South Set for Second vs Third Clash - Round 13 Match Preview

South Adelaide vs Woodville-West Torrens

Round 13 - Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval - 25/06/16

League 2.10pm, Reserves 11.25am

Adult $14, Concession $8, Under 18s Free

Last Time We Met

It was all the way back in Round Two that we last faced off against 2015 Grand Finalists, the Woodville-West Torrens Eagles. The end result was a 43-point victory in Tarak Redigolo's 100th and Matt Rankine's 50th games for the club.

South got off to a slow start, allowing the eagles to kick the first four goals of the match. Although at the fifteen-minute mark Emmanuel Irra forced an important turnover and kicked South's first major, swinging momentum their way.

Check out Emmanuel's Goal Below

After this game defining goal, the Panther's would go on to outscore the visitors 14 goals to four and run out comfortable winners.

Daniel Bass's work and physical presence at the stoppages was instrumental in the Panthers slowing the steady stream of Eagles clearances and goals early, while Nick Liddle was at his prolific best, gathering 25 touches and booting two goals in an impressive performance that caused the Eagles headaches throughout the day.

Nathan Daniel was also key to South's success, collecting a team high 27 possessions and even drifting forward to get his name on the goal scorers list in the fourth quarter.
Also impressive were Ben Haren with his work around the forward line, up the ground and pinch hitting in the ruck, while Tom Fields (27 touches, seven marks), Brede Seccull (22 touches) and Adam Gulden (22) all played important roles throughout the day.

Injury Update

South have been dealt an injury blow, with Cameron Hitchcock set to miss a month of footy after injuring his hamstring against the Roosters in Round 10. Alex Cailotto will also have to prove his recovery from an ankle injury suffered in the same game before he is cleared to tackle the Eagles.

The Eagles have the chance of veteran Luke Jarrad returning from a hamstring injury for the weekend although will be missing Cameron Giles (knee) and Angus Rowntree (knee).

For a full list of the official teams stay tuned to safc.com.au on Thursday evening.

Looking Forward

Round 13 takes the matchup back to Woodville where the Eagles currently have a 4-1 home record. Currently battling for second spot on the ladder the Panthers are a win ahead of the Eagles and hope to push that advantage to two after round 13 and keep hot on the heels of league leaders Sturt.

Hickinbotham Oval has proven to be a fortress for the South this season, as they have capitalised on playing seven of their first 10 at home with seven wins.

However, facing the Eagles this Saturday begins the start of a more difficult road to September for the Panthers as they play the majority of their matches away from home.

The Panthers have proved they are a force to be reckoned with at home, but now they must prove they are capable of winning games against top sides away from the comfort and familiarity of Noarlunga. This season South are 1-2 on the road and haven't won away from home since taking down the Bulldogs in Elizabeth in Round Four.

The Eagles are coming off of a bye, and before that a decisive 88-point win over fifth placed Central District. In the match former South Adelaide key forward Michael Wundke kicked and impressive six goals. Minimising the impact of the tall tandem of Wundke and fellow former Panther Andrew Ainger will be key to South's success on Saturday.

South is coming away from a good home win against the Port Adelaide Magpies, for a full match review follow the link here.

Last time the Eagles and South Adelaide met, South were +20 in inside 50's, +22 in disposals and +25 in tackles. Their pressure on the game was consistent, forcing turnovers and making life difficult for the Eagles throughout the match.

If the Panthers want to come home with a win on Saturday, they are going to have to bring the same intensity and pressure whilst using the ball effectively when in possession.

The Eagles have only lost two games for the season, but so have we, let's make sure we get out to Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval and support the Panthers this weekend as we try to keep it that way!

Fight on Forever!