Can't Catch Him: Joel Cross extracts one of his six clearances in his best on ground performance against the Crows. Image: Nick Hook Photography.

Seniors Report

South Adelaide vs Adelaide
Round 22 - Hickinbotham Oval - 27/08/16

Goals: Eddy 5, Barnes 3, McMahon 2, Cross, Gulden, Fields, Schwarz
Best: Cross, Seccull, Eddy, Taylor, Durdin, Schwarz

South Adelaide concluded the minor rounds with a historic 38-point victory over Adelaide Crows Reserves at Hickinbotham Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The win sees the Panthers end the minor round with a 10-0 record at Hickinbotham Oval - the first time the club has swept their home series since moving to Noarlunga in 1995 - and finish second on the ladder, just percentage points shy of minor premiers Woodville-West Torrens.

South set up the victory with an impressive second quarter that saw the home side kick 6.2 to 3.1 against a strong breeze and extend their advantage to 38 at halftime.

However, the win did come at a cost, with tall forward Ben Haren injuring his AC joint in a marking contest and Adam Gulden suffering an ankle injury as he was chased down in a tackle in front of the interchange gate. Sadly, despite avoiding surgery, Haren's season has now come to an end. However, the Panthers are hopeful that Gulden will be able to recover in time for this Saturday's Qualifying Final against Sturt.

Star full forward Brett Eddy was one of the catalysts of South Adelaide's surge during the second term, kicking three goals for the quarter, including an incredible bending bomb into the breeze at the Colonnades end.

Eddy would finish the game with five majors, taking his season total to 68 and officially crowning him the 2016 Ken Farmer Medallist - 22 goals clear of next best!

He also handed off three score assists for good measure.

Call me Ken: Brett Eddy celebrates on of his five goals against the Crows on his way to clinching the 2016 Ken Farmer Medal. Image: Nick Hook Photography.

Livewire forward Rigby Barnes also got amongst the goals, kicking three for the afternoon, while Jackson McMahon took several big grabs up forward on his way to a pair of goals.

Dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross was judged the Panthers best, racking up a game-high 31 possessions (15 contested), six clearances and a goal.

Meanwhile, big-bodied midfielder Brede Seccull (30 touches, seven tackles and two score assists) was again amongst the top performers on the ground, while Nic Schwarz (28 disposals, seven clearances and a goal) continues to go from strength to strength as he has become a key cog of the Panthers midfield.

Post-match, Head Coach Brad Gotch was full of praise for his backline, which held one of the league's most potent offences to a measly 62 points. In particular Gotch highlighted the performances of Scott Taylor and Luke Durdin, while also applauded the efforts of skipper Brad Crabb and Tom Fields, the latter who snuck forward for a goal in the first term.

South Adelaide will now prepare for the Qualifying Final at Adelaide Oval against Sturt, which will be played at 3:10pm on Saturday 3 September.

Stay tuned to the website throughout the week for more information about tickets and other Finals news!

Check out the full Round 22 highlights