Mixed starts for mixed results for the South Adelaide Juniors: a fast start by the U18s saw them claim an 11-point win while a slow start by the U16s saw them suffer an 18-point loss during Saturday’s games at Flinders University Stadium.

The Panther Under-18s, who kicked 7 of the first 10 goals, was able to hold on to claim a hard-fought 11-point win, 9.10 (64) to 7.11 (53). In comparison, a costly start by the Panther-Under 16s saw them fall short by 18-points, 11.8 (74) to 14.8 (92).

The Panther Under-18s match was a story of two halves that thankfully had a happy ending.

Enjoying a fast start, South scored the opening 3 goals of the game within the first 13 minutes of play.

The Panthers’ dominance would continue well into the second term and – by halftime – the side held a promising lead, 7.5 (47) to 3.5 (23).

However, the match was far from over at this stage. And the Double Blues knew that when they held the Panthers scoreless during the third term.

This costly third term saw the Panthers’ promising lead get cut down to just 7 points.

But the Panthers were able to remain composed. Even when the Panthers’ lead fell to just 5 points midway through the quarter.

And with the game on the line, Corey Grocock slotted his second of the day at the midpoint of the final term to bump the lead back up to beyond a goal.

This would prove to be the sealer as the visitors wouldn’t register another major score during the remaining minutes, resulting in their hard-fought win, 9.10 (64) to 7.11 (53).

Impressive performers from this result included Koby Cockshell, who finished with 12 disposals, 7 marks, 4 goals and was named the SANFL's Under-18 MVP for Round 15.

Also included among the strong performers were Ryan Pearsons, 17 disposals, 8 marks, and a goal: and Austin Hogg, 17 disposals, 6 marks, and 5 clearances.

In comparison, the earlier match between the Panther Under-16s and Sturt saw the Panthers suffer a slow start that proved costly.

South, after trading goals in the opening term, conceded 5 consecutive goals to end the first quarter.

From here, the Panthers managed to wrestle back control of the match. Most notably during the second term when they blitzed the visitors with 3 goals in 4 minutes.

However, this costly start proved too big of a hurdle to overcome – and they would end up falling 3 goals short, 11.8 (74) to 14.8 (92).

In that game, Cohen Shortridge was busy with 18 disposals, 6 tackles and a goal. Likewise, Benny Barrett had 12 clearances, 6 tackles and 21 disposals; and Dakota Sterzl had 12 disposals and 3 goals.

The Panther Juniors will enjoy a weekend off before they turn their attention toward their clash with West Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium on Sunday, 7 August. The Under-16s will kick the action off at 11:00am and the Under-18s will follow from 1:15pm.

South Adelaide Under-18 vs Sturt Under-18
Round 15 - Flinders University Stadium - 23/07/2022

Goals: Cockshell 4, Grocock 2, Hoeck, Smith, Pearsons
Best: Daniell, Cockshell, Copley, Rodrigues, Pearsons

South Adelaide Under-16 vs Sturt Under-16
Round 15 - Flinders University Stadium - 23/07/2022

Goals: Sterzl 3, Goss 2, Angus, Shortridge, Agnew, Barrett, Bennett, Singh
Best: Sterzl, Agnew, Barrett, Goss, Darling