Daily Grind Women's Match Report: Round 8 vs Centrals

Daily Grind Women's Match Report Round 8

South Adelaide vs Central District
Round 8 - Flinders University Stadium - 2/04/2022

Goals: Waterhouse 3, Russell 2, Archbold
Best: N.Wright, Campbell, Meyer. J.Smith, Collie 

South Adelaide increases their winning streak to four games following their 16-point win over Central District at Flinders University Stadium on Saturday.

Having to play without the guidance of their head coach Rick Watts; the Panthers managed to keep the Bulldogs at arm's length throughout the match to claim the hard-fought win, 6.2 (38) to 3.4 (22).

Continuing her run of impressive performances was Nari Wright, who earnt Best on Ground honours after finishing with 24 disposals, 11 tackles and 6 clearances.

Also impressive were Nicole Campbell (18 disposals, 5 tackles), Jess Waterhouse (3 goals) and, upon returning from AFLW duties, Tahlia Meyer (24 touches, 6 tackles).

Needing to win to stay within the top 4 – the Panthers got themselves on track with a fast start.

Within the opening minute, Lucy Northcott's kick inside 50 was well received by Waterhouse, who booted the opening goal of the game with her first kick of the day.

Meanwhile, behind the ball, Tiff Copley was at her intercepting best.

But despite some impressive moments around the ground; the Panthers entered the first break grasping the narrowest of margins, 1.1 (7) to 1.0 (6).

It took some time for things to heap up during the second quarter. Lauren Clifton's forward entry kick put the pressure on the Bulldogs, who then buckled under it by giving away a free-kick – which Shae Archbold made them pay for with her first of the day.

The Bulldogs then came within inches of replying; but the combined composure of Sam Pratt, Caitlin Radbone and Gypsy Schirmer helped the side clear.

Strong on the defensive end – the Panthers made them pay on the offensive side as well.

An interception by Campbell led to a link-up play across half-forward; with Jaslynne Smith and Meyer both getting their hands on the footy before young local product, Kiahni Russell, finished it off with her second career goal in as many games.

Then, with an assist from debutant Maddy Rasmussen, Russell made it 3 goals in 2 games with just seconds remaining before halftime.

Holding a 4.2 (26) to 1.1 (7) lead at the main break; the Panthers were forced to hold off a relentless Bulldogs attack in the third term.

But not even a pack mark by Wendland or a crumbing goal by McKee could click the Bulldogs into gear – so still the Panthers held the lead at the final change, albeit now it was just 11 points.

Nicole Collie remained steadfast down back during the opening minutes of the last term as the visitors tried desperately to cut the margin to under a goal.

Collie's defensive actions proved crucial as, down the other end, Waterhouse kicked the first major of the final term – and added another goal of the year contender to her highlight reel in the process.

The Bulldogs' last promising attack was beaten by Pratt after she caught her opponent holding the ball to win a one on one.

Then, after getting onto a thumping kick by Archbold, Waterhouse got out the back for her third of the game – which doubled as the match sealing goal.

To Central's credit, they kept pushing, and they did register a goal within seconds of the final siren. But, more importantly, that siren signalled the Panthers' fourth straight win; 6.2 (38) to 3.4 (22).

After losing 3 of their first 4 games this season; this win sees the Panther girls now sit equal third on the ladder and a game below the top spot with 4 games to go.

South Adelaide women will look to continue this string of wins when they clash with North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday, 9 April, from 9:00 am.

We're ready for 2022, are you?