South Adelaide beats Eagles for first SANFL Fast Footy title

SOUTH Adelaide finally claimed a title when it adapted well to the innovative rules of SANFL Fast Footy to hold off Woodville-West Torrens in the inaugural tournament grand final at Norwood Oval.

Keegan Brooksby marks for the Panthers. Picture: Emma Brasier/AAP

SOUTH Adelaide has entered the SANFL record books as the inaugural winner of the Fast Footy tournament.

The Panthers held on grimly in a tense final quarter to conquer Woodville-West Torrens by five points in a highly entertaining grand final at The Parade on Saturday night.

The Eagles will rue wasted opportunities in front of goal, but the Panthers showed character and adapted to the innovative rules well to triumph.

In a tightly fought contest, the Panthers led by five points at half-time, while scores were level at three-quarter time.

“It gives us a bit of confidence and momentum, but we know the real stuff starts next month,” new Panthers coach Jarrad Wright said.

The Eagles charged into the title decider with a convincing 31-point victory over West Adelaide in the semi-final, dominating the second half with highly constructive ball movement.

Anthony Wilson in action for Norwood in the SANFL Fast Footy semi-final against eventual winner South Adelaide at Norwood Oval. Picture: AAP/Emma Brasier

The word ‘fun’ was used in abundance, but any doubt the players wanted success was dispelled on the half-time siren when players ran from all parts of the ground, as well as the interchange, to be involved in a melee.

And it was the Eagles who reacted best, taking control with direct football.

The Panthers, who have shown a liking for the Fast Footy format over the two days of competition, had a comfortable 48-point win over Norwood to earn a spot in the grand final.

SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson has described the inaugural Fast Footy tournament as a successful introduction and something to build on.

He said the feedback from the teams had been positive and it would be on the pre-season program against next season.

“The teams have enjoyed it and the players have had fun,” Parkinson said. “It breaks up the pre-season and the teams have enjoyed playing against other clubs, rather than have internal trials.”

SANFL FAST FOOTY

West Adelaide 19.9 (123) d Port Adelaide 2.1 (13)

North Adelaide 1.10.5 (74) d Adelaide 2.3 (15)

South Adelaide 1.9.6 (65) d Eagles 7.5 (47)

Glenelg 9.4 (58) d Sturt 6.2 (38)

Norwood 14.4 (88) d Adelaide 5.1 (31)

Semi-finals: Eagles 1.9.9 (72) d West Adelaide 6.4 (40). South Adelaide 10.6 (66) d Norwood 2.6 (18).

Grand final: South Adelaide 6.7 (43) d Eagles 5.8 (38)