It has all led to this point, the start of the finals series, facing Glenelg on the home deck the girls were ready to roll.

In the first term the tension was through the roof, the side doing very well to apply pressure early and make use of their opportunities.

Down back it was solid as a rock to start with Glenelg struggling to get anything to go. 

Melissa Anderson would kick the first major of the game after she was smooth picking up the ball off the ground and getting it to her boot while under pressure.

For the rest of the quarter, it was stagnant as both sides were focused on locking it down, the girls would sneak forward for a few minor scores but would end up ending the term in the lead by 8-points, keeping Glenelg scoreless in the process.

A testament to the defensive pressure in the first, setting up the squad and allowing great movement, nothing changed in the second, Glenelg struggling to get forward let alone near the goals, only breaking through late.

Lucy Northcott got one though just after a minute, under immense pressure, setting the tone for the events which transpired.

Doreena Hansen followed this work shortly after, picking the ball up off the deck and kicking it through at the top of the square.

The energy was up, and nothing was getting in the Panthers way, moving with purpose and making every contest a battle.

Emily Brockhurst would get her first major, adding to the blitz and extending the lead to a comfortable margin.

It would remain in the Panthers favour until the last few moments of the half, leaving South in the lead by 19-points once the siren sounded.

No one could secure a major, but the girls managed to get away with it. The pressure seemed to ease in the third quarter, allowing Glenelg to move more freely and nearly close the lead, if not for their inaccuracies.

Fortunately, the Panthers remained competitive in the game. They effectively utilised possession, skillfully employing short kicks and quick handballs out of the back of the pack to maintain their momentum.

By the end of the term scores were similar and with a quarter of the semi left the Panthers were up by 16-points.

A spot in the big dance up for grabs the girls made sure to get the job done in the final quarter.

Caitlin Couch had her name written all over this term and the game, kicking the last two majors of the day, making use of her shifty feet and impressive skills around the sticks. 

She’d also end with the equal most touches garnering a smooth 20 disposals and leading the tackle count with 9, a true warrior.

It was a whole team effort; a great performance was seen across the ground.

The Panthers booked their spot in the 2024 Hostplus SANFLW Grand Final, marking their 5th Grand Final appearance in 7 seasons. 

With the week off, the Panthers will play either Glenelg or Norwood on Saturday, July 6th with a 4pm start at Norwood Oval.