Australian Football

Match Report

In the final match for Round 7, the southern suburbs were alight again as the Panthers hosted the Double Blues under lights at Hickinbotham Oval at Noarlunga. The Panthers have had no joy against the Blues for a while, nine losses from 10 games. Wait... 10 games, nine losses, no joy? The last game at Noarlunga ended in a stalemate, the two sides kicking 10.8 each. The Panthers have had luck under their new lights thus far, wins against Port and North would suggest the home side had a fighting chance.

The opening term was equally fought, the Panthers ahead by just two points at quarter-time after kicking 3.4 to Sturt's 3.2. Inaccuracy on goal was a factor in South's second quarter, they would still hold the lead at half-time but it should have been much more than 14 points after kicking 3.6 to two goals. Sturt's three goals without a miss in the third quarter would bring them to within two straight kicks of the lead, South's 2.3 setting a three quarter-time gap of 11 points. South's last roll of the dice would prove to be the difference in the end, after snatching back the lead on the cusp of time-on, Sturt's last shot of goal would be punched through as South's 2.4 to Sturt's 3.5 was enough to give the home side victory to the tune of four points.

Joel Cross was named best for South, while Sturt named Tristan Gum as their best.