Noarlunga 36.17 (233) 1.0 (6)
Top side Noarlunga, as expected, did a number on Aldinga – crushing the bottom side and only keeping it to one goal for the entire match.
The Shoes were way too strong, winning 36.17 (233) to 1.0 (6) at Old Noarlunga.
Noarlunga had eight different goal kickers but it was Nick Mott (eight majors), Nathan Schulz and Troy Johnson (six goals apiece) who stole the show.
Reece Martell and Tom Caudle were also pivotal in attack with six goals each.
Bryan Sienes was the Sharks only goal kicker.
Happy Valley 6.10 (46) Christies Beach 15.9 (99)
A seven-goal third quarter was enough for Christies Beach to set up a 53-point win on the road against Happy Valley on Saturday.
The Saints held a 15-point advantage at half-time but increased the pressure, booting 7.1 to the hosts’ 1.2 in the third term to claim the triumph and hold second place on the ladder with three rounds remaining.
Aidan Coakley, Patrick Jolly and Ryan Parry played well for the Saints, while Neil Reeve (four goals) and Mathew Hodge (three goals) were solid in attack.
Nicholas Frisby-Smith, Jacob Battifuoco (two goals) and Ben Peters battled hard for the Vikings.
Morphett Vale 7.10 (52) Port Noarlunga 15.11 (101)
Port Noarlunga had plenty of early worries against Morphett Vale before clicking into gear to record a strong, 49-point win away on Saturday.
Jackson Daniels (three goals) was a star for Port, while Rhys McKay and Ciaran O’Hagan were solid. Ian Brown and Dylan Williams kicked three goals each.
The Emus were up for the contest in the first half to lead 5.5 to 4.6 but the Cockledivers’ depth showed out after the main break to grab victory 15.11 (101) to 7.10 (52).
Jackson Daniels (three goals) was a star for Port, while Rhys McKay and Ciaran O’Hagan were solid. Ian Brown and Dylan Williams kicked three goals each.
Among the better players for the Emus were Jacob Mango, Bodie Sowter and Jack Barter, while Tyron Bennetts booted three majors.
GORDO’S GRILL
■ In an ominous sign of its depth, Noarlunga players Nicholas Mott (54 goals), Reece Martell (48), Tom Caudle (32) and Terry Milera (31) sit behind leading goal kicker Blake Carter (72 goals) on the ladder.
Troy Johnson (24 goals) is a few rungs down and Victor Robertson with just eight A grade games is directly below, also on 24 goals.
It’s going to be hard to keep tabs on that lot come finals time.
■ It has been a bleak year again on the field for Morphett Vale this season but at least there was some joy for the club last week against Port Noarlunga.
While the team missed out winning the A grade, it won the Bs, under-17S and 15s to give it three wins from the five matches on the day.
Cooper Manns was best on for the Emu B grade.
ROUND 16
Saturday, August 10:
■ Aldinga v Flagstaff Hill
■ Cove v Noarlunga
■ Morphett Vale v Happy Valley
■ Port Noarlunga v Reynella
■ Christies Beach – bye
