It has all come down to this, the Under-16s fighting for a chance at glory in the Grand Final.

Faced against a handy Sturt side for the second time in this finals series, the boys were looking to knock them off once again.

The incredible Adelaide Oval was looking as great as ever and the Panthers were buzzing, ready to give it their all.

In the first quarter the Panthers were looking lively, managing to hit the scoreboard and lock down a majority of play coming through the middle.

Zemes Pilot got the ball rolling with his set shot, while Kody Shortridge made it look effortless when he was in front of the sticks.

Sturt were wasteful in front of goal, keeping it close with the Panthers having their nose in front at the first change. 

The tides shifted in the second as Sturt brought themselves back into it, putting their foot down and raising the stakes.

Shortridge would slot one early to pump up the Panthers tires and set the tone.

Harrison Davey would also get one to go in the midst of a Sturt surge, easing the pressure.

It was all about the pressure acts in the second term, the boys doing all they could to keep the ball wrapped up.

Down back the boys making sure of this even more so.

After the siren sounded on the half the Panthers were down by 9-points, still plenty of time to make something happen.

Shortridge struck again at the start of the third and made it interesting kicking his third, setting up what could have been a massive quarter.

Unfortunately, this was the only major the boys would get on the board, leaving the contest in the hands of the defence.

Luckily enough the boys held strong and kept the scoring to a minimum carrying the load majorly.

Tommy Saunders was giving it his all down back with 6 marks While Kai Clark also made a key play in a 1v1 on the wing, saving a potential goal. 

Sturt were still hard at it and would leave the Under-16s down by 8-points with a quarter to go.

The Panthers were in desperate need of a momentum shift to get over the line. 

Angus White would slot the final South major of the day, give the Panthers hope. 

Having the ball trapped in their forward line, the Panthers peppered, but couldn't get past Sturt's defence. 

A goal at the 21-minute mark from Sturt's Ryan Davies put the result beyond doubt, with the Panthers going down by 4-goals. 

A massive effort by this group and it goes without saying everyone was proud of the effort these young guns put in.

Archie Van Dyk was awarded with the best on ground medal as he garnered 31 disposals and was looking impressive to say the least.

A sad way to end the season but there is no doubt these boys will be back better than ever in 2025.