South Coast Brewing Co. unveils Cocklediver Ale named for Port Noarlunga Football Club

What would an Adelaide Crows amber ale taste like? How about a Port Adelaide pilsener? Well, one local Adelaide footy club has had a session ale brewed especially for them.

Ryan "Fitzy" Fitzgerald with South Coast Brewing Co.’s new Cocklediver Ale beer — named after his junior footy club Port Noarlunga Cockledivers. Picture: Richard Dobson

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Cracking open a cold one straight after a game is something of a ritual in local footy.

But how many footy clubs drink beers brewed especially for them?

Port Noarlunga now does — South Coast Brewing Co.’s Cocklediver Ale.

The idea for the beer, a 4.9 per cent session ale, emerged after Willunga-based South Coast signed on as a sponsor at the Cockledivers this season.

After passing a members’ taste test, the new brew will be launched at a function at the Southern Football League club this Saturday night, featuring 1997 Port Noarlunga premiership player-turned media personality Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald.

Port Noarlunga players Nick Steele and Jesse Waughan, South Coast Brewing Co brewer Scott Zrna, Cockledivers coach Clint Howes and complex manager Hugh Tedmanson with the new Cocklediver Ale, made for the footy club. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

“When you have a club song that starts with ‘We’re a mighty mob of footballers and each one is a star and if you want to join us, you’ll find us at the bar’, it’s only fitting we finally get our own beer,” says ex-Crow and Sydney Swan Fitzgerald, who now lives in Sydney.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea.”

The launch party will come after fourth-placed Port Noarlunga’s home game against second-ranked Flagstaff Hill, the reigning premier.

On Sunday, Fitzgerald’s nine-year-old son, Hewston, will follow in family footsteps by playing his second game for the Cockledivers, in their under-10s.

“We’ve had a lot of great times at that footy club — it was our second home,” Fitzgerald says.

“The boys just need to keep winning, so we can drink the Cocklediver Ale while celebrating after a few wins.”

Port Noarlunga Football Club logo.

Port Noarlunga’s quirky, blue and white, deep-sea diver logo is displayed on the beer’s label.

South Coast’s Brett Doonan calls the Cocklediver Ale an easy drinking, palatable beverage that is not too hoppy or fruity, and everyone can enjoy.

Doonan says the brewery, which makes seven other beers, all named for parts of the southern region, wants its commitment to the club to be about more than just sponsorship.

“It’s about their community and bringing people together,” Doonan says.

“It’s allowed them to raise a bit more money for the club through fundraising but also get support from their local community because around Port Noarlunga, a lot of local restaurants will stock the beer for them.

South Coast Brewing Co.’s Scott Zrna and Mark Sorrell at the brewery’s launch last year. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

“Once a game’s finished, the club can get the opposition guys in and showcase your product, and be proud of it.”

Port Noarlunga vice-president Mark Dittmar says supporters who have tried it love the beer, which is already available at the club.

Cartons are $90 for members and $100 for non-members, while pints are $5 and $6 respectively.

“We’re hopeful we’ll get a big crowd down there and have a great night,” Dittmar says.

Tickets to the Cocklediver Ale launch party are $50 and include a five-drink pass.

Visit eventbrite.com.au for details.