Straight-shooting SANFL side produces impressive effort to beat WAFL in state game in Perth and reclaim bragging rights

The SANFL state side has overcome a slow start and nervous final quarter to snap a two-game losing streak against WA and score its first win in Perth since 2003 to reclaim the title of premier state league.

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Superior efficiency has enabled the SANFL to regain bragging rights as the premier state league after conquering a wasteful WAFL by seven points at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

The South Australian outfit overcame a slow start and nervous final quarter to snap a two-game losing streak against the Sandgropers and claim its first win in Perth since 2003.

Coach Josh Carr and the successful SANFL team pose with the Haydn Bunton Jnr Cup after winning the state game between WA and SA at Optus Stadium. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

SA had eight less scoring shots, but made the most of their opportunities in front of goal to finish with 16.4.

After trailing by 22 points in the second quarter, the visitors turned up the heat to bag the final three goals of the second term and then build a decisive 20-point buffer late in the third.

“Right from the start of the week the group really gelled well and brought into what we are about and coming here to achieve,” SA coach Josh Carr said.

“Club footy was put aside and everyone was here for the same reason. I love our competition and have a lot of pride about the SANFL and I’m happy to get the win.”

WA made an emphatic early statement with two goals inside the opening six minutes on the back of exceptional ball movement.

It took SA nine minutes to produce its first effective attacking foray and it was capped by its first goal with a typical Jono Beech effort, strong mark and accurate set shot.

North Adelaide’s Aidan Tropiano latches on to WA’s Josh Deluca during the state clash at Optus Stadium. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The second quarter was a snapshot of the first with the home side running amok early. Its skills and run were far superior to their opponents and three goals in the first four minutes had SA on the backfoot.

Josh Deluca was giving SA issues and livewire Michael Bennell was damaging up forward for WA.

SA was feeling the pressure and coughing up mistakes, feeding WA with prime opportunities and they were only too willing to take advantage.

Sing it loud boys! #SAPride 💪👍🏆 pic.twitter.com/QiqVptUHxb

— SANFL (@SANFL) May 12, 2019

“WA came out firing at the start of the first and second quarters and as a group we spoke about them having their momentum and controlling that, getting hold of the footy,” Carr said.

“The boys responded well.”

As the second term lengthened, so too did the intensity and defensive actions from SA and the side was sparked by South Adelaide ruckman Michael Knoll. Aidan Tropiano, Jordan Foote and Kaine Stevens were busy in the engine room and John Noble, Dom Barry and Anthony Wilson had an influence.

West Adelaide’s John Noble on the charge against WA. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Fos Williams medallist Michael Knoll in the ruck against WA’s Corey Gault. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Down back, Max Proud and Cam Sutcliffe led a defence which stood up well to the challenge.

WA kept coming at SA in a tense final quarter and seriously threatened to secure a seventh successive Haydn Bunton Jr Cup.

Sloppy turnovers and poor decisions were hampering SA, but it was able to hang on grimly.

“We lost a bit of structure in the final quarter and a few boys had run themselves into the ground,” Carr said. “Lucky they did not kick straight, but the defence did a great job.”

South Adelaide’s Michael Knoll with the Fos Williams medal. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

SANFL 4.1 8.1 14.2 16.4 (100)

WAFL 4.4 8.5 10.8 13.15 (93)

BEST — SANFL: Knoll, Barry, Foote, Proud, Tropiano, Beech, Noble. WAFL: Deluca, Horsley, Sokol, Bolton, Delahunty.

GOALS — SANFL: Beech 4, Foote, Barry, Hoskin, Hender, Menzel 2, Stevens, Snelling. WAFL: Sokol 4, Bennell 3, Horsley, Schloithe 2, Deluca, Ugle.

Fos Williams Medal — Michael Knoll.

At Optus Stadium.