Australian Football

Match Report

Match number two takes us on a trip down south to the Hickinbotham Oval in Noarlunga where the Panthers faced the Redlegs. The Panthers have for some reason always managed to give the Redlegs trouble, even during their down years. While their last two games have been Norwood victories, they have not been big wins with margins of less than three goals. But the Redlegs' last visit to Noarlunga was a day to forget, copping a 40-point loss in Round 6 last season. Despite the loss at The Parade later in the year, it did beg to wonder what could have been on Grand Final day had the Panthers toppled Port.

As is the case at Noarlunga most of the time, windy conditions made for a low-scoring contest. The Panthers could have been further in front by quarter-time had they been more accurate, kicking 2.3 to the 'Legs two goals to lead by three points at the first change. The reigning premiers would hit back in the second term, keeping the Panthers to just one point and score 4.2 for themselves. At half-time, Norwood held a 22-point lead. When play resumed, the Panthers would return the favour on the 'Legs by restricting them to just 1.1 and re-take the lead by the final change with their score of 5.4. At three quarter-time, the Panthers were back in front by five points to set up an arm-wrestle final term. The Redlegs threatened to run away with it after kicking three goals to one half-way through the last quarter. But a further 1.2 for South -- the final score hitting the post -- would ensure victory for the blue & whites by the narrowest of margins.

Joel Cross was named best for South, while the Redlegs named Matt Panos as their best on ground.