The Panther U18s suffered a 68-point loss while the U16s retook the top spot after mauling the Bloods by 83 points during Sunday’s games at Flinders University Stadium.

The South Adelaide Juniors’ day ended with a tough under-18s loss, 4.7 (31) to 14.12 (96). But it started with a comprehensive under-16s win which has seen the Panthers jump back into the top spot, 18.11 (119) to 5.6 (36).

Sunday’s junior games at Flinders University Stadium had 2 vastly different outcomes.

The Panther Under-18s, who trailed by 2 goals at quarter-time, quickly found themselves at the wrong end of a one-sided result as the Bloods booted 11 goals to 3 after the first break.

However, a highlight of the day came from Will Verrall, who finished with 39 hit-outs, 15 disposals, and 6 clearances. Ryan Pearsons also had a well-rounded display that included 11 disposals, 5 marks, and 4 tackles.

This result was hugely different to the day’s early match which saw the Panther Under-16s storm home to claim a percentage-boosting win. In that match, Cohen Shortridge (5 goals) and Ryan Borlace (4 goals) equated for half of the blue and white’s goals.

Also impressive was Benny Barrett, who finished with 34 disposals, 9 clearances, 6 marks, and a goal. Jay Chapman was also busy with his 16 disposals, 7 tackles, and 5 marks.

And – although they didn’t get full reward for their chances – the Panther Under-16s certainly started well as they registered 8 scoring shots to 3 during the first term.

But when it comes to team-involved highlights, few moments can compare to the Panthers’ fourth-term blitz.

Leading 11.8 (74) to 5.5 (35) at the final change, the Panthers boosted their lead immensely within a stunning 10-minute stanza.

The Panthers, within 10 minutes, kicked 6 straight goals – 3 of which came from Shortridge. This greatly increased the Panthers’ full-time winning total to 83 points, 18.11 (119) to 5.6 (36).

The Panther Under-16s will look to replicate this success when they face off against Central District at X Convenience Oval on Saturday, 13 August, from 11:00am. Following this match, the Panther Under-18s will look to bounce back when they take to the field at 1:15pm.

South Adelaide Under-18 vs West Adelaide Under-18
Round 16 - Flinders University Stadium - 07/08/2022

Goals: Cockshell, Delean, Kirkland, Rodrigues
Best: Kirkland, Bottroff, Hogg, Rodrigues, Verrall

South Adelaide Under-16 vs West Adelaide Under-16
Round 16 - Flinders University Stadium - 07/08/2022

Goals: Shortridge 5, Borlace 4, Singh, Pope, Sterzl 2, Barrett, Goss, Tomlinson
Best: Borlace, Shortridge, Barrett, Singh, Nicholls