Panthers show plenty of ‘ticker’ in win over struggling Tigers

SOUTH Adelaide coach Brad Gotch mentioned the “ticker” in his side after the 45-point victory over Glenelg at Brighton Rd on Sunday.

SOUTH Adelaide coach Brad Gotch mentioned the “'ticker” in his side after the 45-point victory over Glenelg at Brighton Rd on Sunday.

It was an appropriate word given the Panthers’ spirited and committed attack on the contest when the Tigers tested their character and willingness to fight for the two premiership points on the small ground.

There is an abundance of ticker within the Panthers and their discipline and work ethic under the guidance of Gotch was clearly evident at Glenelg Oval.

They led by 19 points at the first change and when Clint Alleway nailed the opening goal of the second term, they responded to the challenge and then kept the Tigers at arm’s length for the remainder of the game.

“There is a bit of ticker within this group and the players have been disappointed with a couple of quarters here and there over the past four weeks,” Gotch said.

“We took confidence out of the game last week (fighting eight- point loss to Sturt) and brought it into this week.”

The Panthers, well organised with their structures, used the ball with more conviction than their opponents in the first quarter and worked hard to create options.

Brent Macleod, Nick Liddle and Joel Cross were their usual busy self for the visitors while down back Josh Thewlis commanded the troops well.

The visitors went on the rampage early in the third quarter to blast to a 46-point lead against a Tigers outfit struggling for answers.

It took 11 minutes of the second half for the Tigers to enter their attacking 50.

However, the Tigers showed they also had some ticker, applying plenty of pressure to cut the deficit to 28 points early in the fourth term.

“There is no doubt we are improving - I really believe that,” Tigers coach Nick Stevens said.

“In the third quarter we got a fair bit of the footy and started to use to well and looked dangerous.

“With a little bit of luck we could have been one or two goals closer. We turned the ball over twice early which cost us.”