SAFCW Match Report

South Adelaide vs North Adelaide
Round 4 - Coopers Stadium - 23/02/18

Goals: Rowe, Bennett, McCarthy, Hatchard
Best: Gore, J. Smith, Buchanan, Hatchard, Mark, Bennett
Injuries: Williams (groin), Woods (leg), Mark (ankle)

South Adelaide's senior women's winning start to 2018 came to an end at the hands of an impressive North Adelaide outfit on Friday night at the Parade.

The Panthers entered Round 4 as the only remaining undefeated team in the SANFL Statewide Super Women's League, but were outclassed by the Roosters to the tune of 4.1 (25) to 5.8 (38).

South looked set to carry on their winning ways when Louella McCarthy opened the game's scoring within the first minute, running onto a classy forward entry from skipper Lauren Buchanan.

However, South Adelaide would not hit the scoreboard again until the eighth minute mark of the second term, as young speedster Madison Bennett scrapped one off the ground after a goal square scramble.

Meanwhile, 2017 Grand Finallists North continued to tick the scoreboard over and took a 10-point lead into the major break thanks in large part to significant contributions from Jess Edwards (18 touches) and Britt Perry (22 disposals and a goal) in their season debuts.

The third term was again all Roosters as they held the Panthers to their first scoreless quarter of the season, while adding a further 2.2 of their own.

North Adelaide hunted South's ball carriers relentlessly throughout the game (winning a 65-46 tackle advantage), causing turnovers and creating their own scoring opportunities on the rebound (34 inside 50s to 21).

While battling some stiff competition on the field, South Adelaide were also forced to contend with experienced defenders Cat Williams (groin) and Emily Woods (leg) being forced to the sidelines early in the piece.

Meanwhile, key back Nicole Mark also rolled her ankle late in the game and Adelaide Crows utility Anne Hatchard was playing on a minutes restriction.

Despite having limited rotations in the final term, the Panthers did fight back and added goals through Jorja Rowe, who converted from the goal square after some brilliant attack at the football from Leah Mencel, and Hatchard slotting a free kick from close range.

However, it would not prove enough to close the gap North had established throughout the first three terms.

Nikki Gore continued her superb start to the season, collecting 20 disposals and laying a team-high 10 tackles through the middle of the ground.

Co-captain Buchanan also found plenty of the Burley, winning an equal game-high 22 touches, while youngster Jaslynne Smith was again impressive out of defence.

Hatchard and Mark provided a strong physical presence around the ground, while Bennett showcased her speed and tackling pressure on occasion.