Australian Football

Match Report

All eyes were on this match though as we head over to Coopers Stadium on The Parade as the Redlegs hosted the Panthers in the ABC TV match. The Redlegs had won both matches between the two in 2011 so far, the wins adding up to 21 goals from the Round 12 and 17 encounters. The Redlegs needed to rise up here, their loss to Central no doubt rattled the cages a little. South needed this one more than anything, a rare finals appearance to be the reward.

Inaccuracy by the Redlegs in the early goings saw them kick 3.6 to South's two goals in the first term, Norwood holding a two-goal lead at the change. But nobody could have foreseen what was about to occur in the second quarter as the Panthers launched their assault, kicking 6.2 to 2.1 to take over the lead. At half-time, the visitors were ahead by 13 points. The Norwood fans would have been left scratching their heads bright red when play resumed, the Redlegs' accuracy getting worse as the added just 1.6 while the Panthers added a further 3.2. At three quarter-time, South held a 21-point lead. The Redlegs made a last minute run at the Panthers in the final term, getting within nine points in time-on. But a couple of quick-fire Panther goals put that resistance away as they scored 3.4 to 3.3 to take a 22-point win and take fifth spot.

Joel Cross was named best afield for South, while Norwood named Bryce Campbell as their best on ground.