Preliminary Final Eagles v South

[DOC]

South Adelaide is daring to dream, with dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross describing his preliminary final bound side as the best he has played with in his 10 years at the club.

Within two wins of breaking a 56-year premiership drought, veteran skipper Cross said the red-hot Panthers might have had some better players in the past decade but they had never gelled so well as a team.

“We might have had better individuals at different stages but we’re in a position now where we don’t rely on anyone,’’ he said after leading South to its first preliminary final since 2014 following its 25-point first semi-final triumph against premier Glenelg on Sunday.

“We have so many good young players coming through and if one of us falls over, someone else picks up the slack.

“While we have some really good individual players, Mal Karpany stood up with four goals on Sunday, ‘Broggsy’ (Matthew Broadbent)) stands up when he needs to and so does (ruckman) Paul Hunter, we don’t rely on them.

“We rely on the team, the method and everything else that has been happening for us.

“We have great team love, chemistry and belief in each other that we can get the job done, no matter what circumstances we are dealt.’’

Cross, 33 and a strong chance to win his third Magarey Medal this year, has played in four finals series – 2011, 2014, 2016 and 2018 – since joining South in 2011 from Victorian Amateur League club Scoresby.

The deepest he has ventured into the finals was third in 2014, when the Panthers lost the preliminary final to Port Adelaide by 20 points.

Cross was one of only two South players in Sunday’s team who played in that game, along with full forward Sam Overall.

He said while he felt some pressure to help the Panthers end their long flag drought, the side’s young players were not concerned with history and played without fear.

“I’ve been here for 10 years so it (flag drought) can sit with me a bit but the young fellas have no fear about it at all, they don’t care about it one little bit,’’ said Cross, whose team will play minor premier Woodville-West Torrens in Sunday’s preliminary final at Adelaide Oval.

“We have eight or nine blokes aged under 21 so it doesn’t matter to them, they just go out and play footy.

“They dance and listen to music before games while I’m sitting there in the corner all nervous because I’ve been burnt so many times before.

“That connection between the older and younger guys, which is something we’ve all embraced, has been important in our success this year.’’

[blueandwhite]

The newest SANFL club ,versus the oldest continuously playing club.........
I think the Panthers can get the job done here, by 22 pts.

[wedgetail]

Eagles will need more run against South so Jungfer will be an in. Reckon Pudney and Comma will pay the price for last week. Hopefully Mansell is fit as his injury last week cost us big time.
Time to make a stand Eags and start to win some finals. Geelong showed the way last night overcoming their demons with a dominant display.
Eags by 2 goals.

[JK]

I’ve got 2 spare members tix for this game, if anyone wants them just drop me a PM and I can SMS them over. South look the form team but think the Eagles likely to show a response to last weeks loss. Should be a ripper game.

[MJP1993]

My info Eagles have dropped three from last weeks side .
Lonergan is an in he should improve the midfield
Tsitas must start on the ground this week.
And Eagles must play their fast run game it’s time Eagles now it’s do or die .

[Mr Fuller]

My info Eagles have dropped three from last weeks side .
Lonergan is an in he should improve the midfield
Tsitas must start on the ground this week.
And Eagles must play their fast run game it’s time Eagles now it’s do or die .

Staggered that they would roll the dice on Lonergan. Yes he is a very good player but has he finished a match for us this season?

I didn't even notice that Tsitas as on the bench commencing the match last week. A puzzling decision.

Great to see Sheedy not accepting that mediocre performance last week. I will be very happy if it is Poole, Pudney and Commitogianni. Bring in Jungfer - he is young enthusiastic, has great attack on the ball and can play multiple positions. If he does come in this free up Jones for us to use him in a more attacking role.

Really hoping Mansell overcomes the concussion and is playing. I don't think we have someone who can play that small defender role which makes him so vital.

[DOC]

Can't complain about the conditions.

[Brodlach]

Good luck Doc!

[MJP1993]

My info Eagles have dropped three from last weeks side .
Lonergan is an in he should improve the midfield
Tsitas must start on the ground this week.
And Eagles must play their fast run game it’s time Eagles now it’s do or die .

Staggered that they would roll the dice on Lonergan. Yes he is a very good player but has he finished a match for us this season?

I didn't even notice that Tsitas as on the bench commencing the match last week. A puzzling decision.

Great to see Sheedy not accepting that mediocre performance last week. I will be very happy if it is Poole, Pudney and Commitogianni. Bring in Jungfer - he is young enthusiastic, has great attack on the ball and can play multiple positions. If he does come in this free up Jones for us to use him in a more attacking role.

Really hoping Mansell overcomes the concussion and is playing. I don't think we have someone who can play that small defender role which makes him so vital.

Mansell is playing my mail says
Jungfer is playing
Comma Seymour and Pudney are the three outs

[PanthersFan]

Game day! Bring it on! Go the mighty Panthers!!

[Pseudo]

Game day! Bring it on! Go the mighty Panthers!!

On the panfers ban'wagin today. Go soufs!

[Pseudo]

1/4 time South 5.2, Eagles 3.8. Without looking at the stats, I reckon the Eagles did slightly better that quarter. Both sides have a bit of room for improvement.

[Jim05]

Real good game so far

[goddy11]

Top game of SANFL. so far. Our comp is safe with this quality.

[Robran]

If Eagles get through hope they keep Redden in the team. Blows up after 1 ruck contest.

[Eagles2014]

Top game of SANFL. so far. Our comp is safe with this quality.

Agree, this is an awesome game to watch.

[goddy11]

Von Bertouch has not had a touch. Is he playing?

[Pseudo]

Half time Eagles up by a point. I pop out the back to do some mowing. Come back 6 mins into the third and find the Eagles 20 points up, WTF?

[Jim05]

Half time Eagles up by a point. I pop out the back to do some mowing. Come back 6 mins into the third and find the Eagles 20 points up, WTF?

Rowe kicked 3 in the opening 5 minutes of the half

[Armchair expert]

Game over