St.Kilda Sign Panther Ruck Paul Hunter

The South Adelaide Football Club congratulates Paul Hunter on his selection by St Kilda during the AFL's supplementary selection period.

Paul joined the Panthers mid-season last year and became the competition's dominant ruckman making The Advertiser Team of the Year.

"You can't help but be pleased for Paul," said South Adelaide CEO Neill Sharpe.

"He relished the role as No. 1 ruckman and clearly improved in our program.

"We wish him all the best and hope he gets the opportunity to realise his dream."

Loftus will help elevate the Panthers in a new partnership.

The South Adelaide Football Club is extremely excited to welcome leading technology solutions provider Loftus.

As part of the partnership, Loftus will manage the club's IT systems as well as complete an infrastructure refresh with the help of Premier Football Partner Leader Computers.

Part of the refresh will mean that the club's staff, along with players and coaches will have access to a more robust network, allowing more integration of technology within the club and football programs.

"It's exciting to welcome another local South Australian business into the Panthers' community" said South Adelaide CEO Neill Sharpe.

"It's going to be great working with the team at Loftus to enhance our network so that our staff and football department can work more effectively".

Loftus CEO John Stronnar said he is really excited to develop a strong partnership with the Panthers.

"The South Adelaide Football Club are a great community minded club, and we're excited to work with the team."

"In providing our industry leading service, we will enable the Panthers to continue to excel both on and off the field"

"It's also shaping up to be a big year for the club, and we want to be a part of that."

Loftus will also become a key part of the match day experience at Flinders University Stadium, with an exciting announcement coming soon.

Loftus is an industry leader for building tailor-made technology solutions for South Australian businesses, to leveraging technology to achieve a competitive advantage and operational efficiencies.

Learn more about the many services Loftus offer here. 

Loftus are on the train for 2021, are you?

Daily Grind Women's Match Report

South Adelaide vs Eagles
Trial 2 -Thebarton Oval - 13/02/2021

Goals: Huxtable, Rogers, Buethke, Peters, Page

The fast-finishing Panthers pounce late to beat the Eagles by eight points during Saturday morning's trial game at Thebarton Oval.

Trailing at every break, South Adelaide booted two goals during the final four minutes of play to overcome the new-look Eagles, 5.6 (36) to 4.4 (28). 

Despite beginning the match by kicking against a favourable breeze, the Panthers managed to get their first look inside 50 early on. However, as would be the theme for majority of the match, the Eagles managed to rebound the ball with dangerous pace.

One such rebound saw the Eagles manage to bring the ball inside their forward 50, and at the fifth minute mark they cleared the ball out of the pack and snapped the first goal of the match. Three minutes later they struck again, putting the Panthers on the backfoot early.

Montana McKinnon was the standout in the blue and white early, but even with her strong pack marking the Panthers couldn't find their first major of the game, and they entered the first break facing a 0.1 (1) to 2.1 (13) deficit. 

The second term saw the Eagles threaten to extend the lead further and would have to if it wasn't for an intercept mark by Emily Brockhurst deep in the back pocket. However, after five minutes of play, the Eagles managed to break through for their third goal of the match courtesy of a 'down ground' free kick.

Despite enjoying the wind advantage, the Panthers' backline were still the ones being put under immense pressure. 

Some of this pressure was finally eased thanks to a massive clearance kick by Reynella product, Ella Besley. This kick would eventually result in the Panthers first score of the second term, yet they struggled to find the centre of the sticks booting two behinds in two minutes.

This inaccuracy was overcome when Tamara Page stepped up and answered the Panthers prayers with a thumping goal, their first of the match.

South Adelaide continued to push for another major before halftime, and they managed to trap the ball down their end of the ground thanks to two intercept marks in as many minutes by Tahlita Buethke. Buethke would go onto finish off her own handy working by kicking truly on the run from long range, cutting the Panthers deficit to 2.3 (15) to 3.1 (19) at the main break.

Coming out after halftime, the Panthers once again won the centre clearance, yet the Eagles continued their routine of rebounding it. However, this time Jaslynne Smith, with her signature defensive IQ, was there to intercept it at half forward.

