South Adelaide’s second-half surge sealed a 40-point win over Sturt at Thomas Farms Oval, with Jaslynne Smith making history as the first player in Hostplus SANFLW League to reach 100 games.

The visitors made the perfect start, with Lucy Northcott earning a free kick in the opening minute and converting her set shot in her first game of the season.

Caitlin Couch continued her brilliant form, extracting the ball from the contest and driving the ball forward to find the strong hands of Abby Woodward at centre-half forward. 

Moments later, Lily Baxter, fresh from AFLW Academy duties, gathered a loose ball and snapped quickly, just missing to the near side.

South Adelaide’s brilliant frontal pressure was suffocating Sturt’s ball movement, resulting in several strong scoring opportunities off turnover.

Caitlin Ross’ quick reaction time saw the midfielder intercept an exiting defensive-50 ball from Sturt, before playing on and lacing out Northcott 20 metres out straight in front.

After Northcott converted her second goal of the match, South’s lead quickly extended to 14 points. Needing to respond, the Double Blues kicked the next two goals gather some momentum.

Despite a brilliant start to the term, South Adelaide’s lead was reduced to just two points at quarter-time, following a late fightback from the home side.  

The Double Blues commenced the second term with plenty of energy, kicking a goal within the opening minutes to take the lead for the first time. 

Soriah Moon was once again an immense presence around stoppages, providing silver service to the likes of Emma Charlton and Layla Vizgaudis, as well as winning several clearances herself.

After two goals in the opening term, Northcott was proving difficult to handle for Sturt defenders, giving away another free kick in front of goal - her third goal saw South regain its lead.

In her milestone match, Smith consistently remained composed across the half-back line, often being the main rebounder for South.

Following an arm wrestle between the two sides, Doreena Hansen showcased her pace to burst away from a would-be tackler and fired at goal, only to miss narrowly.

South increased its lead to nine points late in the term, after youngster Hope Taylor pounced on a poor pass exiting defensive-50 and nailed her first goal at League level (confirm).

At the main break, South had plenty to be happy about, but the home side remained in the contest.

Shae Archbold got the visitors off to a great start in the second half, using some improvisation to kick the ball of the ground and dribble through an opportunistic goal.

The Double Blues found it difficult to negate South’s prolific midfield, with Moon providing a perfect tap to Charlton, who burst away from the contest to set up a scoring opportunity.

Following a strong run down tackle, Northcott was presented with an opportunity to kick her fourth of the match, but her snap missed to the near side.

After several minor scores, Melissa Anderson took it upon herself to stream inside-50 and nail a composed shot on the run.

Goals late in the quarter to Archbold and Lauren Clifton extended South’s lead to a match-high 39 points, deflating the spirits of the home side.

Despite the strong performance forward of centre, South’s defence remained resolute. Vice Captain Tiffany King and youngster Esther Schirmer played a key defensive role in Sturt’s goalless third term.

At the final break, South were keen to keep the foot down and produce a percentage boosting win away from home.

The Double Blues, with nothing to lose, started the final term strongly, driving the ball forward on several occasions, but they were unable to pierce South’s dour defence.

Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap showcased her composure and skill across the half-back line, ducking a tackle and firing out a handball that would eventually result in an inside-50 entry.

Exciting recruit Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn had an opportunity to kick a goal on debut after running onto a loose ball and snapping across her body, but her shot missed to the near side.

With the result all but confirmed, South continued to attack. After several key possessions that lead to scores, Woodward was provided a chance to get reward for effort late in the term.

Following a deliberate out of bounds free kick, Woodward snapped from a tight angle, only to spray her shot across the face for a behind.

The forward may has missed, but South Adelaide didn’t miss out. Recording an impressive 40-point win at the final siren and sending a reminder to the rest of the competition.

Following this weekend's State Game against Western Australia, South Adelaide will return to action on Saturday, 10 May at 12:00pm, when they face Central District at X Convenience Oval.