Reserves Match Report

South Adelaide vs Eagles
Round 8 - Hickinbotham Oval - 26/05/18

Goals: Helyar 2, Tarca, Manuel, Gurney, Aurrichio
Best: Coleman, Helyar, Fairlie, Millman, Taylor
Injuries: Raitt (leg), Baker (concussion)

South Adelaide Reserves were undone by a classy Eagles outfit on Saturday afternoon at Hickinbotham Oval.

The Panthers were restricted to just a goal a quarter through the first three terms and ultimately fell to a 6.8 (44) to 12.13 (85) loss.

The hosts struggled to chain their ball movement cleanly as the Eagles put on significant pressure through their front half.

As a result, Woodville-West Torrens continually peppered the goals and had the scoreboard ticking over regularly.

South did fight back in the last quarter, kicking the first three goals and restricting the visitors to their lowest return of the day in 1.1.

However, it was too little, too late and the Eagles walked away with a comfortable win.

A positive from the game was seeing two more Panthers juniors in Tate Coleman (Happy Valley) and Jake Tarca (Encounter Bay) make their first senior appearance.

Members discount has been bumped to 15% for this weekend's game against the Magpies!

Connor Fairlie continued to push for a recall to the League side, finishing with 25 touches and a team-high six tackles, while midfielder Coby Helyar was also impressive with 22 disposals and two goals.

However, the Panthers best performer was debutant Coleman (23 possessions, 12 marks and six rebound 50s), who showcased his precise disposal and poise playing across halfback.

Ben Millman and Scott Taylor also fought hard in a backline that was under seige most of the afternoon.

Speedster Matt Raitt (leg) and key defender Aiden Baker (concussion) were casualties on the day, but will be assessed during the week and aren't expected to see significant time on the sidelines.

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