South Adelaide downs Norwood in a one-point thriller at Noarlunga.

SOUTH Adelaide sent the strongest message possible that the Panthers will not roll over in 2015, grinding out a one-point thriller against Norwood at Noarlunga on Sunday.

26/07/15 Norwood v South Adelaide at South Adelaide. Nathan Daniel tackled by Kane Murphy. photo Calum Robertson

SOUTH Adelaide sent the strongest message possible that the Panthers will not roll over in 2015, grinding out a one-point thriller against Norwood at Noarlunga on Sunday.

The Panthers moved to third place on the ladder with a victory built on fight, smarts, discipline — and at least two spectacular goals that stopped the Redlegs in their tracks.

First, four-goal forward Brett Eddy's left-footed snap a second before the three-quarter time siren put the Panthers five points up at the last change.

And by the time Matthew Rankine slid home a curling blinder from 40m out, against the wind and deep in the pocket, to level scores with 20 minutes on the clock, the Panthers dared to believe.

A minute later, Emmanuel Irra, who was brilliant in a pivotal last quarter that had four lead changes, hit the post with a hurried snap to put South a point in front.

Even a superb defensive mark and rebound from Norwood's Michael Chippendale two minutes later could not inspire the Redlegs to again wrest back the lead.

It was Norwood's second game in a row decided by the narrowest of margins and the first time this year a side had come from behind at half-time to overrun the Redlegs.

"All of our boys lifted and did something," South coach Brad Gotch said.

"That will be really good for our guys. We'll gain a lot of confidence out of that, to guts out a win like they did."

Norwood battled to even get the ball forward of centre early in the opening term.

Norwood’s Patrick Levicki gets away from South Adelaide’s Brett Eddy. Picture: Calum Robertson

South had racked up 10 inside-50s and scored 2.2 by 14 minutes in, when the Redlegs finally managed to push into the attacking zone.

They quickly made up for lost time, taking advantage at the stoppages through ruckman Sam Baulderstone and on-ballers Matthew Panos and James Allan, while loose man Chippendale was a force in defence.

From 14 points down, Norwood booted the next six goals, including two to Josh Donohue, to shift the complexion of the contest. But South found a way to fight back and, eventually, score a win full of merit.

"Very disappointed," Norwood coach Ben Warren said.

"Our mids competed well for three quarters but it's one of those days. We had a one-pointer last game and we were on the wrong end of it this week."

SOUTH 2.3 2.4 7.8 9.10 (64)

NORWOOD 2.0 6.2 7.3 10.3 (63)

GOALS: South: Eddy 4, Cross 2, Rankine, Seccull, Daniel. Norwood: Persinos, Donohue, Bartlett 2, Smart, Dawe, Jefferies, Partington.

BEST: South: Cross, Eddy, Donohue, Irra, Veide, Daniel, Seccull, Crabb, Gotch. Norwood: Panos, Murphy, Webber, Chippendale, Baulderstone, Allan.

INJURIES/REPORTS: South: Liddle (ankle)

UMPIRES: Philp, Sboro, Burke