Resurgent Panthers crush disappointing Roosters by 78 points

THERE were a few questions hanging over South Adelaide's title credentials entering the clash against North Adelaide at Hickinbotham Oval on Saturday.

THERE were a few questions hanging over South Adelaide's title credentials entering the clash against North Adelaide at Hickinbotham Oval on Saturday.

The Panthers' only win in their previous five matches was against bottom side Glenelg and coach Brad Gotch threw plenty of demands at his players.

And his charges responded in emphatic fashion when they belted an insipid Roosters by 78 points to climb into fourth spot on the ladder, two games clear of sixth-placed Roosters and West Adelaide.

Woodville-West Torrens can reclaim fourth with a win over the Tigers on Sunday.

Gotch described the Panthers’ performance as being near a complete game.

“The boys were driven to put four quarters together,” Gotch said.

“We have won so many quarters this year and not been able to nail a complete game.

“That was our big aim today and I thought we were able to do that.

“We have kept them to 51 (points) so that is a really good result for me. You base your good footy on your defence first up.”

The signs were ominous early when the work-hungry Panthers attacked the contest with tremendous enthusiasm and their committed approach unsettled the Roosters from the outset.

Defensive pressure all over the ground — smothering, tackling and harassing — gave them the accendency which they did not relinquish for the four quarters.

The Panthers defence held firm and provided the springboard for many attacking raids and the home side charged forward in numbers to move the ball with confidence. Adam Gulden is establishing himself as a key ingredient in the side, Brede Seccull had a huge influence and key forward Brett Eddy was unstoppable.

But this was a disciplined team performance, restricting the Roosters to just three goals in the first half before turning up the heat in the third term to blast clear.

The Roosters were hesitant against the relentless Panthers assault and they had too many players unwilling to get their hands dirty attempting to halt the home side's onslaught.

Roosters coach Ken McGregor said it was probably the side's most disappointing game for the year because of the high stakes involved.

“There was so much at stake - they were only one game ahead - and they outclassed us, outran us and outworked us in every way,” McGregor said.

“I don't think we were competitive for more than a five-minute period. That is why they have jumped up the ladder to be where they are — their pressure. We did not handle it.”

SOUTH ADELAIDE 5.2 7.4 15.6 20.9 (129)

NORTH ADELAIDE 2.0 3.0 6.1 8.3 (51)

BEST – South: Eddy, Gulden, Seccull, Cross, Veide, Gotch, Rose. North:

Combe, Barns, Gallman.

GOALS – South: Eddy 7, Hourigan, Rolfe 3, Gulden 2, Seccull, Gotch, Macleod, Cross, McKay. North: Barns 3, Schulz 2, Shannon, Miles, Thiele.

UMPIRES – Philp, Burke, Cook.

CROWD – 1346 at Hickinbotham Oval.