Southern Football League (South Australia)

Grades

The SFL consists of:

League history

The Southern Football League was previously known as the Southern Football Association until 1963. Originally a country league, with urban expansion it has more recently become a suburban league in Adelaide's far southern suburbs.

The League was formed (as Southern Football Association) in 1886 with competing clubs being Aldinga, McLaren Vale, Sellicks Hill and Willunga. In the early 1900s the participating clubs were Aldinga, Hillside (called McLaren Flat from 1946), McLaren Vale, Morphett Vale, Noarlunga and Willunga.

In 1919 the participating clubs were Aldinga, Hillside, McLaren Vale, Morphett Vale, Noarlunga, Reynella and Willunga.

In 1964 the Association changed its name to Southern Football League and participating clubs were Aldinga, McLaren Flat, McLaren Vale, Morphett Vale, Mount Bold, Myponga, Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga, Reynella, Willunga, Yankalilla and Christies Beach Juniors.

The League came to national attention on July 11, 2009, when an SFL match between Port Noarlunga and Reynella was abandoned as a result of a freak tornado.

The League once again came to attention in 2012 when it cancelled its Junior Carnivals due to umpire abuse and poor spectator behavior. This led to a campaign based around respect and protection of umpires.

Current Clubs

Previous clubs

Clubs that have previously competed in the league include:

Mail Medal

Each season the Mail Medal is awarded to the player adjudged the Fairest and Most Brilliant by the umpires on a 3-2-1 match voting system. The Mail Medal is named after the Sunday Mail newspaper.

Ken Donne Medal

The Ken Donne Medal was the equivalent medal awarded for the Division 2 competition between 1977-2001.

125 Year Team

To celebrate the 125th season of the SFL, the "SFL 125 Year Team" was named in 2011.

Greatest Exports Team

Along with the 125 Year Team, the SFL also announced a team of their "Greatest Exports", a collection of players that had previously played in the SFL but had gone on to achieve at a higher level. One player, Hendrick "Taffy" Waye was selected in both the 125 Year Team and the Greatest Exports Team.

Key: Adel – Adelaide Crows (AFL), Ald – Aldinga, BDOS – Brighton Bombers/Brighton District and Old Scholars, BrisL – Brisbane Lions (AFL), CB – Christies Beach, Clrmt – Claremont (WAFL), Fitz – Fitzroy (VFL/AFL), FH – Flagstaff Hill, Flat – McLaren Flat/Hillside, Freo – Fremantle (AFL), Glen – Glenelg (SANFL), Glchy – Glenorchy (TANFL/TFL/TSL), GWS – Greater Western Sydney (AFL), Hack – Hackham, Haw – Hawthorn (VFL/AFL), HV – Happy Valley, Kang – Kangarilla, Mar – Marion, Maw – Lonsdale/Mawson, Melb – Melbourne (AFL/VFL), MV – Morphett Vale, Noar – Noarlunga, Nwd – Norwood (SANFL), NM – North Melbourne/Kangaroos (AFL/VFL), OSB – O'Sullivan Beach, Ply – Plympton, PortM – Port Adelaide (SANFL), PortP – Port Adelaide (AFL), PtN – Port Noarlunga, Rey – Reynella, Rich – Richmond (AFL/VFL), South – South Adelaide (SANFL), Sturt – Sturt (SANFL), Syd – Sydney Swans/South Melbourne (AFL/VFL), Vale – McLaren Vale, WB – Western Bulldogs/Footscray (AFL/VFL), WCE – West Coast (AFL/VFL), West – West Adelaide (SANFL), Will – Willunga, WWT – Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)

Hall of Fame

The Southern Football League Hall of Fame was established in 2007 in order to provide due recognition to those who have given outstanding service to Australian Football throughout the League history since its establishment in 1886.

Membership is granted to Players, Umpires, Coaches, Administrators, Support Staff and any persons who have provided outstanding service to Australian Football through the Southern Football League or its clubs and, because of the nature of the League, combinations of all types of service is considered.

After the initial inauguration a maximum of five (5) candidates each year are selected by the Hall of Fame Committee for approval by the League Directors.

The general criterion for selection is to have exceptionally served Australian Football through the Southern Football League for a minimum period of 25 years (which do not need to be consecutive).

There may be some exceptions to the general rule and the Hall of Fame Committee shall have the right to nominate these to the Directors for endorsement.

