Daily Grind Women's Match Report: Round 2 vs North

Daily Grind Women's Match Report

South Adelaide falls 8 points short of North Adelaide during a hard-fought clash at Flinders University Stadium on Saturday night.

The Panthers final quarter fightback saw them come within a goal of snatching the lead late into the game. But a Roosters goal in the dying minute sealed the Panthers fate, 5.5 (35) to 6.7 (43).

A positive for the Panthers was the continued performance of their recruits. Jess Waterhouse, in just her second game in the blue and white, earned Best on Ground honours after a strong display.

Likewise, Yankalilla's Nari Wright, along with Shannon Hanning from the Pinktails, were also standouts.

Also impressive was the Willunga youngster, Shae Archbold, who continues to lead the Panthers goalkicking after her 2-goal tally and, rounding out the best players, was Gypsy Schirmer who played her best game of 2022 so far.

In the earlier Development match, the side sprung out of the box with 5 scoring shots in the opening term but, unfortunately, these were all behinds. McLaren product, Caitlin Ross was a standout for the side, while Kelli Nijhuis, also from McLaren, kicked the Panthers sole goal during the 1.6 (12) to 4.8 (32) loss.

Following the Development match, the Panthers' Round Two SANFLW clash carried 2 notable extras. These being the debut of Caitlin Couch from the Pinktails and Jaslynne Smith becoming the first women's player to notch up 50 Panther games.

Having had plenty of great clashes over the past seasons, the South-North rivalry proved that it hasn't lessened over the years with this Round Two clash having plenty of feel in it, albeit some less sociable than others.

The Panthers, spurred on by Buethke, gained the first look inside their forward 50 just seconds into the opening term – with the first score of the match, a behind, coming 20 seconds later.

Although it wasn't a major score, the quick attack put immense pressure on the Roosters, which Archbold capitalised on with the opening goal of the match.

The Panthers kept pushing for another major, but the Roosters defence held firm. After enjoying the majority of the opening term with the ball in their half – a rare attack by the visitors ended in a costly goal to cut the lead down to 1.4 (10) to 1.0 (6) at quarter time.

Similar to the opening term, the Panthers pounced in the early stages with plenty of attacking football.

Lucy Northcott kept the Roosters' backline under pressure and, after a late hit gave the Panthers some handy meterage, Archbold struck with her second major of the match.

With the Panthers gaining a promising buffer, the visitors pushed back – but thanks to some quick thinking and composure by Nicole Collie, South managed to keep the relentless Roosters out.

Then Hanning stepped up with an intercept mark deep in defence to thwart another attack. But with the pressure continuing to build, the visitors struck with back-to-back goals in 3 minutes to steal the lead.

With time ticking down and scuffles beginning to break out, it looked as if the Panthers would head into the main break trailing. However, Schirmer kicked truly with seconds remaining to give the home side a 3.4 (22) to 3.2 (20) lead at halftime.

Another late hit gave the Panthers their first look at goal during the third term – but it was rushed through for a behind. From here, the Roosters began to wrestle control of the match with 2 unanswered goals.

Kicking off the final term facing a 3.5 (23) to 5.6 (36) deficit, it seemed the Panthers had their work cut out for them.

It nearly went from bad to worse for South, but Tiff Copley was able to stop a bouncing ball just inches from the goal line – this minor action proved to be crucial as South Adelaide rebounded and, after plenty of handpassing under pressure, Brooke Boileau, struck with a much-needed goal,

Then the Panthers won the clearance and, after a massive kick inside 50 by Jess Kirk, Waterhouse was able to get on the end of it for a momentum-swinging goal.

Suddenly, after 2 goals in as many minutes, the win looked insight for the Panthers. But the Roosters managed to hold the home side at bay the remaining half of the quarter.

With seconds remaining and a goal needed, a rushed and last-ditch attack ended in a turnover and a Roosters goal to seal the 5.5 (35) to 6.7 (43) defeat.

South Adelaide will look to bounce back when they face off against Glenelg at Flinders University Stadium on Sunday, 20 February, from 6:00 pm.

South Adelaide vs North Adelaide
Round 2 - Flinders University Stadium - 12/02/2022

Goals: Archbold 2, Boileau, G Schirmer, Waterhouse 
Best: Waterhouse, N.Wright, Archbold, G.Schirmer, Hanning
Crowd: 700 

South Adelaide Dev vs North Adelaide Dev
Round 2 - Flinders University Stadium - 12/02/2022

Goal: Nijhuis
Best: Ross, Ifould, Rivalland, Rogers, Jacobs

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