Panthers coach Brad Gotch wants to challenge Adelaide with more intensity

SOUTH Adelaide coach Brad Gotch has demanded increased intensity from his players when they take on Adelaide at Noarlunga on Sunday.

SOUTH Adelaide coach Brad Gotch has demanded increased intensity from his players when they take on Adelaide at Noarlunga on Sunday.

Gotch was disappointed with his side’s application in the 60-point loss to Port Adelaide last weekend and he wants his players to regain the attitude which enabled them to claim five wins from their first six games.

“I don’t think the players turned up to play as well as they have been,’’ Gotch said.

“Ten minutes into the third quarter we were only four points behind but there was not a good feeling.

“Some key indicators were not where we wanted. The intensity was not up and they (Magpies) kept going and we went backwards.’’

Gotch has been impressed with his team’s training this week and was satisfied with the intensity of the work during solid sessions on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Youngster Joseph Haines was unable to train on Wednesday night because of illness and the Panthers have opted not to risk him.

Emmanuel Irra, Todd McKay and Lachlan Boyd are the options to come into the side.

The Panthers are well educated on what to expect from the Crows, having played them in the final round of trials while Gotch and football manager Neil Sharpe have watched plenty of Crows games this season.

“I watched the Crows against Norwood last week and they were good early,’’ Gotch said.

“They had five goals on the board before Norwood scored.

“They are very capable and we have got to be up and about early. But we have had to worry about ourselves this week and make sure the effort and intensity is up.’’

The Crows have sunk to the bottom of the ladder with just one win from seven games and are leaking an average of 104 points a game.