Dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross will hang up the boots at the end of the 2021 SANFL Season. 

Cross advised the club on Monday afternoon that he will call time on his incredible career at seasons end.

The 34-year-old told his team mates at Training on Tuesday night. 

South Adelaide CEO Neill Sharpe, who was previously the Football Manager and was a key part in recruiting Cross from Scoresby, reflects on his contribution to the club.

"He's been a pretty significant player of the club over the last 11 years."

"Since coming to the Panthers in 2011, Joel has given the club his heart and soul and is definitely a crowd favourite. I don't think it is unfair to say that Joel is a modern day great of the club which is certainly shown by his long list of achievements."

"His image is etched amongst the greats on the South Adelaide Mural, which will be there for as long as the football club is.”

"We've got unfinished business over the next couple of weeks, and Joel is a key part of that.”

"I urge all members and supporters to get down to Flinders University Stadium on Saturday afternoon to not only help get the boys over the line, but to also see Joel's last game at Flinders University Stadium." 

When talking to the group on Tuesday night, Cross highlighted the impact the football club has had on his football journey. 

"The football club has been a significant part of my life."

"I was pretty lucky to find a club that would welcome me in. I realised pretty early that whatever I gave to South, I got back."

"I thank all the players, coaches and everyone who has been involved, it's the people who make a football club and without a fantastic group of people the club wouldn't be in the position it is in now."

"To the members and supporters, you have welcomed me with open arms over the last 11 years, and I thank you for sticking by me as well as the club." 

Earlier in 2021, Cross joined elite company when he notched up his 200th SANFL Statewide Super League match against Norwood in round 10. 

King Cross: Joel Cross gets chaired off the ground after his 200th SANFL Statewide Super League match by Alex Caliotto and Sam Overall. Image: Nick Hook Photography 

Senior Coach Jarrad Wright also highlighted Cross' incredible contribution to the football club. 

"There's no doubt that Joel is a champion of South Adelaide.”

"We've got five weeks left, and we should have the motivation and belief that we can win it.”

"The effort and commitment that Joel has provided the club over the last 11 years is pretty incredible.”

"It's been a pleasure to coach Joel over the last four years. He's taught me a lot as a coach, so congratulations to Joel on a fantastic career." 

The dual Magarey Medallist has achieved a lot over his stint at the Panthers, since making the move from Scoresby in Victoria in 2011. 

Cross has an impressive list of accolades which consists of four Knuckey Cups and five-times runner-up, two Magarey Medals and two RO Shearman Medals (voted on by SANFL Coaches), four State Team and eight Advertiser Team of the Year selections, including being named as captain in 2020. 

Cross' form hasn't dropped as he has consistently still been one of the Panthers top performers in 2021.

Joel Cross wins his first Magarey Medal in 2012

In 2019 Cross was inducted as a South Adelaide life member and earned his fourth Knuckey Cup later that year. 

The South Adelaide Football Club thanks and congratulates Joel on a fantastic career and wishes him all the best for the next stage in his life. 

Make sure you get down to Flinders University Stadium on Saturday afternoon when the Panthers take on the West Adelaide from 2:10pm in what will be Cross' final game at Flinders University Stadium. 

Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate. 

Joel Cross

• 204 games for South Adelaide*
• 168 goals*
• 2x Magarey Medallist (2012 & 2015)
• 4x Knuckey Cup winner (2011, 2015, 2016 & 2019)
• 5x Knuckey Cup runner-up (2012, 2013, 2014, 2017 & 2020)
• 2x R.O. Shearman Medallist (2015 & 2017)
• 4x SANFL State Team selection (2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016)
• 8x SANFL Advertiser Team of the Year selection (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020)
• 1x SANFL Advertiser Team of the Year Captain (2020)
• 2x SANFL Advertiser Player of the Year (2011 & 2012)
• Club captain (2018-2020)
• OnSite Rental Group Fans MVP (2020)
• Players player (2019)
• SAFC Life Member (2018)
• Leading Goal Kicker (2019)

*Up to the end of Round 18

SANFL today announced it will be enhancing its talent pathways from 2022 with the introduction of a SANFLW development league and extension of the Under-16 boys’ competition to a full season.   

