South Adelaide lifted to a 36-point win over Norwood in the SANFL Reserves Qualifying Final at the Parade, booking in a date with ladder leaders Glenelg next week while retaining the double chance.

Bolstered by several returns in personnel, including interim League Head Coach Jack Maher taking the reins for the remainder of the season, the Panthers led from start to finish.

Tye McManus dug in at the contest and got some early reward after receiving a release handball from youngster Cain Florance to find a clear shot for the first goal.

Forcing the Redlegs to play slow and down the line when they held possession of the ball, Kyle Marshall took a strong intercept mark, immediately spreading it wide to Ethan Johnson for the finish.

The perfect start was made through the Panthers’ pressure and disciplined setup behind the ball, which brought the heat of finals football from the outset.

Norwood answered the challenge, with Josh Murphy and Jim Kelly both hitting the scoreboard.

Cohen Shortridge had plenty of looks, managing to kick a goal after cutting off an aggressive Redlegs kick into the middle of the ground.

A turnover in play created by Phillip Moimoi ended with Sam Foley taking a set shot from a tough angle, working the ball back into the post.

The defining period of the match came in the second quarter, with South Adelaide kicking five goals to one.

It began with continued forward dominance, as Archie Van Dyk earned a free kick in scoring range before handing the opportunity to Luke Bogle.

The Redlegs were untidy in their back half and paid the price, as Bailey Pilmore and Shortridge both found the goals, the latter producing a wonderful dribbling effort for his second.

A quick side-step from Jesse Nye wrong-footed his opponent and opened the way for Harry Wadewitz, before Nye added a goal of his own coming from the chase of Van Dyk.

Despite trailing 128-196 in disposals at half-time, the Panthers’ press and movement in transition proved more effective when taking the ball forward.

The Panthers punished the goals from all angles in the third term, but accuracy evaded them in search of putting the game away. 

Nye’s classy second goal provided the breakthrough after six behinds in the first ten minutes of the quarter.

A nudge on Wadewitz just before time-on earned him a shot, before another defensive 50 turnover gifted Callum Bennett his first goal.

Shortridge extended the margin out to an unassailable 53 points, although Norwood would fight on with four straight goals in the final term.

Bennett put the cherry on top of the result as he ran in uncontested, converting as the siren blew to end the game. 

Contributions came from all members, but Bogle and McManus stood out with 19 disposals and a goal each.

Van Dyk also had 19 disposals in only his third senior game, alongside seven tackles and eight inside 50s.

Nye helped to urge on the side late in the first half, picking up 15 disposals and two goals.

Shortridge kicked three, while Bennett and Wadewitz backed him up as the other multiple goalkickers.

South Adelaide will be full of belief as they head to the Bay to take on the the Tigers from 11:30 am on Saturday morning at Stratarama Stadium in hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 SANFL Reserves Grand Final.