A Thriller and a Bitter Result for South Juniors: the U18s ended their year with a nail-biting win while the finals-bound U16s suffered a big loss during their matches against Woodville-West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval on Saturday. 

The Panther Under-18s came from behind to secure a 2-point win over their rival, 10.12 (72) to 10.10 (70), while the Panther Under-16s head into the finals on the back of an uncharacteristic 40-point loss, 4.8 (32) to 10.12 (72). 

The Panther Under-16s had to win to retain the minor premiership, but they struggled to get things going. The side conceded the opening 3 goals of the game and from there, they struggled to make up the lost ground.

Highlights from the tough loss included the usual performer Benny Barrett, who had 17 disposals and 12 tackles. Cohen Shortridge, 13 touches and 2 goals, and Phoenix Hargrave, 21 disposals and 5 tackles, were also impressive.

However, the highlight of the Panther Juniors’ weekend would have to be the late fightback by the under-18s. Having had a well-documented rivalry with the Eagles over the past few years – the Panthers headed into the game determined to secure their second straight win.

But as they trailed by 25 points at the final break, a win looked unlikely. Remarkably, however, the Panthers thought differently.

The side booted 5 goals to 1 in the last quarter – 4 of which came from Jaiden Magor. His final goal – which bumped up his match tally to 6 – came within the dying stages of the game, sealing an incredible comeback win by 2 points, 10.12 (72) to 10.10 (70).

While Magor’s 6-goal haul is certainly noteworthy - Will Verrall was also extremely lively. The developing ruckmen finished with 43 hit-outs, 23 disposals, and 7 clearances.

Also among the standouts were Austin Hogg, with 22 disposals, 8 clearances, and 5 tackles; Felix Bekkers, who had 10 tackles and a goal; and Talon Copley, who collected 17 disposals, 5 clearances, and 4 tackles.

This remarkable finish was a strong ending to the Panther Under-18s’ up-and-down season. While the Panther Under-16s will look to bounce back as they set their sights on this year’s finals series. 

Final details will be announced soon for the Under-16s First Semi Final against Glenelg in a fortnights time. 

South Adelaide Under-18 @ Woodville West-Torrens Under-18
Round 18 - Maughan Thiem Kia Oval - 20/08/2022

Goals: Magor 6, Delean, Kirkland, Bekkers, A.Carney
Best: Magor, Verrall, Hogg, Copley, Marshall

South Adelaide Under-16 @ Woodville West-Torrens Under-16
Round 18 - Maughan Thiem Kia Oval - 20/08/2022

Goals: Goss, Shortridge 2
Best: Darling, McCreanor, Papworth, Nicholls, Woods