Panthers cry fowl in North Adelaide mascot territory invasion during Tour Down Under

THE Panthers are crying fowl over North Adelaide mascot Rocket Rooster entering enemy territory up Old Willunga Hill last week during the TDU.

THE South Adelaide Football Club is crying fowl over North Adelaide's official mascot "Rocket Rooster" entering enemy territory up Old Willunga Hill last week in a row that could set the cat among the chickens.

The Panthers have voiced their concerns to the SANFL and are inquiring whether Rocket Rooster was intentionally promoting the North Adelaide Football Club in their zone during Stage 5 of the Tour Down Under in the southern suburbs on January 25.

Rocket Rooster ventured away from his hutch at Prospect Oval, mingling with cycling fans and gaining international television exposure when he ran up Old Willunga Hill alongside Cadel Evans and the WorldTour peloton.

TELL US: What do you think? Outrageous? Or someone getting their feathers ruffled over nothing?

South Adelaide chief executive Evan Arnold confirmed an SAFC staff member raised the issue with the SANFL but had not taken it any further.

South Adelaide is far from thrilled and will seek clarification from North.

"It hasn't got to that point but I might have a chat to (North Adelaide chief executive) Greg (Edwards)," Arnold said.

"There are rules and regulations with regard to promoting a football club in other zones, but it's quite minor and it's probably a one-off with a national event in South Australia.

"It was unusual for us to see that and we were a little bit concerned.

"But it's not a huge issue. We've done a number of community events and had our mascot at Christmas carols and you might see him at the opening of the Southern Expressway duplication."

When contacted by The Advertiser, North Adelaide chief executive Greg Edwards said it was the first he'd heard of any issue it being raised.

Edwards confirmed Rocket Rooster - whose real identity is being kept in-house - was an official club mascot and he was aware he would be attending Tour Down Under stages.

But he said there was no intention to infiltrate South Adelaide's zone or steal supporters.

"And I wouldn't expect to hear anything either," Edwards said.

"It's a national event, not a South Adelaide event.

"Rocket Rooster is part of our club, he's at every game and he's synonymous with who we are.

"It was a bit of fun and he's been in a few other places the last few months.

"We're not trying to get supporters down south, we're boosting our own profile and image and why not do it at a national event."

An SANFL spokesman said until it had received any official documentation from the Panthers, it had "no interest" in investigating the incident.

On the football front, Arnold said South Adelaide's new coach, Brad Gotch, had made an "enormous impact" on the physical condition of the players during summer and the club was about to launch a major membership drive in February and March.