Flagstaff Hill still king of Southern Football League
A rampaging Flagstaff Hill has show why it remains the king of the SFL after running away from Noarlunga at Flinders University Stadium.
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Flagstaff Hill again confirmed that it was the king of the Southern Football League by winning its fifth consecutive flag, accounting for Noarlunga at Flinders University Stadium on Saturday.
The rampaging Falcons won 18.13 (121) to 9.1 (55) after setting up a sizzling 9.3 to 1.0 in the opening quarter, at times hitting targets with precision while Noarlunga could not get near it.
Flaggies’ coach Russell Veenvliet, in his first year in charge, said the team spirit and care for each other were key factors in the club’s success.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone but we just bonded,’’ Veenvliet said.
“Success is down to club culture, everyone wants to be here.
“We made a stance to hit the ground running. To win another one was terrific.
“I could not be happier and it’s a credit to the group.
Co-captain David Kearsley won the best on ground medal. Kearsley, along with Daniel Butcher, Mitch Fazekas and Brad Kirk, have played in Flaggies’ five consecutive flags.
Kearsley said it was an amazing feeling to be part of a strong club.
“Everyone just does their bit,’’ Kearsley said. “Anyone could have won this (best player medal), we had so many good players.
“Every year has been a different feeling but it is just pride right now and for everyone at the club, not just the players.’’
Noarlunga coach Josh Thewlis, also in his first season as Shoes’ coach, said Flaggies were too good.
“They taught us a bit of a football lesson, especially after that first quarter with nine goals,’’ Thewlis said.
“But the message for after halftime was not to turn our toes up, which they didn’t.’’
Victor Robertson (three goals) was best for Noarlunga.
The unbeaten Falcons reinforced their reputation as one of the best community football teams in the state.
In a restricted SFL season which covered nine minor round and three weeks of finals, the Falcons won by an average of 67 points. No team was able to kick more than nine goals against the Falcons in all games.
For Noarlunga making the grand final vindicated its decision to field a team in this season’s coronavirus-affected competition after previously deciding not to play, both its senior teams making the grand final.
The Falcons won the under-17.5 and B-grade flags played Saturday.