The new and extended competitions, approved by the South Australia Football Commission, have been developed in consultation with the SANFL Clubs.

The new women’s development league, with teams from the eight SANFL Clubs, will be a seven-round competition aligned to the SANFLW season, commencing in February and concluding in late March. 

SANFL General Manager Football Matt Duldig said the new league would fill a void for developing elite female players who were not selected in a SANFLW team, providing an opportunity to gain valuable match play during the SANFLW season.

Mr Duldig said the introduction of the new competition also comes on the back of SANFL’s decision to move to a reduced 16-a-side SANFLW competition in 2022 to align with the AFLW.

“The female development league will provide an essential feeder competition into SANFLW, enhancing the skill level and depth of our elite female competition,” Mr Duldig said.

“Importantly, it will also benefit those players not selected in a SANFLW team to continue to develop their game in an elite training and playing environment with their SANFL Club.”

The U16 Torrens University Cup, previously a seven-round competition, will be extended to a full season, in line with the elite Under-18 competition.

Mr Duldig said the extended competition would provide talented male players from the age of 15 with access to an elite talent program at their SANFL Club for an extended period.

“Ultimately our aim is to provide the best possible talent pathways for male and female players, coaches and umpires in SA, giving them the best opportunity to participate at either SANFL or AFL level.

“Growing the pool of talent within our SANFL Clubs is also vital to underpin the strength and growth of our elite men’s and women’s State League competitions which provide an aspirational pathway for young up and coming players.”

As a club that is 145 years old, the South Adelaide Football Club is no stranger to having family connections amongst its players.

Yet many may not have realised the extent of Trevor Mitton's connection with the Panthers’ SANFL and SANFLW sides.

Trevor Mitton played 70 senior games and recorded 74 goals for South Adelaide from 1989 to 1995.

Included in his playing career was the 1991 SANFL Foundation Cup win over Port Adelaide.

Despite hanging up the boots for the Panthers' senior side after Round 12, 1995, Trevor has remained involved with the club through the South Adelaide Past Players and Officials Association.

"It's fantastic, I'm sort of at that age where I know some younger guys but still have that connection with the guys that coached me and were involved with me many years ago," Trevor Mitton said.

"So, it's a good place to be, everyone's pretty excited about what's happening, and hopefully we get that elusive Grand Final and premiership sooner rather than later," he said.

However, Trevor's connection with the South Adelaide Football Club runs much deeper than his playing career because he is a part of a proud Panther family that includes a trio of next-generation footballers.

He is the uncle of Luke Mitton and cousin of Mark Charlton who is the father of Teah Charlton and Emma Charlton, three talented Panther products that are at different stages of their exciting footballing journeys.

Luke Mitton, the 2021 Round 15 Under-18 MVP, made his South Adelaide Reserves debut in Round 12 this year against Sturt.

Teah Charlton, the fourth pick in the 2020 AFL Women's Draft, played in the Panthers 2019 SANFLW Premiership which was the same that she also earned Under-18 All Australian honours. Charlton also took home the 2020 South Adelaide Women's Best and Fairest. 

Following suit, Teah's younger sister Emma has also recently earned herself a spot in South Adelaide's Junior Female Pathway.

"It's absolutely fantastic, very proud of them all. My cousin Mark and my brother John are very proud of them as I am. The whole family is proud of them," Mitton said.

Luke, Teah and Emma are all either currently involved with or products of South Adelaide's Junior Pathway.

For instance, before getting drafted to the AFLW, Teah played in several of South's SANFL Under-17 Girls Premierships.