In a promising sign, South Adelaide's first goal of the third term came via Tess Huxtable, who kicked from a tight angle to record her second goal in as many weeks, and one that also gave the Panthers the lead for the first time. 

With only six minutes left until the final change, the Eagles managed to do what they were threatening to do all match, as they rebounded from a kick in and went end to end to score, sweeping the lead out from under the Panthers in the process.

Trailing by five points but finishing with the breeze, the Panthers came close to retaking the lead within the opening minutes, but it was rushed over the line.

At the other end of the ground, Brockhurst and Lucy Northcott were able to prevent the Eagles from extending the deficitbut still the blue and white struggled to find the allusive goal. This was until Nicole Campbell collected the ball from a throw in and quickly snapped it to Layla Rogers, who played on and drilled it from close range to give the Panthers a two-point lead.

Minutes later, Jorja Hooper was able to take a strong pack mark before sending it forwardswhere Sheena Peters, after some contact and after the siren, was able to kick truly from close range to give the Panthers a double-digit lead for the first time.

Following this 5.6 (36) to 4.4 (28) win, the Panthers now look towards their Round One clash against North Adelaide which will be held at Coopers Stadium on Friday February 26, from 6:00 pm. 

Show the Girls that your are #SouthProud in 2021! 

Elyse Haylock to lead the Panthers in 2021.

The South Adelaide Football Club is pleased to announce that Elyse Haylock will be the Panthers third senior women's captain in 2021. 

Haylock has been vice captain for the last two seasons under dual Premiership captain Lauren Buchanan, who hung up the boots at the end of 2020. 

Joining the new look leadership group is Brianna Wedding who will step up as vice-captain in 2021. 

Wedding has played 11 games for the Panthers since making her debut in Round 1 2019, including the 2020 Grand Final. 

Nicole Campbell will also step up to the leadership group along with Tiffany Copley and Sam Pratt. 

Campbell joined the Panthers in 2019 from Norwood where she had a stellar season and was drafted by the Crows in the 2019 draft. 

Older sister of Under-18 player Talon Copley, Tiffany will once again be included in the leadership group for her second year. 

Dour defender Sam Pratt who injured her ACL in last years semi final will also return to the leadership group in 2021. 

When talking about the new look leadership group, Senior Coach Andrew Brockhurst said he is really excited about the year ahead. 

"We have a fantastic group with a terrific attitude, and we really want to keep driving our elite culture, which is something that we as a club are extremely proud about"

"It's great to have Elyse voted as captain, she knows the girls really well and can pick up from where Lauren Buchanan left off"

"It's also fantastic to see Bri Wedding step up and be voted as VC, which is great for her development" 

"Nicole, Tiff and Sam round out an excellent leadership core that we have, and will be key in driving our elite standards on and off the field". 

Captain
Elyse Haylock (centre)

Vice Captain
Brianna Wedding (right)

Leaders
Nicole Campbell (far right)
Tiffany Copley (left)
Sam Pratt (far left)

The leaders are locked in for 2021, are you?

Paul Hunter to train with St.Kilda

The South Adelaide Football Club was advised on Sunday afternoon that Paul Hunter has been invited to train with St Kilda Football Club for the next two weeks of pre-season.

It is understood the Saints will make a decision at the end of that two weeks on whether Paul will fill one of their remaining list spots.

Paul Hunter joined the Panthers in 2020 playing nine League matches enjoying a stellar season which saw him selected in the Advertiser Team of the Year. We wish Paul all the best.

AFL Clubs have until March 9 to finalise their lists for the upcoming season.

Since the implementation of rules allowing greater flexibility for AFL Clubs in selecting players outside of the traditional draft, the following South Adelaide ruckmen have been selected

• 2018 Keegan Brooksby (West Coast)
• 2019 Hayden McLean (Sydney), Michael Knoll (Sydney)
• 2020 Keegan Brooksby (Hawthorn)

Daily Grind Women's Match Report

South Adelaide vs Sturt
Trial 1 - Flinders University Stadium - 06/02/2021

Goals: Kirk 3, Haylock, Huxtable

Promising signs to take from the first trial game as familiar names impress and new faces shine during the Panthers 33-point win over Sturt at Flinders University Stadium on Saturday.

