Australian Football

Match Report

In the final match of the weekend, the hardiest of SA footy-heads from the northern suburbs took up the trek down south to Hickinbotham Oval in Noarlunga where the Panthers faced the Bulldogs. The Doggies have only lost one match from the last 23 encounters with the blue & whites, their current streak went to 10 back in late May when they took a 49-point win at Elizabeth. 

But the well documented windy conditions at Noarlunga can throw anyone off, as the Dogs discovered in the first quarter when the Panthers got the jump on the reigning premier, kicking 5.1 to 2.1 to lead by three goals at quarter-time. But that same wind would bite South in the second quarter as the Dogs booted 7.6 to a single goal, the visitors taking a four-goal advantage at half-time. Even with the wind at their backs again in the third quarter, the Panthers could only manage to cut the deficit back by a goal after they scored 4.2 to Central's 3.2. No one could fault the endeavour of the South boys, but the Dogs were just too resolute in the end. They would kick a further 5.5 to 3.2 in the last quarter to take a 33-point win to retain their top spot on the ladder. 

Ian Callinan was named best afield for the Dogs, while Nick Liddle was voted best for South.