A week can be a long time in football, and that proved true for the Panthers Under-18 Girls on Saturday afternoon in perfect conditions at Magain Stadium.

The Panthers faced a tough challenge against ladder leaders Central District, who made the long trip but showed no signs of fatigue early.

From the opening minutes, the Bulldogs applied strong pressure, keeping the ball in the Panthers’ defensive half for the first few minutes.

South Adelaide’s backline held firm during this period before the Panthers were able to transition the ball to the wing and force a boundary throw-in.

From the contest, Centrals looked set to rebound again, but an errant handball from Tarly Borgas was intercepted by Madison Brown.

Brown quickly wheeled onto her right boot and drove the ball long inside 50. Jaidee-Lee Shortridge attacked the ball strongly, and a quick one-two involving Isabelle Cameron created just enough space for Shortridge to snap truly and give the Panthers the first goal of the game. 

Central District soon began to gain control around the contest and applied consistent forward pressure. After registering a couple of minor scores, the Bulldogs found their first goal from close range.

The Panthers responded from the restart, pushing the ball forward through Molly Jenkins, but the Centrals defence stood strong and rebounded effectively, adding another minor score.

Despite some determined defensive efforts from the Panthers, the Bulldogs were able to dribble through another goal late in the quarter to take an 11-point lead into the first break.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with the Bulldogs creating early scoring opportunities and keeping the Panthers’ defence busy. After several shots on goal, Centrals eventually capitalised, extending their lead.

To the Panthers’ credit, they continued to work and were rewarded midway through the quarter.

Taryn Vizgaudis cut off a poor kick and moved the ball quickly into space. A strong smother from Jenkins created a scramble, before Vizgaudis again had an impact, getting the ball over the top to Cameron who finished from the goal square for the Panthers’ second major.

Central District would eventually run away with the contest, but the Panthers continued to compete throughout the afternoon.

Lily Dunstall-Bruce battled hard all day, producing several strong efforts over the ball and coming close to taking a spectacular mark.

Pinktail Demi-Lee Bruan applied consistent pressure, finishing with 15 disposals and eight tackles in a strong all-round performance.

In defence, Millie Beens also worked tirelessly, taking several important marks and collecting key ground balls under pressure.

The Panthers will look to bounce back when they take on Sturt at Richmond Oval on Sunday, March 15, with the match set to begin at 3:40 pm.