Donning the blue and white for the first time since August, the Panthers struggled to find inroads through the Double Blue defenders but a three-goal unanswered run during the final term sealed the 5.11 (41) to 1.2 (8) win.

The forward line played host to a new-look attack, with last year's leading goalkicker Jess Kirk booting three goals and Encounter Bay's Tess Huxtable scoring one to help the Panthers over the line. Happy Valley forward and Panther junior, Jorja Hooper also got her hands on plenty of the footy.

Yet despite the final score line, the opening half was very much a battle of the backlines. After several thwarted attacks, a clever handpass by Panther recruit Alannah Rochow allowed Kirk to snap for her first goal of the match.

Minutes later, Madi Bennett showed her trademark speed by getting out the back of the pack, but she was tackled before she could score. 

Playing in strange summer conditions there were some light showers during the opening term which certainly did not lessen the pressure that was around the ball.

Nicole Campbell tried her best to break the game open on several occasions, but the Panthers wouldn't score another major for the opening term and headed into the first break with a narrow 1.1 (7) to 0.1 (1) lead.

The second quarter saw the Double Blues push for their first major of the match and they came extremely close to doing so if it wasn't for a 'kicking in danger' call within the goal square. After this close call, the Panthers managed to trap it down in their forward 50 but struggled to find the middle of the goals as they booted three behinds in four minutes.

Sturt's strong defence came close to rebounding on several occasions, but a strong tackle by Rochow and a solid defensive play by the Yankalilla duo, Leah Bailey and Jemma Ellis, helped keep the ball on the Panthers' side of the centre circle. But Sturt continually tried to counterattack.

Lucy Northcott helped South's backline stay strong with a composed intercept mark. But the Double Blues came close to scoring on several occasions during the closing moments. The first of which was safely escorted over the line by Emily Brockhurst, which gave Sturt their first score of the quarter.

Then just as it looked like Sturt were surely going to kick their first of the match, Northcott reminded us of her rugby background with a strong goal-saving tackle which helped South Adelaide enter halftime with a 1.4 (10) to 0.2 (2) lead.

Despite seemingly being in control, the Double Blues were easily in striking distance of the lead. 

Czenya Cavouras was busy early as was Campbell, but the Panthers struggled to breakthrough with their second major of the match. Then, after fifty minutes of play Sturt managed to score their first goal of the match but despite being their first of the day, it cut the lead to within a kick.

But three minutes later, Sophia Flanagan-Sjoberg was able to get her kick over the back of the pack and Huxtable, who was able to stay on her feet despite the opposition, picked up the ball and handed the Panthers a much-needed goal.

With a 2.6 (18) to 1.2 (8) lead at the final change, the Panthers went to work to help seal the win.

Just sixty seconds into the final term, Kirk and Hooper combined for a quick one-twowith Kirk hitting up Hooper before receiving the ball back and snaping what was the goal of the game.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the ground Brianna Wedding showed her versatility with an intercept mark at halfback. Credit to the Panthers backline who would combine to keep Sturt scoreless for the remainder of the match.

South Adelaide's next goal would also come courtesy of Kirk, who intercepted back-to-back Double Blue kick insthe last of which saw the ball soar over the line for her third of the match.

The final minutes saw some strong induvial acts with the likes of Rochow's run and carry, Northcott's tackling and Flanagan-Sjoberg's double-grab intercept mark.

With just a minute left to play, Elyse Haylock put the icing on the cake with a goal from close range, handing the Panthers a 5.11 (41) to 1.2 (8) win. The first of 2021 and the first with the new-look coaching group. 

South Adelaide's second trial game sees them travel to the Eastern Parade Reserve to face off against the Eagles on Saturday February 13, from 10:30am.

Show the Girls that your are #SouthProud in 2021! 

Firestarter Beverages bring the party down south.

The South Adelaide Football Club is extremely excited to welcome Firestarter Beverages as a Silver Partner in a new two year deal. 

