South Adelaide has recorded its first loss of the season, falling short by nine points against a clinical North Adelaide in the Pinktails/Redtails Right Tracks Program Cup at Magain Stadium.

The opening minutes of the first quarter set the tone for the encounter, with both sides showcasing fierce tackling pressure and selfless defensive running. 

Despite many failing to execute by foot under pressure, Emma Charlton was able to slice through North’s defence with her deft kicking skills.

With the ball bouncing between the arcs, there were very few high-quality forward-50 entries. 

Jaslynne Smith and Carly Milsom were diligent in defence, always in the right place at the right time when North moved the ball forward.

After conceding the first goal of the game, Captain Jordann Hickey started to get busy around the ball, using her penetrative kicking to create deep forward entries.

Emily Brockhurst came close to breaking South’s goal drought in the 13th minute of the quarter, but her shot went wide for a behind.

Caitlin Couch had the ball on a string in the opening term, collecting eight disposals. She was also strong defensively, laying several tackles.

The momentum was going all South’s way in the final stages of the quarter, but there was no reward for effort on the scoreboard. At quarter-time, North held a slender five-point lead.

North started the second term the stronger of the two sides, with its tackling pressure resulting in a goal within the opening minutes.

Shae Archbold looked the most likely to hit a target inside-50, using her creative foot skills to laser balls towards leading forwards. 

However, the tall timber for North continued to provide obstacles and frustration for South’s forward forays.

Ruck duo Soriah Moon and Taya Maxwell continued to compete around the ground and provide clean hit-outs to eager midfielders.

South fumbled a golden opportunity to kick its first goal of the game after Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap’s misplaced handball while running into an open goal resulted in a rushed behind.

After a tense tussle, North managed to extend its lead at half-time to 13 points.

Couch continued to find the ball with ease, racking up 20 disposals at the main break to go with her several tackles and clearances.

Needing a positive start to the second half, South conceded the first goal of the term within the first minute, stretching the deficit out to three goals.

With an ever-increasing mountain to climb, Hickey started to get heavily involved around the contest, showcasing her leadership ability.

Despite several fumbles and misplaced kicks, South started to gain ascendancy, dominating the inside-50 count for the quarter. 

Promising ball movement from several of South’s prime movers allowed for scoring opportunities to Melissa Anderson and Brockhurst, with both registering behinds.

The manic pressure from South was resulting in several North players turning the ball over. Charlton showcased this endeavour with strong back-to-back tackles, while Layla Vizgaudis laid a key smother.

After four straight behinds, South were desperate not to concede. North had a chance to extend its lead by running onto a loose ball inside-50. However, Smith won a crucial contest against two forwards.

Hickey nearly capped off a fantastic third quarter with a goal. However, her behind was the perfect encapsulation of a wasteful quarter, with South kicking five behinds for the term.

With it all to play for in the final quarter, South needed a quick goal to cut into North’s 14-point lead.

Following multiple inside-50s and shots that fell short, Archbold composed herself to kick the first goal of the quarter, creating plenty of energy.

South had an opportunity to reduce the margin to within a goal, but a last-ditch effort by a North defender resulted in a holding-the-ball decision.

Couch, Charlton, and Hickey continued to work tirelessly around the ball, while Smith and Sam Pratt provided great rebound from the defensive half.

Although the momentum was with South, time was fast becoming the enemy. North defended resolutely, negating several promising forward entries.

Despite multiple opportunities to take the lead in the second half, the siren sounded on a wasteful and disappointing afternoon for South.

Caitlin Couch received the best-on-ground medal for South Adelaide for her 28-disposal, eight-tackle, and six-clearance performance, while Jasmine Parish received the medal for North Adelaide.

Following its nine-point loss, South will be eager to bounce back this week when it takes on West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium on Sunday, 30 March, at 2:20 pm. 

After a tight and tense opening quarter, South Adelaide flexed its muscle to record an emphatic 23-point win against North Adelaide in their Development League clash at Magain Stadium.

Despite the perfect conditions, both sides found it difficult to score in the opening few minutes, with South’s backline applying relentless pressure. 

Captain Chloe Meyers led from the front, providing composure in the back half and kickstarting many attacking chains.

The scoreboard didn’t reflect the free-flowing style of football being displayed by South, with the final kick inside-50 letting the side down on several occasions. 

Goals continued to be hard to come by in the first quarter, but that nearly changed with Jaidee-Lee Shortridge’s snap going just wide.

South’s defensive zone suffocated any foray forward by North. Melanie Koster took a strong one-handed, juggling mark to stop a dangerous attack by the Roosters. 

Around the contest, Hope Taylor continued to be prominent with the ball in hand, reading the hit-outs from ruck Jacinda Schunselaar.

As the quarter-time siren sounded, South’s two-point lead didn’t reflect its on-field dominance.

The second quarter began similarly to the first, with South dominating possession and applying relentless tackling pressure on the ball carrier. 

Zoe Flesfadar showcased her strong work in the contest, keeping her feet in a tense one-on-one to regain possession and commence another attacking chain.

After several high-quality forward entries, South were desperate to kick the first goal of the contest, and after a few misses, Taylor stepped up to slot a set shot from 30 metres out.

Caitlin Ross was instrumental in every ball going inside-50, with her kicking ability resulting in many forwards marking the ball on the lead.

South’s lead continued to grow after Abby Woodward kicked a remarkable goal on the run, close to the boundary, to get her side up and about. 

Team defence from the home side continued to suffocate North, keeping them scoreless at half-time.

Entering the third quarter with a 17-point lead, South were intent on extending the margin and putting the game beyond doubt. 

However, it was North that started the quarter strongly, kicking the first two goals to erode much of South’s hard work.

Jodie Hunt and Jaimie Millard continued to defend strongly, with their defensive efforts resulting in dangerous rebounds off the half-back line. 

Needing a moment of brilliance, Tiana Lush laid a strong tackle to earn a free kick. After lining up for goal, she received a 25-metre penalty that took her to the goal square, where she converted.

With it all to play for in the final quarter, South started with more purpose. Taylor and Ross continued to be prominent, moving the ball dangerously between the arcs. 

Shortridge and Pinktail Demi-Lee Braun were causing headaches for North’s defenders, with their tackling pressure resulting in several turnovers.

After a challenge from North in the final quarter, South began to flex its muscles. Flesfadar sealed the 23-point win after a long-range effort from 40 metres out in the dying seconds.