South Adelaide picked itself up off the canvas in the last quarter, defeating minor premiers Glenelg to take out their first SANFL Reserves Premiership in 35 years.

Down by 13 at three quarter time, a determined team effort powered the Panthers home, kicking the final four goals to break the drought.

An even opening term set the tone for a genuine arm wrestle, with neither side willing to give an inch on the biggest stage.

The occasion did little to unsettle Jesse Nye, who calmly converted a set shot to bring the Panthers back into the contest after Glenelg controlled the early territory. 

Cain Florance soon followed suit, handing South Adelaide the lead with confidence.

As the intensity lifted, Kyle Marshall led the Panthers’ defence with composure and a strong read of the play under pressure.

A clever dribble kick from Corey Grocock made it three consecutive goals, before a late momentum shift saw the Tigers regain a slender lead.

Glenelg had the running going into the second term and were in on goal early, but Phillip Moimoi would boldly crash into his opponent to make a goal-saving play.

The chaotic passage continued, with Grocock taking a big hit in the middle of the ground before later returning to the field. It ended with an Archie Van Dyk set shot that drifted into the post.

The Tigers would ultimately take advantage in the first half, kicking four of the five goals either side of quarter time.

Charlie Duncan broke up the one-way scoring, producing a tidy finish after collecting the ball on the run.

Addressing the group at half time, interim League Head Coach Jack Maher urged the side to retain possession up forward and be brave enough to shift the ball through Glenelg’s tight defensive structure.

Those words were quickly put into action, with Florance dancing through traffic off half-back to open up the transition, allowing the loose Grocock to find Cohen Shortridge for the goal.

But again, the term belonged to the Tigers, who kicked three of the next four goals, with Florance’s second coming from a long-range set shot wedged in between.

South Adelaide saw themselves down as they struggled to link the ball out.

The game called for one last push from the Panthers, and built on relentless forward-half pressure, they delivered exactly that.

Locking the ball inside 50, Nye attacked it at ground level before finding a way to kick the crucial opening goal of the final quarter.

Shortridge had his moment after clinging onto a deep kick from Van Dyk but was unable to convert on his weaker foot. Given a second chance from a high free kick shortly after, he made no mistake this time, bringing the game level.

A tense period of play followed as Glenelg began to generate scoring opportunities in response but failed to make them count.

With six minutes remaining and the Panthers trailing by two points, Ethan Johnson won a clearance and sent the ball forward. A spilled mark gave Florance time to gather, before he sensationally put South Adelaide in front.

Max Clifton threw himself into a fierce one-on-one contest in the middle of the ground, putting his body on the line to prevent the Tigers from taking the ball the other way.

Callum Bennett then caught his opponent in the pocket, kicking the sealer. The siren soon sounded, sending the Panthers into celebrations as they secured premiership glory.

Port Noarlunga product Archie Van Dyk was awarded the Bob Lee Medal, presented by South Adelaide's Under-18 coach Brett Hudson for his best on ground performance with 34 disposals, eight inside 50s and seven clearances. 

Speaking after the game, Van Dyk described his transition into senior football as a “real blessing” while thanking his coaches for their support.

His teammate Charlie Duncan added, “It was a pretty special day. [I wasn’t] sure we were going to get there in the end, but we did, and I think a few of the young blokes really stood up and everyone else followed.”

Florance and Nye were also key contributors, finishing with three and two goals respectively, finding the scoreboard during the late comeback.

Both Van Dyk and Florance made their senior debuts this season at 18 years old, while 19-year-old Nye provided a glimpse of the talent emerging in blue and white.

Tall forward Harry Wadewitz was another young standout, named among one of the best for his work around the ground.

The side had to take the long road to the Grand Final, winning away finals against Norwood and Glenelg to earn their place in the decider.

With their fourth Reserves Premiership secured and their first since 1991, the Panthers capped off their 150th year in the SANFL with a fitting achievement.

The South Adelaide Football Club would like to thank all of its loyal members and fans for their unwavering support throughout the 2026 season.