The Southern Football League (SFL) is an Australian rules football league in South Australia. The League was formed, as the Southern Football Association, in 1886.[1][2] The league is a not-for-profit organisation.
The Southern Football League was previously known as the Southern Football Association until 1963.[7] 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.[1] 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 11 July 2009, when an SFL match between Port Noarlunga and Reynella was abandoned as a result of a freak tornado.[8]
The League once again came to attention in 2012 when it cancelled its Junior Carnivals due to umpire abuse and poor spectator behaviour.[9] This led to a campaign based around respect and protection of umpires.[10]
2015 was Edwardstown last season in the league, they transferred to the Channel 9 Adelaide Football League.
2016 was Morphettville Park and Brighton D&OS last season in the league, they transferred to the Channel 9 Adelaide Football League.
2017 Hackham were in recess. Port Noarlunga got ejected from the finals after playing an ineligible player in the semi-final.[11]
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.[55] The Mail Medal is named after the Sunday Mail newspaper.
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.[69] One player, Hendrick "Taffy" Waye was selected in both the 125 Year Team and the Greatest Exports Team.
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.[70]
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.
Flagstaff Hill Goal Kickers: S. Smith 4, S. Jacobs 3, N. Beenham 2, B. Patterson, D. Kearsley, N. Bailey, R. Mountford
Noarlunga Goal Kickers: J. Anderson 2, B. Hann, C. Gaspari, J. Kappler, M. Eagles
J. H. Warren Medal: Sam Jacobs
Umpires Field: Alex Cornelius, Brendon Caruso, Darren White
Boundary: Lucas Sutton, Josh Niederer, Hayden Sutton, Jack Harrison
Goal: Stephen Young, Jono White
Reynella Goal Kickers: C. Semple 3, B. Potter 2, B. Marshman 2, M. Borholm, N. McLean
Morphett Vale Goal Kickers: D. Iljcesen 2, D. Williams, B. Hartwig, L. Corrie, D. Noble
J. H. Warren Medal: Cam McGree
Umpires Field: Alex Cornelius, David Popplewell, Darren White
Boundary: Nathan Rorhlach, Dylan Worrall, Hayden Sutton, Harrison Everett
Goal: Stephen Young, Jacob Crossfield
Flagstaff Hill Goal Kickers: D. Butcher 3, R. Mountford 2, M. Johnson 2, D. Kearsley, T. Carney, B. Heyward-Ferors, B. Patterson, M. Walton
Best PLayers, M. Johnson, S. Theraldson, M. Walton, D. Kearsley, A. Shearer, T. Carney
Morphett Vale Goal Kickers: D. Noble, J. Dal Santo
Best Players: J. Dal Santo, C. Lock, D. Bode, B. Sowter, J. Dorshorst, A. Baker
J. H. Warren Medal: Mitchell Johnson
Umpires Field: Alex Cornelius, Harry Marshall, Simon Thompson
Boundary: Mark Ames, Hayden Sutton, Austin Robertson, Nicolas Thompson
Goal: Joshua Goldswothy, Jacob Crossfield
Flagstaff Hill Goal Kickers: D. Butcher 4, S. Smith 3, T. Carney 2, B. Rossi 2, R. Mountford 2, D Kearsley, M. Shearer, B. Heyward-Ferors, N. Beenham, M. Johnson
Best PLayers: S. Theraldson, D. Kearsley, B. Patterson, B. Rossi, C. Puiatti, D. Webb
Noarlunga Goal Kickers: V. Robertson 3, R. Martell 3, J. Beard, S. Miller, J. Birch
Best PLayers: V. Robertson, R. Martell, Z. Williams, S. Carlyle, B, Goldfinch
J. H. Warren Medal: David Kearsley
Umpires Field: Alex Cornelius, Simon Thompson, Dennis Rice
Boundary: Joel Stone, Dylan Worrall, Mark Ames, Craig White
Goal: Darren Hincks, Stephen Young
Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2019
Noarlunga 7 – 6 – 48 defeated by Flagstaff Hill 12 – 9 – 81
Noarlunga Goal Kickers: T. Milera 2, N. Mott 2, V. Robertson, T. Mott, R. Martell
Best PLayers: S. Hamilton, J. Brown, B. Goldfinch, J. Thewlis
Flagstaff Hill Goal Kickers: M. Hollis 3, M. Renfrey 2, S. Smith 2, D. Butcher, S. Osmond, B. Rossi, C. Puiatti, M. Johnson
Best PLayers: S. Theraldson, D. Kearsley, M. Hollis, M. Renfrey, D. Webb, C. Davies
J. H. Warren Medal: Mark Hollis
Umpires Field: David Popplewell, Mark Jensen, Mark Neville
Boundary: Craig White, Jayden Dunning, James Holmes, Evan Salter
Goal: Trevor Abblett, Stephen Young
