Former SANFL forward Ian Milera helps Port Noarlunga to big win in SFL round three
A touch of magic from a former SANFL goalsneak helped Port Noarlunga record a strong victory, while the Saints failed to make it three comeback wins in a row. Read our SFL match wraps here.
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A touch of magic from an ex-Glenelg SANFL player gave Port Noarlunga its second win and the reigning premier proved too strong for Christies Beach.
Read The Messenger’s Southern Football League round three match wraps.
PORT NOARLUNGA 15.9 (99) MORPHETT VALE 9.7 (61)
A seven goal haul from former Glenelg SANFL forward Ian Milera helped Port Noarlunga to a 38-point win against Morphett Vale at home on Saturday.
Milera was one of the SFL’s key recruits for 2020 and was lured to the Cockledivers after a season with Adelaide Footy League division three club Portland.
Port Noarlunga’s 15.9 (99) to 9.7 (61) triumph against the Emus put them in second spot on the ladder and follows a win last week against Cove and a shock loss to Happy Valley in round one.
Milera booted 44 goals for the Tigers in 30 matches after debuting in round one, 2017.
He played at Glenelg with his older brother, Terry.
Cockledivers coach Clint Howes said Milera had threatened to break the past two games open and was pleased he had finally got reward for his effort.
“He had a blinder, played really well,” Howes said.
“It was only a matter of time.
“He probably could’ve had 10 or 12 (goals).
“He’s a super talent.
“He’s played league footy at the Bay and played good footy at that level, so to come down here is a massive coup for us.”
Howes said the Cockledivers had lost 19 seniors before the season started due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the SANFL banning all clubs from paying players this year.
He praised those who had decided to feature in the side this year and looked forward to this weekend’s match against top-of-the-table Flagstaff Hill.
“It’s been unprecedented times in regards to COVID and the season,” Howes said.
“For us to still step up and not only put together a competitive side but to be playing the type of footy that we are is really good signs.
“It’s a great reward for effort for the boys who had decided to play on and stick with it.”
Michael Smith, Jack Langdon and Daniel Bode worked hard for the Emus.
It was a tough pill to swallow for the Emus, who beat Noarlunga for the first time in five seasons in round two.
FLAGSTAFF HILL 12.17 (89) CHRISTIES BEACH 8.3 (51)
Flagstaff Hill coach Russell Veenvliet knows the pressure he faces each week taking over a side which has won four flags on the trot.
But the new mentor welcomes the expectations which he embraces.
“We knew that coming in that there would be pressure on to keep winning as that is what people expect,” Veenvliet said.
“But we see it as a good thing.
“There are pressures and competition for places in the team is hot with some players disappointed that they aren’t in the A grade.
“But the players are professional and understand the situation.”
The start to the season has been business as usual from the Falcons with a perfect three wins from as many games.
Flaggies shrugged off Christies Beach at Bice Oval on Saturday, winning 12.17 (89) to 8.3 (51).
The Saints, who had come from behind in rounds one and two to triumph, failed to muster enough to challenge the four-times reigning premiers.
Veenvliet was impressed with his side’s ability to close out Christies Beach, which was touted as one to beat at the start of the season.
“We were really keen to see where we measured up and I thought we did that well,” Veenvliet said.
“But we had to make sure we didn’t let them back into the game which they had done in the first two weeks.
“Every win is ticking a box — we are well aware of the pressure to win.”
Ryan Mountford enjoyed a top game for the Falcons with four goals, while Max Renfrey and Sam Tharaldsen led a long list of strong players.
To add to selection headaches key players Michael Shearer and Daniel Webb could return to the side soon from injuries.
Jacob Crate battled hard for the Saints to be their best, while Rhys Mundy and Aidan Coakley were solid.
Daniel Nobes did his best with four goals for the Saints.
HAPPY VALLEY 5.11 (41) REYNELLA 9.8 (62)
Reynella broke through for its first win of the season and gave coach Craig Austin his first A-grade victory.
The Wineflies enjoyed a spirited second half to account for Happy Valley, 9.8 (62) to 5.11 (41) away on Saturday.
The Vikings looked solid in the first half and took a nine-point lead at the main break.
But Reynella took charge at key moments to edge to a 15-point advantage at the last change before holding on in a dour finish.
Dylan Roser, Josh Frisby and Bailey Marshman starred for Reynella.
Austin was proud of his players for grinding out a win.
“The win was overdue,” Austin said.
“We finally put together four quarters of footy.
“The previous two games we were in control of those games up until half-time.
“It’s more about belief for the guys that they are doing the right thing and that we’re on the right track.
“It was a good, solid win.”
Callan Semple was on target for Reynella with four goals.
Lee Davis, James Hay (three majors) and Joel Beeche had their moments in a Happy Valley side which kicked just five points in the second half.
NOARLUNGA 19.12 (126) COVE 6.5 (41)
Noarlunga was in no mood for mercy when it crushed Cove to win 19.12 (126) to 6.5 (41).
It was the Shoes’ first triumph of their 2020 campaign, while Cove remained winless after three rounds.
Noarlunga trailed by seven points at quarter-time but booted 9.3, while holding Cove to 1.1 in the second term to set up the result.
Victor Robertson starred with a match-high five goals for the Shoes.
Nathan Schulz, Troy Johnson, Jake Birch and Callum Gaspari booted two goals each.
Michael Galley, Scott Grieve and Scott Abbott were consistent for the Cobras.
THIS WEEK
Saturday August 1
■ Noarlunga v Happy Valley at Aldinga
■ Cove v Christies Beach at Cove
■ Flagstaff Hill v Port Noarlunga at Flagstaff Hill
Sunday, August 2
■ Morphett Vale v Reynella at Morphett Vale