Noarlunga, Flagstaff Hill and Christies Beach all enjoyed massive wins in the Southern Football League’s opening round

Noarlunga’s recruits impressed and Flagstaff Hill picked up where it left off as the new Southern Football League season began at the weekend. Read Messenger Community News’ wrap of the opening round.

Ex-Glenelg star Terry Milera booted six goals on debut for Noarlunga on Saturday. Picture: AAP Image/Brenton Edwards

• SFL set to kick off as Port Noarlunga looks for fresh start in 2018
• Morphett Vale dumps coach three months out from start of season
• Flagstaff Hill wins most lopsided grand final in SFL history
• Charlesworth Nuts owner steps down as Flagstaff Hill president

The Southern Football League got underway at the weekend and there was plenty of highlights to kick off the 2019 season.

Noarlunga’s high-profiled recruits helped the club record a massive win and the reigning premier also started its campaign the way it ended last year.

All that and more in Messenger Community News’ wrap of the SFL’s round one.

NOARLUNGA 25.21 (171) d REYNELLA 3.5 (23)

Noarlunga’s big off-season recruiting is paying dividends early following a crushing, 148-point victory against Reynella away on Saturday.

The Shoes netted Terry Milera (Glenelg) and Josh Thewlis (South Adelaide/Henley) during the summer and the pair helped Noarlunga to a 25.21 (171) to 3.5 (23) triumph against Reynella.

Troy Johnson (two goals), Thewlis and Sam Beard were strong in attack, while Milera booted six goals.

Tom Caudle and Nick Mott (four majors) also hit the scoreboard.

Reynella’s best included Daniel Whitaker, Ryan Mahony and Damon Arnold.

Tom Caudle, pictured while playing for Noarlunga in 2016, kicked four goals on Saturday. Picture: Stephen Laffer

FLAGSTAFF HILL 18.12 (120) d HAPPY VALLEY 8.5 (53)

Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill cleared away from Happy Valley in the second half to prevail 18.12 (120) to 8.5 (53) at home.

Flaggies coach Darren Vanzetta said his side was working well with plenty of off-season changes.

That included Vanzetta’s elevation to the senior job after he replaced Rod Mitchell, who retired at the end of last season, and the loss of captain Michael Shearer to an ACL.

“We focused on starting well in the first quarter and we did,’’ Vanzetta said.

“In the off-season we targeted the players we needed and that has worked out.

“This week against Noarlunga will be a big test for us to see where we are at against a side which will be one of the benchmarks.

“They have a number of very good players we will have to watch.’’

Best for Flaggies were Brad Patterson (two goals), Chris Puiatti (three goals, ex North Clare, South East), Brayden Heyward-Ferors and Daniel Butcher (six goals).

Lee Davis, Jacob Battifuoco and Joel Beeche were solid for the Vikings.

New Flagstaff Hill senior coach Darren Vanzetta (left) took over from former mentor Rod Mitchell (right) this season. Vanzetta began his tenure with a win. Picture: AAP/Brenton Edwards

COVE 17.7 (109) d ALDINGA 9.7 (61)

Cove’s leaders stood tall and helped their side to a strong win against Aldinga away on Saturday.

The Cobras led 5.5 to 5.1 at half-time before hitting the scoreboard in the second half, mainly through captain Michael Galley and Scott Grieve, to prevail 17.7 (109) to 9.7 (61).

Galley and Grieve kicked five goals each, while Jake Williams was also solid.

Nyaningu Thomas, Bryan Sienes and Michael Klocke worked hard for the hosts, while Brad Cook kicked four majors.

CHRISTIES BEACH 20.13 (133) d MORPHETT VALE 4.10 (34)

Christies Beach also upped the pressure in the second half against Morphett Vale to cruise to a 20.13 (133) to 4.10 (34) at home.

Ex-Emu player Blake Carter led the way for the Saints with eight goals, while Clayton Mesecke (three majors) and Joshua Byrne also played well.

Co-captain Julian Mardigan, Rhys Reynolds and Kalem Greenwood battled well for the Emus, while Tyron Bennetts kicked each of their four goals.

Tyron Bennetts, pictured trying to spoil a kick during the 2016 season, kicked all Morphett Vale’s goals at the weekend. Picture: Matt Loxton

GORDO’S GRILL

■ Despite some lopsided scores to open the SFL season, there are certainly some terrific matches lined up this weekend.

The Friday night clash between Happy Valley and Port Noarlunga should be a beauty, Cove and Christies Beach is usually tight, while the Shoes and Falcons will draw a big crowd at Noarlunga.

Then the Emus/Wineflies will continue their tradition with a Sunday fixture.

■ Flagstaff Hill coach Darren Vanzetta has a wicked sense of humour.

Obviously keen to deter would-be scammers – or people like me – calling on a Sunday, Vanzetta has decided to punish all of us with the Collingwood theme song blaring out from his mobile.

A very clever ploy, that.

■ Great to see the SFL has twisted Paul Crate’s arm to coach the association side again. Cratey has guided the team to two straight wins against the Great Southern Football League and will be aiming for a three-peat on the June long weekend.

I wonder if he has been into the ears of ex-SANFL players Daniel Webb (Flaggies), Josh Thewlis (Noarlunga) and Terry Milera (Noarlunga) to join the fun?

ROUND TWO

Friday, April 12

■ Happy Valley v Port Noarlunga, 7.15pm

Saturday, April 13

■ Cove v Christies Beach, 2.30pm

■ Noarlunga v Flagstaff Hill, 2.30pm

■ Morphett Vale v Reynella, 2.30pm

■ Aldinga – bye