South Adelaide coach Garry Hocking wants four quarter consistency from Panthers

SOUTH Adelaide coach Garry Hocking isn’t reaching for the panic button after three consecutive losses but says his team must produce a more consistent performance to beat Norwood on Sunday.

South Adelaide coach Garry Hocking wants his team to be consistent in structure and effort against Norwood on Sunday. Picture: Matt Loxton

SOUTH Adelaide coach Garry Hocking isn’t reaching for the panic button after three consecutive losses but says his team must produce a more consistent performance to beat Norwood on Sunday.

The Panthers were flying in the first month of the season but have tripped up against strong sides in Sturt, Port Adelaide and the Eagles in the past three games.

On Sunday they host Norwood which is coming off a two-game losing streak and also hungry to return to the winners’ list.

“There were negatives and positives last week (in the one-point loss to the Eagles),” Hocking said.

“At the end of the game there were a few things structurally we got wrong but the positive was we kept a team to 44 points, and the top team too, so we still did a lot right defensively.

“I’m just looking for four quarters in terms of structure and being competitive.

“The past few weeks has been a good opportunity to see where we’re at and this Sunday is another one.”

South Adelaide’s clash with Norwood is one of two SANFL games scheduled over the split round.

The other is shaping as match of the round with the resurgent Double Blues hosting an in-form Port Adelaide at Unley also on Sunday.

Sturt have some big inclusions with Byron Sumner, Josh Hone and Sam Jonas named for the defending premiers.

The Magpies will be bolstered by the return of captain Steven Summerton, who was forced to play reserves last week, while defender Jasper Pittard and midfielders Brendon Ah Chee and Jimmy Toumpas come back in after being dropped by the Power.

Port Adelaide lose Angus Monfries (calf), while Jake Neade, Aaron Young and Dan Houston will play in the AFL.

SANFL ROUND 10

Sturt v Port Adelaide

Peter Motley Oval, 2.10pm

South Adelaide v Norwood

Hickinbotham Oval, 2.40pm