South Adelaide vs Woodville West-Torrens
Round 19 - Flinders University Stadium - 20/08/2022

Goals: Heaslip, Shillabeer 2, O'Neill, Wilkinson, Brooksby, Fitt, Haines
Best: Sampson, Dunkin, O'Neill, Haines, Kraemer
Crowd: 1,182
Photo Gallery thanks to Nick Hook Photography

A Positive End to Season 2022: South Adelaide gave Woodville-West Torrens’ finals chances the cold shower with a convincing 21-point win at Flinders University Stadium on Saturday. 

Although the dream of making the finals was over, the Panthers made their intentions clear. And in doing so, they strung together 4 quarters of strong attacking footy to knock off the reigning back-to-back premiers by 21 points, 9.18 (72) to 7.9 (51).

However, even though finals were out of the question – there was still plenty to play for.

The Eagles still had a slight chance of making the finals. While for the Panthers, this clash was steadfast defender Jake Summerton’s 100th SANFL match, promising product Reece Milsom’s 50th Panther game, and the debut appearance of Reserves spiritual leader Oliver Megins. 

And the Panther faithful simply wanted to end the year on a high. 

Speaking of ending the season on a high, Hayden Sampson was outstanding.

The smooth-mover had a game-high total of 34 disposals and 7 marks, which sat nicely alongside his 6 clearances. Mitch O’Neill was also lively with 27 touches, 7 tackles and 6 scoring shots while Nick Kraemer collected 18 disposals and 10 tackles.

And Ben Shillabeer also continued his impressive run in the League side by registering the opening goal of the game just minutes in. Then – after a slick interception and assist by Sampson – Eamon Wilkinson was able to convert from close range.

A lack of polish in front of the sticks stopped the Panthers from increasing their lead, but they still carried a 7-point buffer into the first change, 2.5 (17) to 1.4 (10).

The visitors soon cut this lead down to a point with the first major of the second term. Yet the Panthers still seemed to be in control – they just couldn’t get the reward for their efforts.

This was shown as most of the Panthers’ second-quarter highlights weren’t scoring ones; they were instead Oscar Clavarino’s juggling interception deep in defence and Matthew Broadbent’s ‘genuine hangar’.

But the Panthers did finally find a goal in stoppage time, courtesy of a Joe Haines long-range bomb. However, an Eagles’ goal just minutes later sliced the halftime margin to just 4 points, 3.8 (26) to 3.4 (22).

Coming out after the main break, it seemed the Panthers were determined to break the game open – and they did. Throughout the third term, the boys in the blue and white recorded 11 scoring shots to the Eagles’ 4 – but inaccuracy minimised their damage.

The first of these goals came on the back of a Darnell Tucker run and carry. He then picked out Wilkinson – who in turn passed it to O’Neill who completed this team-orientated play with a goal.

Yet once again the Panthers struggled to record consecutive goals as the visitors pegged one back just minutes later.

However, South kept the pressure on, and it paid off as Shillabeer was able to intercept and – with a huge kick – record his second major of the day. But again, the Eagles found a replier minutes later.

Rebounding continued to be a strength for South. And as such, it was an Elliot Dunkin-inspired end-to-end play that ended with a Keegan Brooksby goal. This valuably increased the lead at three-quarter-time to 16 points, 6.16 (52) to 5.6 (36).

A diving Ben Heaslip mark saw him go back and drill the first goal of the fourth term within the second minute of play. But as was the case for most of the day, the Eagles soon replied with a goal.

With the win still not guaranteed – and the fans' worries about another come-from-behind defeat – the Panthers looked to keep extending their lead.

And after repeated stoppages, the Panthers were able to break through. They went long down the line where Shillabeer was able to bring the footy down to Liam Fitt, who was waiting to collect and – from beyond the arc – he let loose a kick that was safely escorted over the line for a thrilling goal.

This took the sting out of the game. With both sides carrying heavy legs – and the Panther faithful cheering the boys’ home – the side did enough to absorb the Eagles’ late attacks.

Then in stoppage time, and after forcing a turnover, Heaslip was able to crumb and kick truly on the run to confirm the season-ending win, 9.18 (72) to 7.9 (51).

It was a fitting end to a tough season for the Panthers. A season that was marred by the loss of several key players and one that had many heartbreaking results.

Yet it certainly wasn’t a wasted year as the club bled 23 debutants – the most since 1988. However, despite the list turnover, the Panthers managed to remain competitive throughout the year.

The Panthers defeated Norwood at the Parade, Sturt at Unley, and Port at Alberton. They defeated Glenelg with ease and 7 of their 9 losses came by 3 goals or less. And this win highlights the intentions of the paying list, with back-to-back hard-fought wins coming despite being out of finals contention.

So, after farewelling Eagle champion Jarrad Redden – the Panthers boys were able to leave the field for the last time this season with plenty of dignity.