After a disappointing start to the 2026 Hostplus SANFL League season, the Panthers have plenty to play for this week as they look to turn things around against long time rivals Port Adelaide on Friday afternoon, while also celebrating 150 years of the club.

The Panthers will make two confirmed changes, with Elliot Dunkin coming out of the side, along with former co captain Sam Skinner, who suffered a knock last week and is expected to miss at least the next seven games.

Coming into the extended squad are Arlo Draper, returning for the first time since round 19, 2024, along with Luke Bogle, Will McCarthy, Tom Gillett and Nich Weightman.

Meanwhile, the Reserves remain largely unchanged after a strong start to their season last week, defeating the Eagles by 55 points. They will face the Eagles again for the second week in a row, this time at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval tomorrow night from 5 pm to kick off the Easter long weekend.

Friday’s blockbuster clash with traditional rivals Port Adelaide is not just a major Good Friday fixture, but also marks the official 150 year celebration of the South Adelaide Football Club.

Established on Wednesday, 12 April 1876 by Charles Cameron Kingston, the club has since seen 1,861 senior men’s players and 131 senior women’s players represent South Adelaide at league level .You can view more about the history of the South Adelaide Football Club here. 

Friday will also see the official launch of Grand Old Blue and White, celebrating the rich history of the club and written by the club’s heritage committee. Those who pre ordered the book can collect their hard cover copies from the Peter Darley Function Room. Soft cover copies will also be available for purchase on the day from the merchandise booth for $110, with a limited number of hard cover copies also available for $160, subject to stock arriving in time. 

To help celebrate the Panthers’ 150 years, the day will also feature The Advertiser SANFL Super Match, with plenty on offer for the whole family. This includes the BETTA Seaford Family Zone, the AAMI Lucky Zone with the chance to win an AAMI Lucky Cap, a jumping castle, Old MacDonald Farm petting zoo, a special visit from the Easter Bunny, BTM Turf and Seacliff Golf Club Kick and a Catch, and at three quarter time, Katch Kingston thanks to Villi’s. 1964 premiership player Lindsay Backman will also have the honour of tossing the coin.

All the action begins from 9:40 am on Friday morning with the Under-18 girls, followed by SANFLW Trial 2. The Panthers’ 150 year match will then take place at the traditional time of 2:10 pm at Magain Stadium.