Giant-killer Panthers are ready to go on the prowl in SANFL season 2019

South Adelaide conquered North Adelaide twice this year and the Roosters went on to claim the flag, surely giving the Panthers’ faithful optimism a premiership is within grasp.

There are plenty of reasons for South Adelaide fans to be excited about 2019 after a promising 2018 season which ended with an elimination final loss to eventual premier North Adelaide.

1 SOUTH Adelaide fans need only reflect on this year to enter 2019 with plenty of optimism. It is important to note the Panthers conquered North Adelaide in both minor rounds last season and took it to the eventual premiers in the elimination final, only to get stage fright in the final quarter. The fact the Roosters won the flag should give the Panthers plenty to ponder, believing they are not far away. As noted by Panthers star Joel Cross, this year’s premiership race shows the Noarlunga mob can challenge for the flag with plenty of belief.

2 WHEN co-captain Keegan Brooksby was recruited by West Coast as a pre-draft selection, there would not have been too many Panthers’ fans not feeling deflated. His impact on the side was massive, not only with his presence at the ruck, but his work around the ground and as a leader. As soon as the Eagles made the announcement, the Panthers’ flag hopes dived. But the club has come up with a replacement with the potential to restore all that faith. Michael Knoll is no household name, but he has spent the past two years with Box Hill after switching from basketball and can only keep improving. He is 203cm and 100kg so it won’t be hard to find him on the field.

Former West Coast player Malcolm Karpany has signed for the Panthers. Picture: Michael Klein

3 JUST how productive a club was with recruiting determines much of a fan’s excitement levels for the following season. There will be a new name in the Panthers’ jumper who has the potential to have a massive impact at Noarlunga Oval. Hayden McLean is just a kid at 19, but he could just be the difference maker for the Panthers. He is described as a physical, strong marking forward. And the Panthers have needed forward weapons. McLean can also be used in ruck. Was Victoria Metro vice captain in the national under 18 championship last year, so obviously has talent.

4 THE Panthers started the Good Friday experiment and it has proved an overwhelming winner for the SANFL. There has been a change of strategy at Noarlunga next year and their game against Adelaide at home on the Easter weekend will be stand alone contest on the Saturday. They also have a home game against Norwood on the Queen’s Birthday Monday so there are a couple of prime opportunities for the club to market. The Panthers will play their final two minor round games at home.

South Adelaide coach Jarrad Wright. Picture: Dean Martin

5 THERE should be no shortage of speed for coach Jarrad Wright to work with after former Woodville-West Torrens Eagle Malcolm Karpany opted to sign with the Panthers after following five years with West Coast. Then there is Emmanuel Irra, who has returned to the club after a stint with Port Adelaide and he is now a much more mature player. Put those two blokes in the side across the wings and there is some exciting pace. They can feed off the work of Joel Cross and Nick Liddle and make this a fun side to watch.