Firestarter Beverages produce high quality spirits which include Premium Vodka and Gin.

Part of the partnership will see Firestarter Gin and Vodka have exclusive first pour at Jimmy Deane's Bistro. 

"It's another really exciting business that we are able to welcome into the Panthers community" said Commercial Operations Manager Peter Apostolopoulos.

"The quality of Firestarter beverages is outstanding, and we can not wait to have the Panther faithful come in and give it a shot". 

"Not only does the quality of the product speak volumes, but Firestarter are extremely keen on being active within the southern community, and we're fortunate enough to be able to assist with it."

"Firestarter Beverages are thrilled to partner up with the South Adelaide Football Club and provide it's members with our premium spirits." said Vlad Sopotsko, Director of Marketing - Firestarter Beverages

"We can't wait for the season to start and are looking forward to joining fans and members for a couple of celebratory post-game drinks."

Learn more about Firestarter here, and please drink responsibly.

Firestarter are on the train for 2021, are you?

The Panthers lock in 2021 Senior Women's Coaching Group. 

There are many familiar faces in the 2021 Senior Women's Coaching group. 

However, there is one big addition, former Panther and Lion Andrew Brockhurst who returns to South Adelaide in a new role. 

Brockhurst replaced Rick Watts, who took over two years ago.

Watts guided the side to a Premiership in 2019 and a third consecutive Grand Final appearance in 2020. 

However, Watts will still be involved in the program as a development coach and a bench coach on game days. 

"We're extremely lucky to have Rick as our senior development coach." said Senior Women's Coach Andrew Brockhurst.

"He will be assisting with developing our younger players and setting pathways for girls to follow their AFLW dreams along with providing coaching mentorship to myself"

McLaren native Sally Fuller has also joined as a forward line assistant, who will provide some key insights having played for the Eagles in their 2020 GSFLW Premiership. 

Senior Women's Coach Andrew Brockhurst talked about how exciting it is to welcome Fuller into the program and how her experiences in the GSFLW will be important. 

"Sally is a star full forward in the GSFLW and will help assist with the development of our young forwards."

"Sally has an amazing relationship with our girls already and comes to us with a solid coaching back ground in both Netball and Football."

Returning for a fourth season is Ben Colman, Ryan Skouborg, Brad Read and Josh Read. 

Premiership player Stacey Huddleston will also make a return along with strength and conditioning coach Trent Larwood from Kinetic Balance Physiotherapy.

"I'm really lucky to have the support around me of some top quality coaches and people" said Senior Women's Coach Andrew Brockhurst.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Stacey continue her amazing development as our backline coach, along with Ryan who again takes control of our forward line in 2021, and with an injection of youth this year he is excited by the possibilities of the forward line".

"We're also really happy that Ben Colman will remain as our midfield coach and also step up as the senior assistant. Ben has a fantastic understanding of the SANFLW competition." 

2021 Senior Women's Coaches: (top row) Ryan Skouborg, Andrew Brockhurst, Ben Coleman, Stacey Huddleston, Sally Fuller (bottom row), Brad Read, Josh Read, Trent Larwood, Rick Watts. 

2021 Coaching Panel

Andrew Brockhurst Senior Women's Coach
Ben Coleman Senior Assistant & Midfield Coach
Ryan Skouborg Forwardline Coach
Stacey Huddleston Backline Coach
Sally Fuller Forwardline Assistant Coach
Rick Watts Development & Bench Coach
Trent Larwood Strength and Conditioning Coach
Brad Read Boundary Line Coaches Advisor & Rotations Manager
Josh Read Boundary Assistant and Positions Manager

The Coaches are locked in for 2021, are you?

The Panthers confirm changes to the coaching line up for 2021.

There will be some new faces in the 2021 coaching panel with Norwood triple Premiership player Simon Phillips taking on a senior assistant role in the reserves. 

Phillips played 5 games for the Sydney Swans from 2006-2007 and 9 games for the Power from 2011-2012. 

"We're wrapped to welcome someone of Simon's calibre" Said Senior Coach Jarrad Wright.

