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SANFL Match Report

SANFL Trial 1
Flinders University Stadium - 08/03/19

Goals: McKinnon, Schwarz, Beenham, Fairlie, Biemans, Tucker

South Adelaide got their trial game series underway against a strong Port Adelaide outfit at Flinders University Stadium on Friday evening.

The Panthers came up against a formidable opponent, with the Magpies boasting 16 AFL listed players in their squad of 27, and ultimately fell 6.5 (41) to 12.9 (81).

The first quarter got off to a hotly contested, but low scoring start, with Jesse McKinnon breaking the deadlock for the game's first goal in the 12th minute.

However, Port were the dominant team of the term and would kick the next three goals, one to Tobin Cox and two to Dallas Hill, to take a 17-point buffer into the first break.

That lead pushed to 33 at the major break, as Port kicked four goals straight and the Panthers managing only one thanks to a quick snap from Nic Schwarz at the southern end.

It wasn't all positive for the Magpies though with forward Jake Patmore stretchered from the ground with a serious knee injury midway through the term.

South got the second half off to a fast start as Nathan Beenham goalled inside the first two minutes.

The visitors surged forward, but resolute defending from the Panthers backline lead by Brad Crabb and Jake Summerton continued to repel multiple forward 50 entries.

Connor Fairlie made it consecutive major scores for the hosts with a nice snap on the run and South would win the quarter despite Boyd Woodcock pulling one back late for Port.

Both sides made some structural changes heading into the final term. With superboot Trent McKenzie moving forward for the Magpies and kicking three last quarter goals.

Anthony Biemans snagged one against his former side, clunking a courageous contested mark going back with the flight of the ball and kicking truly from 45m out.

Crafty forward Darnell Tucker also got on the scoreboard, stealing one from the feet of young ruckman Damon Freitag.

The Kangaroo Island native copped a high hit that drew blood in a marking contest, but Tucker swiftly played on and snapped one home before the big man could take his free kick.

The Panthers now look ahead to facing reigning premiers North Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium this Saturday.

Reserves action gets underway at 10.30am, with the League game to follow at 1.10pm.

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