Trevor, who has been involved with the Southern Football League for many years, has noticed the change in attitude towards wanting to be a part of South's pathway and donning the famous blue and white.

"At the moment, the reports I'm getting back is that people want to be at the South Adelaide footy club," Mitton said.

"Which has not always been said, so I think that's a real positive."

"It's good to see my family members coming through, but I think it's more important that there is that pathway that people want to be proud of," he said.

South Adelaide's Junior Pathway has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with the Under-18s making back-to-back Grand Finals in 2018 and 2019, the Under-17 Girls winning four consecutive Premierships, and the Under-16s claiming the 2021 Premiership.

"That's what we really tried to work on the last few years is getting people to want to be at South Adelaide and the vibe around the clubs in the Southern League that is that they want to be South Adelaide players," Mitton said.

"It's been a long-time because kids grow up being Crows or Port supporters, we grew up as SANFL supporters … so I think it's going in the right direction."

The family club. Luke Mitton (back left), with his Uncle and former Panther player Trevor Mitton (back right), Adelaide Crow and Panthers Talent Pathway product Teah Charlton (front right) and her sister and South Adelaide U14G Development Squad member Emma Charlton (front left). 

Under-18 Match Report

South Adelaide vs West Adelaide
Round 18 - Hisense Stadium - 28/08/2021

Goals: Cockshell 4, Pearsons 2, Delean, Howes, Pilmore, Verrall
Best: Miller, Cockshell, Daniell, Verrall, Bradley, Hoeck

The South Adelaide Under-18s suffer a three-goal loss against the fast-finishing Bloods at Hisense Stadium on Saturday.

The Panthers burst out of the box with a 5-goal opening term, but they were unable to hold off West Adelaide who stormed home to hand South a 10.9 (69) to 12.15 (87) point loss.

Leading the disposal tally was Lachlan Hayeswho finished with a game-high of 31 touches. Meanwhile, up forward, Koby Cockshell kicked 4 goals—all of which came during the second half.

Facing off against the third-placed Bloods, the fourth-placed Panthers pounced early with 4 unanswered goals within the space of 10 minutes.

This goalkicking frenzy gave South Adelaide a promising 5.4 (34) to 1.2 (8) lead at the first break—however, the Bloods quickly clawed themselves back into the match.

The boys in the blue and white could only muster a sole behind during the second term, while the home side registered 4.5 (29) to snatch a 2-point lead at halftime.

The Bloods, who collected 47 inside 50s to the Panthers’ 29, continued to break the game open during the third term. Cockshell’s first goal of the game, which came 9 minutes into the third term, was South’s first since the closing seconds of the opening quarter.

Trailing 6.7 (43) to 9.12 (66) at the final change, the Panthers had plenty of work to do if they wanted to end the minor season with a victory.

However, things went from bad to worse for the boys in the blue and white as the Bloods opening the scoring during the final term with 2 goals in 4 minutes. Yet, refusing to roll over, the Panthers attempted a fightback.

Cockshell got things going with back-to-back goals in 2 minutes—he then registered his fourth major of the day as the game entered its final 5 minutes.

With the deficit at just 2 goals, a Bloods goal during the dying minutes all but sealed the Panthers fate. A Ryan Pearsons goal, his second of the day, came in the final minute but by then the 10.9 (69) to 12.15 (87) result was unchangeable.

The South Adelaide Football Club will hold open trials for the 2022 SANFLW Season.

For the first time since 2020, the South Adelaide Football Club is holding an open trial session for female football players. 

One session will be held on Wednesday, September 22 at 7:30 pm at Flinders University Stadium (Noarlunga). 

If you believe you have the talent and commitment to play State level football for South Adelaide's elite Women's Football program please complete the form here. To trial, this form must be completed. 

Since joining the SANFLW in 2018, South Adelaide is the most successful team winning two premierships in 2018 and 2019 and playing in three consecutive Grand Finals.  

