Noarlunga shaping up to become first SFL team to go through a season undefeated since 2007

Noarlunga’s is still the team to beat after 11 rounds in the Southern Football League after failing to drop a game so far.

Noarlunga's captain, Tom Caudle, was one of the Shoes best in its victory against Flagstaff Hill on Saturday. Noarlunga is still the only undefeated side with seven rounds remaining. Picture: AAP/Dean Martin

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Can Noarlunga join a select band of teams to go through a Southern Football League season unbeaten?

Not since the powerful Morphett Vale recorded an unblemished campaign in 2007 to win its fourth consecutive premiership has an SFL side claimed such a lofty standing.

With seven games remaining for the 2019 campaign, the Shoes’ bid for an unblemished season was boosted after a big win against Flagstaff Hill on Saturday.

All that and more in Messenger Community News’ round 11 SFL match wraps.

NOARLUNGA 11.12 (79)

FLAGSTAFF HILL 4.2 (26)

Noarlunga proved too good for second side Flagstaff Hill to triumph 11.12 (78) to 4.2 (26) at Flagstaff Oval last Saturday.

It was the second big victory the Shoes have recorded against Flaggies this season after cruising in by 62 points in round two at home.

Noarlunga coach Barry Pilmore was having nothing of the unbeaten poser.

He said his side simply was winning enough games to be in a strong position for the finals.

“That’s the last thing we want – having that pressure over us and worrying about being unbeaten,’’ Pilmore laughed.

Noarlunga coach Barry Pilmore is hosing down his side’s unbeaten record. Picture: AAP/Dean Martin

“You can do your speculating but really the only game that counts is that very last one in September.

“Flaggies are a very good side and I know they had players out who will probably come back in.

“The conditions on Saturday were tough and we played well and were strong around the footy but there’s a lot of footy still to be played.’’

Best for the Shoes included Nathan Schulz, Nick Mott and Sam Miller, while Tom Caudle kicked four goals.

Max Renfrey, Casey Davies, Ben Rossi and Jarrad Lobasso were solid for the Falcons.

REYNELLA 8.9 (57)

MORPHETT VALE 8.8 (56)

Arch rivals Reynella and Morphett Vale produced a typical gritty, nailbiting contest at Reynella Oval last Sunday.

Reynella’s Damon Arnold, attempt to take a mark during a clash against Flagstaff Hill, was solid in the Wineflies’ triumph over Morphett Vale on Saturday. Picture AAP/Dean Martin

The Wineflies triumphed 8.9 (57) to 8.8 (56).

Bailey Marshman, Damon Arnold and Josh Frisby performed strongly for the Wineflies.

Tyron Bennetts, David Sampson and Shane Hill were the leading lights for the Emus.

Reynella’s win put it in a strong position to hold fifth place for the finals with Happy Valley appearing the main threat for that position.

PORT NOARLUNGA 11.14 (80)

HAPPY VALLEY 7.10 (52)

Port Noarlunga flicked a switch and gave its loyal band of supporters plenty to cheer about when it stormed home against Happy Valley clash last Friday night.

The Cockledivers bombarded the goal in the last quarter to triumph 11.14 (80) to 7.10 (52).

The result helped them hold fourth place on the ladder.

Rhys McKay, Luke Irving and Jed Hickey starred for Port, while Nicholas Steele (four goals) and Matt Skrypek (three goals) were dangerous in attack.

Happy Valley started in a hurry, getting the scoreboard ticking over in the opening quarter to lead by an impressive 4.8 to 0.

But the Vikings failed to score in both the second and final quarters.

Joel Beeche, Matthew Lillis and Ben Peters were solid for the Vikings.

CHRISTIES BEACH 14.19 (103)

COVE 5.2 (32)

Rhys Mundy played his best game this season for Christies Beach as the third-ranked Saints ran over the top of Cove, 14.19 (103) to 5.2 (32) at Bice Oval.

Ryan Parry, Ben Powell, Blake Carter (four goals) and Nathan Stock featured in the win. Cove’s best players included Corey Jackson, Ryan Need and Alex Shaw.

GORDO’S GRILL

■ While we are singing the praises of Noarlunga sitting unbeaten there are several other clubs in the same boat at this stage of the season.

Christies Beach (under-15s) and Flagstaff Hill (under-13s) are yet to lose in the boys’ competition.

In the girls’ competition, Reynella’s under-16s, as well as Christies Beach’s under-14s are also undefeated.

■ There’s not long to go until we start thinking of possible chances for this year’s A-grade Mail Medal.

Without an in-depth look at the contenders is Noarlunga’s Nick Mott a chance to win back-to back gongs? He’s in strong form.

Noarlunga’s Nick Mott has enjoyed a stellar season and could win a second Mail Medal. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

■ A couple of editions ago the Grill recorded Christies Beach player Jamie Dunn as Janie Dunn.

Jamie, who kicked a goal in the Saints’ win against Cove last Saturday, has been around in senior ranks for quite a while so you think we would know our m’s from our n’s.