MRS Property Match Report Round 8: vs Central District

MRS Property Match Report

South Adelaide vs Central District
Round 8 - Flinders University Stadium - 29/05/21

Goals: Cross, Skinner 3, Gibbs, Nobes, Overall 2, Broadbent, Fitt, Heaslip, O'Neill, Tarca
Best: Gibbs, Cross, Skinner, Overall, Horne, Haines

South Adelaide embraced the Knuckles culture as they bounced back with a hard-fought 27-point win against Central District at Flinders University Stadium.

Coming into the match on the back of a lacklustre weekend which saw the Panthers go winless from their four matches; they proved that a week is indeed a long time in football as they came out of their three matches against Central District with a clean sweep. 

The Panthers bounce-back win was built on the back of a united team effort. But special mentions must go to Bryce Gibbs who was influential for the Panthers with 36 touches and two goals, as was Joel Cross who collected 28 touches and three goals, and Matthew Broadbent with 33 disposals and a goal.

After recording wins in the Under-18s and Reserves, it was the league side's turn to face off against the Bulldogs, but the Panthers had a much-different line up to the previous week with five changes.

This new-look line up was put to the test during the opening term as the Bulldogs, who had the breeze at their backs, kicked the opening goal of the day.

It wasn't until after nine minutes of play that the Panthers were on the board, courtesy of Sam Skinner.

Minutes later, the Panthers were able to string together enough quick handpasses to find Mitch O'Neill, who had just enough space to quickly mark his return with a goal.

However, from here Central District closed out the quarter by booting three unanswered goals in the space of just four minutes: handing the Panthers a two-goal deficit at the first break.

The second term was the Panthers turn to use the wind; and after some close calls, Cross broke through with a thumping goal on the run. But what followed was a shoutout as both sides were unable to string together back-to-back goals.

Sam Overall was able to set up his partner in crime, Skinner, who drilled his second goal of the match. Continuing his best game of the season so far, Sammy set sail minutes later with a strong contested mark, which he celebrated with his first goal of the day.

The Bulldogs looked to respond once again with a goal of their own; but Ben Heaslip was able to intercept a Central's handpass and what followed was one of the plays of the day as the boys linked up through the centre before Cross finished it off beautifully with his second goal of the quarter.

As the second term entered stoppage time, Gibbs clever kick bounced past the Doggies defender for his first of the day, and minutes later a quick handpass by Overall allowed his teammate to hit up Daniel Nobes who finished the second term with his first of the match.

The 25-point turnaround was a promising sign for the Panthers, who had collected just one more inside 50 than their opponents but there was still plenty left to do to ensure the win.

However, the Panthers would have to win without their inspirational skipper, Matt Rose, who courageously put his body on the line in defence but hurt his shoulder in doing so.

Heaslip got things going with his first goal of the day to start the third term; but the visitors made the most of the wind by kicking four unanswered goals to put the Panthers seven points down midway through the term.

As the match entered stoppage time, Fraser Turner sent the ball deep inside 50 where Cross was able to get on the end of it for a much-needed goal.

With the lead now sitting within a straight kick, Joe Haines showed his cleverness by conceding an own goal which allowed the Panthers to rebound out of defence.

Jake Tarca then put his body on the line to win a two versus one situation, allowing Liam Fitt to kick the lead-taking goal.

The Panthers had the perfect start to the final term, with Gibbs and Cross linking up through the centre and Overall finishing it off for his second goal. Minutes later, Skinner quickly collected and goaled from a stoppage to increase the lead to 15 points.

Collecting 132 marks to 76, the Panthers dictated the pace of the match while also collecting 14 inside 50s to 11 during the final term. Broadbent's kick swung back perfectly to top off his standout performance with a rare goal; while Gibbs and Nobes both capitalised on set shots for their second goals of the match.

With Jason Horne and Hayden Sampson continuing to impress through the middle, and James Loneragan continuing to remain steadfast down back; the Panthers stormed home to an impressive 17.10 (112) to 12.13 (85) win.

A great way to respond from last week's result; South Adelaide will now look to continue this winning form when they face off against West Adelaide on Sunday, 6 June, from 2:10pm.

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