"Flipper will provide a wealth of knowledge to our developing players at reserves level along side Handles". 

Joining Phillips is Tarquin Brown, who played 25 league matches for the Panthers from 2012-2013 and will take over the Strength and Conditioning program. 

"The addition of Tarquin has already boosted our High Performance program in the short time we have been training, he is very organised and has the players working very hard." said Senior Coach Jarrad Wright.

Michael Handby will again be at the helm of the Reserves side for the fourth season and will also be joined by Panther junior Jonty Manuel as the reserves backline coach.

"Unfortunately Jonty has been informed he isn't allowed to play in 2021, he is a terrific young man and is a loved member of our group, so we will provide him the opportunity to develop his coaching skills to stay involved in the game and club." said Senior Coach Jarrad Wright.

"We are building a very experienced coaching group to support and develop our players, it's great to have the recommitment of our league coaches for 2021 and provide consistency to the players in our brand of football".

"We are liking what we see on the track so far in 2021".

"As the start of the season is on the horizon, I urge the Panther family to get on the train and purchase a 2021 membership".

2021 Coaching Panel

Jarrad Wright Senior Coach
Ben Warren Fowards Coach
Chad Simmons Midfield Coach
Nick Manhood Backline Coach
Michael Handby Reserves Coach
Simon Phillips Reserves Senior Assistant
Jody Tassone League Runner & Craft Coach
Jonty Manuel Reserves Backline Coach
Tarquin Brown Strength and Conditioning
Paris Rowe Strength and Conditioning Assistant

The Coaches are locked in for 2021, are you?

South Adelaide are pleased to announce the signings of Soriah Moon and Alannah Rochow.

The former Tiger and Redleg respectively have made their way up the express way to Flinders University Stadium for the 2021 SANFL StateWide Super Women's League season.

Moon comes from a basketball background playing with the Sturt Sabers.

Moon also played for Glenelg in the 2020 SANFL StateWide Super Women's League season before playing for Flagstaff Hill in the SFLW. 

Senior Coach Andrew Brockhurst said he is excited in what Moon will add to the side. 

"Soriah is a tall running Ruck/Mid who plays forward has had an amazing 18 months of Football".

"She played 8 games for Glenelg before playing in a premiership for Flagstaff Hill, and also won the Best on Ground medal in the Grand Final"

"Soriah is also a successful Basketballer playing for Sturt and also winning a premiership with them in 2020."

In the games in which Champion Data stats were available in 2020, Moon had a season high 24 Hitouts against the Bloods and averaging 17.5 hitouts for the first four games. 

Joining Moon at the Panthers is former Redleg and Happy Valley native Alannah Rochow. 

2020 was Rochow's first season back in football after taking 2019 off. 

Playing four matches for the Redlegs in 2018, Rochow returned to Norwood in 2020 at SANFL level playing six games before playing in the Happy Valley Women's Premiership. 

"We're really happy to welcome Alannah to South Adelaide and are keen to see her in action" said Senior Coach Andrew Brockhurst.

"Alannah is a speedy running machine who has a beautiful left foot kick and will replace some of the pace we have lost"

"It's great to see that Alannah is starting to feel at home with her winning the recent 1.5k time trials"  

"She has a fantastic fitness base and is setting herself for a big season" 

With some final list changes completed, the South Adelaide Football Club would like to thank Airlie Schirmer, Elke Jarvis, Brooklyn Kraft, and Nat Gibbs for their commitment and effort to the football club. 

We also welcome into the 2021 Senior Women's Squad Leah Bailey (Yankalilla), Ella Besley (Reynella), Brooke Boileau (Mt Compass), Jemma Ellis (Yankalilla), Jaimi Griffen (Aldinga), Jorja Hooper (Happy Valley), Tess Huxtable (Encounter Bay), Brooke Kleinig (Flagstaff Hill), Jaimee Millard (Victor Harbour), Renee Moon (Goolwa/Pt Elliot), Emily Smith (Willunga) and Katie Whish (McLaren Vale). 

Show the Girls that you are on the train with a 2021 Women's Membership!