South Adelaide started its 2025 Hostplus SANFL League season with a hard-fought 26-point loss against an experienced Sturt side at Magain Stadium.

Both sides commenced the first quarter with plenty of intensity, with several players excited to be playing for premiership points for the first time since August last year.

Jaiden Magor nearly made an instant impact on his return to South Adelaide when he strolled inside 50, only for his running shot from 45 metres out to go wide.

South Adelaide continued to create quality scoring opportunities, despite the pressure being applied by Sturt. However, the home side was unable to get reward for its effort.

Following a deep inside 50 from ruckman Olivier Northam, the umpire adjudged Damon Freitag to have been infringed. Freitag converted his short-range set shot, which he celebrated with passion.

Ben Ashley-Cooper wasted no time showcasing his physical presence on his club debut, laying several strong tackles to set the tone early.

Despite conceding the next goal, South responded promptly through a composed set shot on a slight angle from Corey Grocock.

The goal-for-goal trend continued when Sturt levelled the scores late in the first quarter. At quarter time, both sides were unable to be separated on the scoreboard.

Sturt commenced the second term strongly, putting pressure on South Adelaide’s backline. The away side scored the first two goals of the term to open up a 12-point lead.

Leaders Sam Skinner and Oscar Clavarino held firm in defence, making life difficult for Sturt’s tall forwards.

Clavarino had an opportunity to kick a rare goal after receiving a two 25-metre penalties in the middle of the ground. However, his long-range effort was rushed through on the goal line.

It didn’t get any easier for South, conceding another two goals, which saw Sturt’s lead increase to 23 points.

Northam’s composed set shot late in the second quarter reduced the lead to under three goals, giving the home side some much-needed momentum heading into the main break.

Several of South Adelaide’s prime movers needed to lift in the third term. Oliver Davis and Phoenix Hargrave started to get busy around the contest, with both winning important clearances.

Brad Jefferies’ crucial contest on the wing resulted in a turnover and subsequent goal to Grocock on the run from 40 metres out.

Momentum was all South Adelaide’s at the start of the third, with Angus Bradley benefitting from the hard work of his teammates and slotting his first of the afternoon.

Scores were level once again after Grocock kicked his third goal, a classy short-range check side.

Despite regaining the lead after Blake Rodrigues’ minor score, the advantage would only last temporarily when Sturt kicked its first and only goal for the term.

With it all to play for in the final quarter, Sturt wasted no time in trying to extend its five-point lead.

The away side dominated the early stages of the term, kicking the first three goals to put serious scoreboard pressure on South Adelaide.

Elliot Dunkin continued to provide plenty of rebound from the back half, but scoring opportunities were few and far between.

Quickfire goals to Bradley and Grocock reduced the margin to 14 points, but the home side had too much of a mountain to climb. Sturt kicked two late goals to secure a 26-point win.

South Adelaide will get an opportunity to record its first win of the season when it takes on West Adelaide at Magain Stadium on Saturday, 5 April, at 2:10pm.

A six-goal final quarter from South Adelaide saw them record an emphatic 46-point win against Sturt at Magain Stadium.

The opening moments were frenetic for both sides, but it was the away side that struck first, kicking the first goal of the game within 90 seconds.

Skipper Jacob Collins was prominent around the contest, registering several tackles and clearances.

After a few minor scores, it was Tommy Barrett who scored South’s opening goal after receiving a handball from a calm and composed Harvey Lambert.

Tye Gander had two early opportunities to kick his first of the day, but both efforts went wide. 

However, Oliver Goss had no problems finding the goals, kicking an opportunistic snap to level the scores.

The second quarter proved to be similar to the opening term, with Sturt kicking an early major to regain the lead within two minutes.

Lachlan Gill had no trouble finding the ball and starting forward forays, but his defensive acts were just as impressive.

South registered its first goal of the quarter and regained the lead following Noah Howes’ close-range set shot. He had a chance to kick his second in as many minutes, but his effort went wide.

Despite a tense and tight quarter, it was Sturt that took a slender four-point lead into the main break.

After being lively in the first half, Lambert found himself in the right place at the right time in the goal square, kicking a quick snap in congestion to give South back the lead.

Isaac Birt and Will Splann continued to be everywhere between the arcs, with their link-up play and rebounding playing a key role in the home side’s scoring chains.

After two behinds in the first half, Gander stood up to deliver two timely third-quarter goals. Once Howes kicked his second for the match, South’s lead stretched out to five goals.

Sturt had some fight left in them, kicking two late goals to stay within touching distance.

Heading into the final quarter with a 23-point lead, South was eager to put the game to bed early.

Ruckman Cody Lowe showcased his ability in front of goal, kicking a superb long-range set shot on an angle to deliver an early gut punch to Sturt.

Despite a gallant effort, Sturt was unable to stop South Adelaide from putting the foot down. Goss, Barrett, and Lambert would once again add to their goal tally, extending South’s lead further.

The lead stretched to a match-high 47 points after Sam Hindes’ late goal. Minutes later, the siren sounded on a dominant performance from South Adelaide.

After an emphatic victory, South Adelaide will be eager to carry its momentum into its clash against West Adelaide at Magain Stadium on Saturday, 5 April, at 11:30am.