Flagstaff Hill Goal Kickers: J. Vandermeer 4, S. Osmond 3, S. Smith 3, B. Rossi 3, D. Bucher 2, M. Shearer, M. Johnson, A. Albanese, J. Albanese, J. Vandermmer, B. Heyward-Ferors
Best PLayers: M. Shearer, M. Fazekas, S. Osmond, S. Heatley, S. Theraldson, M. Renfrey
Reynella Goal Kickers: B. Lockett 3, C. Semple 3
Best PLayers: C. Ellison, S. Hamilton, M. Portlock, C. Semple, S. Farrelly, R. Mahony
J. H. Warren Medal: Micahel Shearer
Umpires Field: Grant Reilly, Brendon Caruso, Matthew Browne
Boundary: Liam Trouptsidis, Nathan Rohrlach, Evan Salter, Jayden Dunning
Goal: Kym Marshall, Stephen Young
Flagstaff Hill Goal Kickers: S. Smith 3, D. Buthcer 2, J. Vandermeer, S. Heatley, J. Albanese, M. Shearer, M. Johnson, B. Patterson, S. Osmond, B. Kirk
Best PLayers: S. Smith, S. Osmond, B. Kirk, M. Hollis, J. Albanese, M. Fazekas
Noarlunga Goal Kickers: V. Robertson 3, A. Wurst 2, T. Ferguson 2, S. Carlyle
Best Players: N. Mott, V. Robertson, S. Carlyle, S. Miller, T. Caudle
J. H. Warren Medal: Samuel Osmond
Umpires Field: David Popplewell, Jason Thompson, Jarryd Simister
Boundary: Kane Marshall, Nathan Rohrlach, Matthew Rohrlach
Goal: Michael Greer, Scott Brand
Flagstaff Hill Goal Kickers: M. Raitt 3, J. Vandermeer 2, C. Schorn 2
Best Players: M. Shearer, S. Theraldson, B. Kirk, J. Vandermeer, D. Kearsley, M. Edwards
Morphett Vale Goal Kickers: D. Iljcesen 2, S. Byrne, D. Loveridge, N. Baly
Best PLayers: B. Baly, T. Bennetts, M. Bode, M. Smith, M. Hodge, W. Carroll
Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2015
Reynella 18.7 – 115 defeated Brighton Districts and Old Scholars 8.8 – 56[53]
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
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 Field: Brendon Caruso, Jarryd Simister
Boundary: Jarryd Hoppo, Corey Sawtell, Harry Marshall, Darryl Seidel
Goal: Michael Greer, Darren Hinkcs
Southern Football League 'A' Grade Grand Final 2013
Reynella 12.11 – 83 defeated Morphettville Park 8.10 – 58[101]
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
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
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 [44]
Southern Football Association 'A' Grade Grand Final 1939
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 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
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 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 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 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
^"Willunga". The Advertiser (Adelaide). 9 November 1903. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
^"Country Intelligence". Southern Argus (Port Elliot). 12 November 1903. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
^"Football Notes". Southern Argus. Port Elliot. 8 September 1904. Retrieved 19 August 2013. The Willunga Club has secured top honors from the other two clubs constituting the Southern Football Association
^ ab"Willunga News". Southern Argus. Port Elliot. 23 September 1948. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
^ ab"Fifth Premiership". The Advertiser. Adelaide. 10 September 1952. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
^Jai Bednall; Gordon Armstrong (23 September 2009). "2009: The Year Emus Flew Once More". Southern Times Messenger. pp. 8–9, 78–80. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
^Diane Schultz; Gordon Armstrong (22 September 2010). "Reynella Breaks 33-Year Drought". Southern Times Messenger. pp. 6–7, 84–85. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
^Kym Morgan; Gordon Armstrong; Jane Whitford (28 September 2011). "Battling Bombers End Flag Drought". Guardian Messenger. pp. 1, 4–5, 68–69. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
^Gordon Armstrong; Kym Morgan (26 September 2012). "V for Victory to the Vikings". Southern Times Messenger. pp. 4–5, 68–69. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
^"Facebook post". Southern Football League. Facebook. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
^Gordon Armstrong; Jane Whitford; Kane McKay; John Hall (17 August 2011). "The Greatest". Southern Times Messenger. pp. 1, 8–11. Retrieved 13 May 2013.