SOUTH Adelaide’s era of dominance in the SANFL Women’s continued yesterday with an incredible 23-point win over Woodville-West Torrens Eagles at Stratarama Stadium to go back-to-back for the second time in women’s club history. The Panthers’ fourth flag – and third under coach Rick Watts – was built off the back of incredible pressure and fantastic transitional ball movement turning defence into offence.

There were storylines everywhere from Watts joining Krissie Steen as the most decorated SANFLW coach with three flags, stalwart Jaslynne Smith becoming the first player to win four flags at one club, and also levelling total flags won with teammate Lucy Northcott (three South Adelaide, one Norwood) and the retired Kristi Harvey.

The ‘sister of’ Emma Charlton was the face of South Adelaide’s youth program, winning best afield honours with 26 disposals, three marks, seven tackles, 10 clearances, four inside 50s and five rebound 50s to cap off an incredible bottom-age campaign.

It was a day to remember for the Panthers who controlled the game from the outset, stamping control around the clearances, dominating the air and taking field position which strangled a lot of Eagles opportunities. They also made the most of their chances, whereas the Eagles kicked six behinds before finally putting on through the big sticks.

By the time Amie Blanden finally saluted for the top ranked side, the game was essentially over, staring down the barrel of a 22-point three quarter time deficit. Though not impossible, the task became just that when the youth of Lily Baxter – who played on from half-back – hit-up Layla Vizgaudis at half-forward. The hard running midfielder/forward took a bounce and streamed into an open goal to ice the game three minutes into the final term.

It was a day for the young guns, with Hope Taylor also remaining composed and delivering on goal from a tight angle during the third term, while Marley Tape was huge in defence alongside the likes of Tiffany King and Jaslynne Smith.

South Adelaide’s control started early with Lucy Northcott playing in front and marking at the top of the goalsquare off the squaring kick from Tabitha Prosser, before Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap got boot to ball when the Panthers surged it deep inside 50.

The usually reliable Klaudia O’Neill missed a couple she would normally nail, while the Eagles had some very near misses off the boots of youngster Imogen Trengove and Adelaide recruit Christina Leuzzi in the first half. Ultimately they still trailed by four goals and while able to break even in the second half, could not bridge the gape.

Aside from Charlton, King (11 disposals, three marks – two contested – three tackles and two rebound 50s) was massive in the defensive 50, Vizgaudis (13 disposals, five tackles, four clearances and a goal) was busy through midfield, Emily Brockhurst worked hard up the ground and Lauren Clifton kicked a big second quarter goal and set up numerous other chances in what was a real team effort.

For the Eagles, Lucy Moore tried hard all game with 14 disposals, eight tackles, five clearances, four isnide 50s and two rebound 50s, with Leuzzi (14 disposals, nine tackles and four clearances) and skipper Annie Falkenberg battling on. Leah Cutting had a huge battle with Soriah Moon through the ruck in the Eagles veteran’s farewell match, while in defence Zahlia Niemann competed all day.

SOUTH ADELAIDE 2.1 | 4.2 | 5.4 | 6.5 (41)
WWT EAGLES 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 2.6 (18)

GOALS:
South Adelaide: E. Brockhurst, L. Clifton, L. Northcott, H. Taylor, L. Vizgaudis, L. Cockatoo-Motlap
WWT Eagles: A. Blanden, R. Lynch

RMC BEST:
South Adelaide: E. Charlton, T. King, L. Clifton, L. Vizgaudis, S. Moon
WWT Eagles: L. Moore, C. Leuzzi, Z. Niemann, L. Cutting, A. Falkenberg