Morphett Vale records heart-stopping finish against Happy Valley in SFL clash
The Emus held off a huge fightback from the Vikings to claim a one-point victory on Saturday.
- Flagstaff Hill boosts SFL flag hopes with 119-point win
- Banned club to make case for return to footy
- Noarlunga continues perfect SFL season
- No feet, no worries for Sharks youngster
Morphett Vale’s rich history was on show last Saturday when the club celebrated many of its premiership greats from the 1979 (A, B and C), 1989 (B) and 2009 (A) teams, Aldinga was held to just two points for its entire game and the Shoes extended their unbeaten run to 15 games.
All that plus more in The Messenger’s round 16 Southern Football League match wraps.
MORPHETT VALE 8.6 (54) HAPPY VALLEY 8.5 (53)
The bigger than normal crowd was enjoying the banter and the home side’s improved effort on the ground as it led Happy Valley 7.2 to 1.4 at half-time.
It looked set to make it a big day with winners everywhere and the Vikings under pressure.
But the tide turned and the visitors gradually clawed back the deficit.
In a heart-stopping finish, and a sobering wake up for the locals, the Emus fell across the line, 8.6 (54) to 8.5 (53).
Best for the Emus included Bodie Sowter, Jack Langdon and Daniel Bode, while Tyron Bennetts dominated early with three goals.
Morphett Vale president Michelle Glazbrook, who also announced the reappointment of coach Braden Bayly for 2020, said the reunion was fantastic and the game was the perfect result.
“We are thrilled that Braden has agreed to go on for next year,’’ Glazbrook said.
“We did a mid-season review and the feedback was really strong.
“The players love Braden.
“As far as the game went we had a fantastic first quarter but both sides had chances late in
the last quarter.
“I’m glad for the day we were able to hold on.’’
Henry Kerrison, Mathew Lillis (four goals) and Michael Parker played well for the Vikings.
PORT NOARLUNGA 7.14 (56) REYNELLA 5.4 (34)
Port Noarlunga enjoyed a comeback victory over Reynella at home on Saturday.
The Cockledivers trailed at every change but finished strong to prevail 7.14 (56) to 5.4 (34).
Aaron Peterson led the charge for Port, while Jake Veide (two goals), Daniel Trevena, Russell Curyer and Dylan Williams were also solid.
Nick Dixon, Ben Lockett, Steven Farrelly, Bailey Marshman and Lachlan Inthavong featured for the Wineflies.
Port Noarlunga is fourth on the ladder while Reynella is fifth with two minor rounds remaining.
NOARLUNGA 18.14 (122) COVE 3.6 (24)
Noarlunga’s ability to flick a switch was on show when it finished over the top of Cove in their SFL clash away last Saturday.
The Shoes led 3.11 to 1.2 at half-time before dominating a telling third quarter, slamming home 10.1 to 0.1 and eventually winning 18.14 (122) to 3.6 (24).
Nick Mott continued his stellar season and led the charge for the visitors with three goals, while Danny Irvine and Sam Miller provided plenty of drive.
Reece Martell and Victor Robertson kicked three majors each.
Damian Roach, Ryan Need and Alex O’Shauhgnessy were solid for the hosts.
FLAGSTAFF HILL 20.15 (135) ALDINGA 0.2 (2)
Flagstaff Hill was in a miserly mood when it kept Aldinga to 0.2 and replied with 20.15 (135) at Aldinga.
The Falcons led 11.8 to 0.1 at half-time and increased that to 1.13 to 0.2 at the last change. David Kearsley (three goals), Ben Rossi and Max Renfrey played solid games, while Daniel Webb kicked three majors.
Luke Watson, Nyaningu Thomas and Mathew Beinke battled well for the Sharks.
GORDO’S GRILL
■ It’s getting close to that time of year with finals and the medal nights and it’s hard to get a handle on every player.
But I’m declaring Nick Mott as my pick to make it two Mail Medals in a row.
His teammate Troy Johnson is also big chance.
Jake Veide, Michael Galley (although he may battle to get the three votes in a struggling team), David Kearsley and even leading goalkicker Blake Carter should all pick up votes.
■ It has been a tough season or two for the once-mighty Emus.
But there is no doubt there is still a strong connection with the stars of yesteryear.
Last Saturday, under the very popular long veranda, club greats, including Dave Gloede, came out in their droves from the local areas, interstate and even New Zealand.
There was Reg Pollard and mates from the 1978-81 winning era and his Hall-of-Fame son Scott from the 2004-2007 years, obviously convincing all and sundry why their teams were better.
The 1989 premiership members also were present and we can’t forget Ian “Jordy” Jordan who was flying the lone flag for the colts’ winners of 1969.
I’m sure there were some sore heads on Sunday and I’d say Monday.
■ There have been plenty of great games by the juniors in the SFL but Christies Beach’s Bradley Jackson is certainly having a ripper in the under-13s.
He has featured in the best players in each of his 14 games so far this season.
ROUND 17
Saturday, August 17
■ Aldinga v Morphett Vale
■ Christies Beach v Flagstaff Hill
■ Cove v Port Noarlunga
■ Reynella v Happy Valley
■ Noarlunga – bye
