These days, kicking a bag of eight goals is a rare feat, even for a key forward. But Ron Hateley once managed it—from the wing!

Hateley, a tall and slender wingman from Tantanoola, made his senior SANFL debut in 1973. He became a key figure for South Adelaide during the Haydn Bunton Jr era, winning the club's Best and Fairest in 1976 and earning state selection four times.

In a heartbreaking twist, he missed the 1979 Grand Final after suffering a broken leg in the Qualifying Final against Port Adelaide earlier in the finals series.

After recovering, Hateley returned to play a full season in 1980 and continued to deliver consistent performances for the Panthers until his retirement at the end of 1984, finishing with 216 senior games.

Affectionately known as "Snake" (reportedly after being bitten by one at a training camp), he remains a beloved figure at the club.