The Panthers show out at home against the Bloods.

South Adelaide V West Adelaide
Round 15 - Flinders University Stadium - 30/07/2023

Goals: Delean, Freitag, Sproule 2, Schuback, Shillabeer
Disposals: Davis 29, Haines, O'Neill 25, Gibbs 20, Mutch 19
Best: Davis (Thanks to Betta Home Living McLaren Vale & Victor Harbor), Brooksby (Thanks to Sports Power), Nye (Thanks to Jimmy Deane's), Skinner, Haines
Injuries: - 
Crowd: 908

It has been a tough few weeks for the Panthers struggling to find consistent form. 

It was a big day for Junior Panther and Reynella FC product Jack Delean, who would make his debut against the Bloods. If we knew anything about Delean, it was that he is an electric player and will provide plenty of opportunity around goals. 

As the rain settled in, the first term was a stalemate in the contest as neither side were able to provide a major score. The Panthers managed three points while keeping the Bloods scoreless. 

It was a major effort to get around the ground in this term as the defensive line held incredibly strong for both sides.

The goals would start to flow in the second quarter the ever-reliable Zachery Sproule would breakthrough for the Panthers. Tucked on the boundary line 30-metres away from goal he would kick around his body and secure the first major of the day. 

West Adelaide would reply and keep in the contest, but it was short lived. The Panthers started to play more freely and made use of the corridor incredibly well. Playing without fear and looking good.

After some contested play, the ball ended up forward and into the hands of Damon Freitag right on the goal square, the kick was all but certain and the league side had the lead once again.

Shortly after it was the debutants turn to show off his skills, Delean would be awarded a free kick 50-metres out from goal on a difficult angle in these conditions. The kick was pure and glided straight through the middle, with a whole-team celebration to commemorate the special moment. The Panthers headed into the main break with a 10-point advantage. 

West Adelaide were quick out the gates, kicking the first two majors of the third term. With pressure building, Kobe Mutch was busy around the ground collecting 16 tackles and 19 disposals. 

With time running low in the third, Jonti Schuback would kick a much-needed goal from a 40-metre set shot, returning the lead back into the hands of South Adelaide. 

Delean secured his second of the day in style. After taking a great mark right in the pocket, the first gamer found himself next to the point post having a shot on goal. The kick around his body was perfect, showcasing his talents. 

Heading into the fourth term, the Panthers had all the momentum and looked like getting the job done.

They would go on and do just that. Ben Shillabeer would kick the first of the final quarter from 45-metres out and trigger the run to the finish line. 

Sproule and Freitag would both kick their second late in the term and provide the finishing touches on what was a great display of character from the league side.

With a win in the books, the Panthers were ecstatic; Oliver Davis was special in the contest finishing with a game high 29 disposals.

With a bye week ahead, the next chance for the league side will come against Norwood on Saturday the 12^th of August at Norwood Oval in a 2:10pm timeslot.

South Adelaide Reserves V West Adelaide Reserves
Round 15 - Flinders University Stadium - 30/07/2023

Goal: Cockshell, Dunshea 2, Bedford, Brown, Flett, Gunther, Heaslip, Megins
Disposals: Heaslip 25, Rogers 23, Collins 21, Bedford, Duncan 15
Best: Collins (Thanks to Sports Power), Heaslip, Duncan, Bedford Gunther

In last week’s contest Central Districts were too much for the reserves side. Now with finals aspirations on the line, a win against West Adelaide was vital.

Faced with overcast conditions on the home deck the Reserves were ready for the challenge.

The opening moments of the first quarter was a roller coaster, as both sides couldn’t seem to build momentum with congestion through the middle of the ground.

Within the first five minutes Oliver Megins found himself with space, getting it onto the boot while on the move and kicking the opening goal.

West Adelaide didn’t let up and would cause problems for the backline, the first term was an indication of what was to come for the remainder of the game, as both sides knew what is on the line.

The contest tightened up, and South struggled to score, Koby Cockshell would break through later in the term and secure his first with a set shot from 40-metres out.

The bloods came right back and kicked another in response. The siren sounded and South had a 1-point lead heading into the first break. 

Neither side could break away in the first, but it was a different story in the second. Nic Dunshea kicked opened proceedings in the second term, after a perfect ruck tap the ball landed in the hands of Dunshea and secured the major.

Westies were quick on the response, unleashing a four-goal run taking full control of the contest. The Reserves found the ball at the end of the quarter, keeping them in the contest before the main break. 

Scott Bedford would be taken out of the contest and awarded a free kick 40-metres away from goals. The kick was pure and provided the Panthers with a much-needed reply.

With time winding down Dunshea would secure his second.

It was shaping up to be a big third term and the Panthers did not shy away from the pressure, instead embracing it through Cooper Rogers who registered 12 tackles. 

The effort was noticed straight out of the gates as the clearance would end up right in Jack Flett hands, the kick around the corner was crisp and the Panthers started their third quarter siege.

Ben Heaslip and Dylan Brown would both kick one in quick succession, maintaining moment with the Panthers. 

It would tighten up after this and the Reserves would have to work much harder to get forward.

After some time, Harrison Gunther would find the ball and secure a major, providing the Panthers with a 19-point lead headed into the final term. 

The Panthers only manage one major off of Cockshell's boot early in the fourth, but it was enough for South to secure the win. 

Heaslip was instrumental in the win collecting 25 disposals, while Jacob Collins continues his impressive form with a 21 disposals and 8 tackle game.

A win against the Bloods all but locked in finals action for the Reserves. 

Faced with a bye week ahead, the Reserves will look to build momentum when they take on Norwood on Saturday the 12^th of August at Norwood Oval in an 11:30am timeslot.