Since 2018, 10 players have been drafted to AFLW clubs from South Adelaide, including the Adelaide Crows number one pick for three consecutive seasons, including Nikki Gore, Montana McKinnon and Teah Charlton.   

Just 6 minutes later, Broadbent then gained possession out of the stoppage and quickly snapped a goal to bring the lead within striking distance.

Then Wilkinson collected the ball and, with a thumping kick, brought the lead to within a single straight kick.

Continuing his dangerous display up forward, Fitt gained possession in the pocket and, after dodging and fending off opponents, did a soccer-style cross to Damon Freitag who marked it dead in front of goal.

Just 10 minutes into the final term, Freitag's goal put the Panthers into the lead.

The Panthers pushed to bump their late lead to double digits, but a costly free-kick saw Port rebound—but a desperate spoil by Hayden Sampson halted Port's chance of a set-shot.

Within the same minute, Jason Horne-Francis and his desperation was also on display as he tackled an opponent directly in front of goal-saving the Panthers from a certain score.

With the scores tied, some forward pressure by the Panthers saw the Magpies fumble which allowed Fitt to push through and kick a much-needed goal.

However, 2 goals within 2 minutes broke the game open in the home sides favour. Then, a free-kick out of the centre all but sealed the Panthers fate, who ended up falling to a bitter 13.6 (84) to 15.7 (97) defeat.

South Adelaide will now have the weekend off before they face West Adelaide in a do or die clash at Flinders University Stadium on Saturday, 4 September, from 2:10pm.

Under-18 Match Report

South Adelaide vs Central District
Round 17 - Alberton Oval - 21/08/2021

Goals: Delean 4, Hoeck, Pearsons 3, S.Draper
Best: Miller, Hoeck, Deleam, Schroder, Verrall, Rogers

The South Adelaide Under-18s fall just one point shy of Central District during a nail-biting clash at Alberton Oval on Saturday.

The Panthers could not fend off the fast-finishing Bulldogs who kicked the final 4 goals of the match to hand the blue and white a narrow defeat, 11.11 (77) to 12.6 (78).

Impressive up forward for the Panthers was Jack Delean who finished with 4 goals and a team-high of 8 marks. Also impressive was Will Verrall, who finished with 26 touches and 29 hit outs, and Hugo Hoeck, who collected 18 disposals and 3 goals.

Having defeated the Bulldogs by 104 points only three weeks prior, this match looked drastically different from the outset—with the Bulldogs kicking the final 3 goals of the opening term to take 15-point lead into the first break.

Ryan Pearsons opened the scoring during the second term to bring the lead to within two straight kicks. However, the Panthers next 5 scores were all minors, which allowed the Bulldogs to strike late with 2 goals and send the Panthers into halftime facing a 3.7 (25) to 5.4 (34) deficit.

The third term was a shootout between the two sides as they combined for 7 goals, none of which were back-to-back.

Pearsons and Hoeck both registered their second majors of the match during the third term, while a Sid Draper goal midway through the quarter set up a massive final term.

With just 3 points separating the two sides, Hoeck got things going early into the final term after he intercepted a Doggies handpass and quickly snapped the lead-taking goal.

Delean then followed suit with 2 goals within as many minutes to stretch the Panthers lead out to 15 points.

14 minutes into the final term, Pearsons struck from a difficult angle to bump the lead to beyond 3 goals—and it looked as if the blue and white was home.

But it was not meant to be. Centrals booted 2 goals within 2 minutes to swing the momentum into their favour. Then, after many tense minutes, they struck once again with 2 goals in 2 minutes.

Trailing by a point and with a minute left, the Panthers tried one last desperate attack but a free kick on the wing all but sealed the 11.11 (77) to 12.6 (78) loss.

The fourth placed Panthers will now turn their attention towards the fifth placed Bloods, with the two set to meet at Hisense Stadium on Saturday, 28 August, from 2:10pm.