The Panthers’ debut in the AAMI Talent League Under-18 Girls competition could not have started any better, comfortably accounting for the Roosters by eight goals.

A pleasing aspect for the Under-18 side, led by Taylah Eastwood, was the Panthers’ relentless pressure, which was on display from the opening bounce.

Madison Brown epitomised that pressure, recording a game high 11 tackles to go with her 23 disposals in a best on ground performance.

At a slightly damp Magain Stadium, it was the Panthers who were switched on from the outset. They recorded the first inside 50 of the match thanks to Zali Trenorden, which led to a Jaidee-Lee Shortridge tackle and a free kick for holding the ball, all within the opening minute.

The Panthers’ first meaningful shot on goal came a few minutes later when a perfect kick from Zoe Flesfadar found Molly Jenkins, who lined up from about 35 metres out on a slight angle. Her effort fell short and was rushed over the line for the Panthers’ first score of the year.

With pressure high from both sides early, the Panthers dominated field position, however they peppered in front of goals, managing only minor scores.

Ava Mooney for the Roosters attempted to clear from deep in the back pocket, but Flesfadar once again delivered inside 50, this time finding Taryn Vizgaudis.

Vizgaudis made the most of her opportunity from 25 metres out, kicking the Panthers’ first goal in the AAMI Talent League competition.

Following the breakthrough, the Panthers continued to apply strong pressure. In the 12th minute, a slick chain from a stoppage led to a handball from Alexis Harvey to Emmerson Warren, daughter of former Panther and life member Ben Warren. Warren found Jenkins in space, but the Panthers were unable to capitalise.

In the final minute of the quarter, the Panthers’ defence held firm against a late Roosters surge. Sienna Campbell had a shot that fell short, and quick thinking from Millie Beens created a stoppage. The Roosters were able to sneak through a point to close the term.

The Roosters won the opening clearance of the second quarter, but Warren kept her feet and earned a free kick to prevent an inside 50 entry.

Soon after, a well directed tap from Eva Aldridge resulted in a free kick to Flesfadar, who found Brown about 50 metres from goal. Brown spotted Isabelle Cameron, whose shot faded late for another minor score.

A few minutes later from a similar position, Cameron handballed to Brown, who snapped on the run. The kick was brought back for high hit on Brown, and from the resulting free kick she lowered her eyes and found Pinktail Skye Childs at the top of the goal square. Childs converted truly, giving the Panthers their second major and extending the margin to 16 points.

With their pressure sustained, the Panthers took an 18 point lead into the main break.

The second half began with the Panthers still in control, particularly around the contest, dominating clearances 27 to 11 and contested possessions 66 to 40.

It was a tight opening six minutes of the third term, with the Panthers gradually adding to their total. Matilda Buchanan, daughter of dual premiership captain Lauren Murray, narrowly missed.

Moments later, Harvey gathered cleanly and handballed to Brown, who found Shortridge 25 metres out on a slight angle. Shortridge made no mistake, kicking her first goal of the afternoon as the Panthers edged further ahead.

The Roosters generated several forward entries later in the quarter, but they were unable to make them count.

The final term followed a similar pattern, with the Panthers repelling any North Adelaide forward thrust. Beens took a strong intercept mark to halt one such attack.

That set up another Panthers forward movement, and sustained pressure from the South forwards forced a North Adelaide turnover. Trenorden pounced on a loose ball and sent it to the top of the goal square, where Shortridge earned a free kick after being infringed in the contest. She slotted her second goal, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

From there, the Panthers were able to finish strongly. Jenkins added two goals and Shortridge completed her hat trick as the siren sounded, sealing the Panthers’ first win in the AAMI Talent League competition for 2026.

Next week presents an early top of the table clash against Central District at 3.40 pm on Saturday March 7 at Magain Stadium.

The match will be the final game of a quad header at Magain Stadium on Saturday afternoon..