Barnes making most of second chance
SOUTH Adelaide livewire Rigby Barnes took a chance, leaving behind Great Southern League success to have a second crack at the SANFL. Now he looms as the X-factor in the Panthers’ semi-final against the Crows.
SOUTH Adelaide livewire Rigby Barnes needed a new challenge.
After earning the past two Mail Medals as well as two premierships in four seasons with Encounter Bay in the Great Southern League, Barnes wanted another crack at breaking into league football.
He had already had a stint with the Panthers. In 2010, he played the first half of the season in the under 19s and then spent the rest of the year in reserves.
After being in the reserves the following year, Barnes was told his services were no longer required, so he followed some mates to Encounter Bay.
“We had been successful at Encounter Bay but I wanted a new challenge,” Barnes said. “(Panthers coach) Brad (Gotch) called me at the end of last season and he thought there was a role for me.
“He told me to come out and see how it went. I did the pre-season and all the trials and have played all the games since. I’ve had some quiet weeks but I’ve been happy with the season.
“It is good when you play with a good bunch of blokes and Gotchy has great drive and systems.”
Barnes gives the Panthers an X-factor with his speed and ability to add some flair. His 24 goals this season is proof he can be a dangerous weapon in attack.
As for facing Adelaide in Sunday’s first semi-final at Adelaide Oval, Barnes said the Panthers had full confidence in their capabilities.
“Last week (27-point loss to Sturt in the qualifying final) we went away from what we had been doing in the previous weeks,” he said.
But, he says, that won’t happen again.