Panthers seek fast start against Bulldogs in SANFL clash

SOUTH Adelaide coach Jarrad Wright has put the focus on a fast start against Central District at Noarlunga Oval after failing to win a first quarter this season.

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SOUTH Adelaide has put the spotlight on contested possessions and a first-quarter improvement for the clash against Central District at Noarlunga Oval on Saturday.

Lamenting the inability to win the first quarter in all four matches this season, Panthers coach Jarrad Wright said a focus would be on a fast start against the Bulldogs.

“Our starts have been an issue,” Wright said. “At quarter-time we settle in the game and start playing our own brand of football.

“We need to get back to some contested ball and get the footy in the forward half as quickly as possible.”

In contrast, the Bulldogs have dropped just one first quarter in their five games. It has been the second halves which have been a problem for coach Roy Laird.

Wright said there had been more contested work at training this week to make sure the players were switched on and ready to go.

“Central is an honest, competitive side and has been for a long time,” Wright said. “And that is the way we prepared.

“It is going to be tough. Roy gets the boys up week-in, week-out and hopefully we can respond to the disappointing start against West last week.”

The Panthers will be without Magarey Medallist Joel Cross, who has returned to Melbourne after his father passed away on Tuesday.

North Adelaide will seek a fifth successive win when it meets Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday.

FIXTURES

SATURDAY

South Adelaide v Central District

Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga, 1.10pm

TV: Channel 7

North Adelaide v Adelaide

Prospect Oval, 2.10pm

SUNDAY

Sturt v Eagles

Peter Motley Oval, Unley, 2.10pm

RADIO: 1079 Life