ELITE PLAYERS – Players who have given exceptional service shall be considered (for example the winning of three (3) Mail Medals in "A" Grade is considered exceptional).

SPECIAL SERVICES – Persons who provide special services to Football in exceptional or unusual capacities.

ELITE COACHES – Coaches with exceptional records of coaching within the League.

SFL Hall of Fame Members

Key: Ald – Aldinga, BB – Brighton Bombers/Brighton District and Old Scholars, CB – Christies Beach, Cove – Cove, CSLFUP – Combined Southern Leagues Football Umpires Panel, Flat – McLaren Flat/Hillside, Hack – Hackham, HV – Happy Valley, Kang – Kangarilla, Mar – Marion, Maw – Lonsdale/Mawson, MV – Morphett Vale, MVP – Morphettville Park, Noar – Noarlunga, OSB – O'Sullivan Beach, OSBL – O'Sullivan Beach-Lonsdale, Ply – Plympton, PtN – Port Noarlunga, Rey – Reynella, SFL – Southern Football League, Vale – McLaren Vale, Will – Willunga

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2015

Reynella 18.7-115 defeated Brighton Districts and Old Scholars 8.8-56

Reynella
Goal Kickers: J. McEntee 5, C. Bradwell, C. Ellison, A. Broadbent 3 each, C. Semple, J. Carter, M. Doughty, R. Mahony 1 each
Best Players: L. McEntee, C. Ellison, R. Mahony, R. Frick, A. Broadbent, S. Bradshaw

Brighton Districts and Old Scholars
Goal Kickers: J. Carger 2, L. Price, T. Hall, J. Spurling, B. Brookman, E. Drew, T. Hoare 1 each
Best Players: W. Rivers, D. De Blaquiere, D. Lang, B. Hillier, E. Drew, J. Carger

J. H. Warren Medal: Luke McEntee(Reynella)

Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Attendance: 4300

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2014

Noarlunga 10.7-67 defeated Reynella 9.9-63

Noarlunga
Goal Kickers: W. Johncock 4, L. Moreen 2, S. Dean, S. Miller, M. Despott, C. Minns
Best Players: W. Johncock, T. Caudle, S. Miller, S. Dean, M. Despott, C. Hudson

Reynella
Goal Kickers: D. Paddick 2, J. McEntee 2, S. Karran, J. Carter, S. Ward, C. Semple, B. Thompson
Best Players: L. Ciampa, D. Paddick, J. Guy, S. Bradshaw, A. Broadbent, B. Lockett

J. H. Warren Medal: Waylon Johncock (Noarlunga)

Umpires: Brendon Caruso, Jarryd Simister

Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2013

Reynella 12.11-83 defeated Morphettville Park 8.10-58

Reynella
Goal Kickers: B. McKeough, C. Semple 3 each, S. Prescott 2, B. Tilley, C. Bradwell, A. Broadbent, S. Karran 1 each
Best Players: D. Lock, J. Farrier, D. Prescott, B. Tilley, J. Guy, M. Doughty

Morphettville Park
Goal Kickers: S. Morris 3, D. Longman 2, N. Wiese, S. Wiese, E. Schneider 1 each
Best Players: T. Cranston, S. Morris, S. Talbot, B. Murphy, P. Bennett, J. Ruwoldt

J. H. Warren Medal: Jason Farrier (Reynella)

Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2012

Happy Valley 14.16-100 defeated Brighton 7.8-50

Happy Valley Goal Kickers: J. Eagleton 4, J. Hiatt-Harrex 3, D. Sukkel 3, T. Grund, N. Eagleton, N. Petersen-Gray, B. Squire

Best Players: S. McKenzie, J. Brown, M. Mahar, J. Eagleton, A. Huebner.

Brighton Goal Kickers: C. Norsworthy 2, B. King, M. Baker, G. Phillips, M. Pethick, C. Mauger

Best Players: J. Bell, C. Norsworthy, E. Thorpe, M. Baker, T. Alexander, W. Rivers.

Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2011

BRIGHTON BOMBERS 13.6 (84) defeated MORPHETT VALE 6.9 (45)

Brighton Bombers
Goal Kickers: C. Norsworthy 3, T. Rigney, L. Sharpe 2 each, T. Alexander, W. Rivers, J. Tucker, T. Johnstone, G. Phillips, J. Beugelaar 1 each
Best Players: L. Sharpe, E. Drew, M. Whitford, C. Norsworthy, W. Rivers, T. Johnstone
Morphett Vale
Goal Kickers: S. Byrne 2, K. Hewitt, S. Saunders, N. Bayly, D. Sampson 1 each
Best Players: M. Nadilo, M. Zaluski, D. Earl, B. Bayly, T. Bennetts, S. Hill
Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2010

REYNELLA 13.11 (89) defeated BRIGHTON 9.5 (59)

Reynella
Goal Kickers: B.McKeough 3, A.Procter 2, E.Ware 2, S.Bradshaw, L.Ciampa, J.Carter, J.Newnham, T.Cece, S.Middleton.
Best Players: S.Bradshaw, D.Prescott, S.Prescott, E.Ware, J.Baylis, A.Broadbent
Brighton
Goal Kickers: J.Tucker 2, B.Brookman 2, W.Bradley, R.Miles, J.Degenhardt, L.Keller, B.King.
Best Players: J.Rogers, M.Whitford, B.King, R.Miles
Umpires: Aaron Bennett, David Popplewell
Attendance: 3,600
Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2009

MORPHETT VALE 10.13 (73) defeated REYNELLA 5.4 (34)

Morphett Vale
Goal Kickers: S.Pollard 6, A.Rigg 1, N.Bayly 1, W.Pittman 1, M.Joraslafsky 1
Best Players: N.Bayly, J.Sampson, S.Pollard
Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2007

MORPHETT VALE 11.9 (75) defeated BRIGHTON 3.6 (24)

Morphett Vale
Goal Kickers: N.Bayly 4, S.Pollard 2, T.Howell 2, S.Lock 1, M.Bode 1, M.Short 1
Best Players: M.Bode, C.Smith, B.Bayly
Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2006

MORPHETT VALE 14.8 (92) defeated REYNELLA 9.6 (60)

Morphett Vale
Goal Kickers: W.Pittman 5, S.Pollard 3, M.Short 1, N.Bayly 1, B.Bayly 1, D.Earl 1, S.Hill 1, J.Kurtz 1
Best Players: M.Nadilo, B.Bayly, W.Pittman
Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2005

MORPHETT VALE 16.13 (109) defeated REYNELLA 10.7 (67)

Morphett Vale
Goal Kickers: S.Pollard 3, M.Short 3, R.Beeching 3, A.Hill 2, M.Ritter 2, M.Nadilo 1, A.Landorf 1, D.Earl 1
Best Players: A.Hill, M.Zaluski, N.Mitchell
Venue: Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga Centre

Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2004

MORPHETT VALE 11.10 (76) defeated BRIGHTON 8.6 (54)

Morphett Vale
Goal Kickers: S.Pollard 6, A.Stagg 2, A.Landorf 1, C.Smith 1, M.Short 1
Best Players: S.Fishlock, M.Short, S.Pollard
Venue: Port Noarlunga Oval, Port Noarlunga

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1952

WILLUNGA 14.10 (94) defeated REYNELLA 9.8 (62)
Date: 9 September 1952
Best on Ground Trophy: Jim Walding (Willunga)
Venue: Willunga Oval, Willunga

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1948

WILLUNGA 19.11 (125) defeated McLAREN VALE 8.8 (56)

Willunga
Best Players: M. Elbourne, H. Haskett, L. Binney
Date: 4 September 1948

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1947

McLAREN FLAT 11.11 (77) defeated WILLUNGA 9.8 (62)

McLaren Flat
Goal Kickers: Robertson 4, Penny 3, Emma 2, N. Chapman, I. Chapman 1 each
Best Players: N. Chapman, D. Wylie, M. Robertson, C. Cameron
Willunga
Goal Kickers: Corbett, Hailstone, Haskett 2 each, W. Aldam, Branson, Halliday 1 each
Best Players: E. McLaughlin, W. Binney, E. Aldam, F. Gage
Date: 6 September 1947
Venue: Aldinga Oval, Aldinga
B-Grade – Willunga defeated McLaren Vale

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1939

HILLSIDE 13.10 (88) defeated WILLUNGA 8.10 (58)

Hillside
Goal Kickers: R. Townsend 5, I. Chapman 3, Holloway, R. Branson, White 2 each, S. Penney 1
Best Players: Holloway, K. Bagshaw, R. Burgan, R. Branson.
Willunga
Goal Kickers: L. Corbett 4, A. Martin, J. Branson, R. Clift, E. Aldam 1 each
Best Players: M. Corbett, R. Clift, J. Little, G. Miller.
Date: 2 September 1939

