South Adelaide faces danger game against West Adelaide in SANFL

West Adelaide has given South Adelaide plenty of headaches in recent years and the Panthers are wary of an ambush at Richmond Oval on Sunday.

South Adelaide coach Jarrad Wright hasn’t had to reflect too far into history to warn his players of the damage West Adelaide can cause at Richmond Oval today.

The Bloods claimed both contests last year, having won their final meeting in 2017, and had the Panthers under the pump early at Noarlunga Oval in round 6.

The scores were locked together at three-quarter time on May 4, before the Panthers took command in the final term.

“We have discussed it heavily as a group this week,” Wright said. “Westies were our bogey team last year and they had us on the backfoot early in round 6.

“We are well aware of their first quarters and getting good starts.

“They are a high tackling team, a good pressure team. We are well aware it could be a danger game for us.”

The Panthers have regained Alex Cailotto and he will share the ruck duties with youngster Cameron McGree.

The plan for McGree was to give him a few games this season to gain league experience. But the loss of Keegan Brooksby and Michael Knoll to the AFL draft has forced the Panthers to fast-track his development.

“His agility around the ground and game sense is strong,” Wright said.

“He needs to work on his physical strength and he is still learning his craft. But he is doing quite well for the stage he is at.”

The Bloods have been strengthened with the return of Chris Schmidt.