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1937

HILLSIDE 17.13 (115) defeated WILLUNGA 9.8 (62)

Hillside
Goal Kickers: R. Townsend 5, Robertson 4, K. Bagshaw, Osborne 2 each, Holloway, R. Burgean, Broughton, G. Townsend
Best Players: Penny, R. Branson, Holloway, K. Bagshaw.
Willunga
Goal Kickers: D. Atkinson, Jones 2 each, Hailstone, L. Corbett, Harris, Dyer, Giles.
Best Players: Dyer, M. Hailstone, Dowling, Blacker.
Date: 4 September 1937

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1936

WILLUNGA 11.11 (77) defeated HILLSIDE 9.15 (69)

Willunga
Goal Kickers: L. Corbett, T. Corbett 3 each, Hailstone 2, Blacker, Little, Atkinson.
Best Players: Little, M. Corbett, Hailstone, Dowling
Hillside
Goal Kickers: Ward 5, Townsend 2, Wickham, Osmond.
Best Players: K. Bagshaw, Branson, H. Bagshaw, Ward.
Date: 12 September 1936

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1933

HILLSIDE 15.12 (102) defeated WILLUNGA 4.9 (33)

Hillside
Goal Kickers: H. Bagshaw 6, H. Hobbs 5, R. Wickham 3, Ken Bagshaw 1
Best Players: Osmond, Hobbs, Keith Bradshaw, H. Bagshaw
Willunga
Goal Kickers: McKinnon 2, T. Corbett, E. Elbourne 1 each
Best Players: McKinnon, M. Corbett, J. Edwards, Dodd, G. Dyer
Venue: McLaren Vale Oval, McLaren Vale

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1930

ALDINGA 13.8 (86) defeated McLAREN VALE 9.13 (67)

Aldinga
Goal Kickers: H. Eatts 5, W. Pethick 2, C. Lovelock, L. Lovelock, K. Culley, H. Eatts, V. Branson, R. Stone 1 each
Best Players: H. Leaker, A. Scott, H. Eatts
McLaren Vale
Goal Kickers: F. Maguire 4, R. Freeman, F. Price, E. Roe, P. Roe, R. Hyde 1 each
Best Players: C. Sparrow, E. Martin, M. Harris

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Challenge Final 1927

ALDINGA 5.13 (43) defeated HILLSIDE 6.6 (36)

Aldinga
Best Players: Pethick, H. Gotts, C. Lovelock, L. Lovelock, Leaker, Stone
Hillside
Best Players: W. Rowe, Sauerbier, Hugo, Wickham, G. Rowe, Elliot
Date: 26 September 1927
Umpire: Mr. Hill
Best on Ground: W. Rowe (Hillside)
Venue: Willunga Oval, Willunga

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Challenge Final 1920

MCLAREN VALE 4.5 (29) defeated NOARLUNGA 3.9 (27)

McLaren Vale
Best Players: Waye, Waye, W. Murdoch, Samuels, S. Hyde, R. Hunt, F. Price, J. Baldock
Noarlunga
Best Players: J. Antonio, P. Furler, R. Furler, W. Furler, H. Asplin, L. Dungey
Date: 4 September 1920
Umpire: C. L. Cornish
Best on Ground: J. Antonio (Noarlunga)
Attendance: 1,000+
Venue: Willunga Oval, Willunga

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Deciding Match 1908

McLAREN VALE 6.11 (47) defeated WILLUNGA 4.6 (30)

McLaren Vale
Best Players: N. King, E. Wheaton, R. Oliver, the Dunstone brothers
Willunga
Best Players: S. Waye

Attendance: nearly 1,000
Venue: McLaren Vale Oval, McLaren Vale

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1907

SELLICK'S HILL 6.9 (45) defeated WILLUNGA 4.6 (30)

Umpire: Mr. Kneebone
Venue: Aldinga Oval, Aldinga

Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1895

WILLUNGA 4.6 (30) defeated SELLICK’S HILL 2.5 (23)

Result protested by Sellick's Hill
Result upheld.
Venue: Aldinga Oval, Aldinga

J. H. Warren Medal

The Jim Warren Medal is awarded to the play adjudged Best on Ground in a Southern Football League Division 1 Grand Final.

Division 1

The Leading Goalkicker in the Division 1 A-Grade competition is awarded the Herb Metcalf Trophy.