Round 14 - Port v South Post Match Review

[CK]

South Adelaide 13.10 88

Port Adelaide 9.11 65

South: Wundke 5, Rolfe 3, Liddle 2, Daniel, Cockshell, Brown

Port: Milera 3, Harder 2, Kirkwood, Lindsay, Kulikowski, Maric

[CK]

Thought that South's endeavour all day, in difficult conditions, was outstanding. Ran hard to create space, and generally created their opportunities well. Clearance work through the likes of Liddle, Cross and Stribling was excellent and Wundke was able to work clear of Lokan a number of times to boot five. Their pace is very hard to stop at times, and it was more impressive in some slippery conditions. The most notable difference was how much space they were able to leave in attack for Wundke to move into. At times he seemed to have 15-20 metres of space in front to work with.

Not sure whether Port either didn't adapt to the conditions, or took South a bit lightly, but apart from a burst in the third term, just didn't ever really look like taking the points. Coughed it up very easily at times and really seemed to lack a target in attack too often. Seemed slow, pace wise at times and when their space was shut down, they seemed to struggle to adapt with a Plan B. Banner was again excellent at the stoppages, but too many of their bottom eight to ten players went missing for long periods and left too much to the top level.

The battle in ruck between McKernan and Mieklejohn was very entertaining, thought that McKernan just shaded the latter with some crucial clearance work.

I reckon Spelly will be able to confirm this one, but can't think of the last time South won two televised games in a row either.

[blueandwhite]

Just arrived home what a great win, shows what happens when you have a team that applies themselves to the task for 4 quarters.
Gladdened the heart of this ol Panther supporter- what a gutsy win.
Great contributions from all players but really liked Liddles' game especially in the first half. McKernan was very good especially late in the game and Cocky , Wundke and Rolfe up forward were very good. Leg speed was critical in the conditions and I thought our midfield in particular were too quick for the opposition at critical times.
Centrals at home next week, perhaps we should turn on the lights, even though its a day game!! A tough one but we will know where we stand in the scheme of things after this one.

[The Sleeping Giant]

Good result for the bottom 4.

[NO-MERCY]

Port very disappointing, they proved they aint worthy of playing finals.

[saintal]

Great win. Two in a row and we actually won a final quarter

Didn't think much of our first quarter, and when Port skipped a few goals clear late in the third there was a feeling of "here we go again..". Superb final quarter though.

Wundke kept South in it during the first half, and seemed to have a hand in the majority of our goals through the day. Huge game. The fwd line seems to be functioning a lot better with Cocky as a permanent CHF rather than spending half his time in ruck.

Liddle was very good, especially early while Cross seemed to be everywhere. Thought Carey played his best game for the club and was surprised that he only finished with 13 touches. Crabby solid down back, Rolfe getting better each week.

Milera showed some magic, while I thought Harder looked dangerous all day but didn't finish off his good work. Maric and Micklejohn didn't have the same dominance as the last time the clubs met. (Port spanked in the clearances) Seemed to lack intensity and run after half time.

5.5 wins now. Our best result since 2006. Show how bad we've been and explains why us South fans might get a touch over-excited about wins.

On a sour note, the "new" (but not improved) holding the ball intrepretation that is creeping in to the SANFL is shocking. 3 or 4 absolute howlers today. (Thewlis at the start of the last quarter the pick of them.)

[Adelaide Hawk]

Thought that South's endeavour all day, in difficult conditions, was outstanding.

How would YOU know CK, weren't you at home in front of the fire, snuggled up in a nanny rug?

I enjoyed this match very much, good quality game considering the conditions. South are certainly the big improvers this season. Apparently that was only the 12th South win at Alberton ever, remarkable statistic.

[Sojourner]

Nothing better than being written off by 90+ % of the SAFooty "experts" and then winning anyway!

South very aggressive in attack today with plenty of speed to go down the middle, Fuller backs the players to play attacking footy down the middle, long may it continue!

[fisho mcspaz]

Can someone tell me when was the last time South Adelaide won at Alberton?

[Brodlach]

Can someone tell me when was the last time South Adelaide won at Alberton?

2008 someone mentioned in the live scores thread

[fisho mcspaz]

Can someone tell me when was the last time South Adelaide won at Alberton?

2008 someone mentioned in the live scores thread

Cheers, hadn't checked that one yet

[cennals05]

Can someone tell me when was the last time South Adelaide won at Alberton?

Today.

[southee]

Nothing better than being written off by 90+ % of the SAFooty "experts" and then winning anyway!

South very aggressive in attack today with plenty of speed to go down the middle, Fuller backs the players to play attacking footy down the middle, long may it continue!

Agree with you Sojourner....many on this site wrote us off for this game with some sarcastic comments too!!!

On the game, Liddle was outstanding. Seems to have hit a bit of form in the last few weeks. Thewlis, Crabb down back held it up well and "frustrating" Harder.
Wundke great up foward and accurate. McKernan played a vital role in the ruck and will probably get a recall with a soild performance. He seems to really enjoy it at South and unlike some AFL players going back to their clubs (like some Port players today)- always puts in 100%.
Cross, Rolfe, Daniel, Stribling all solid in their performance......and a mention to Adam Cockshell - it was great to see him back into some form again. He needs to play CHF.

I thought we were too quick for Port. Even though we were down at 3/4 time I still have a belief we would run Port to the ground with speed. Younger side and looked alot more fit then Port.
I really liked Milera for Port.....great little player with a future I hope. I also think Surjan will never play AFL footy this year again.....he looked so disinterested today and his skills were very poor. Needs a new scence IMO.

A great win from South and very well coached by Fuller. This week with Centrals at home will be a huge test.
For Port to beat Westies last week by plenty and South to come out and knock Port off....its a massive confidence boast for the young group. Lets hope we make it 3 in a row.

[FlyingHigh]

Thought that South's endeavour all day, in difficult conditions, was outstanding.

How would YOU know CK, weren't you at home in front of the fire, snuggled up in a nanny rug?

I enjoyed this match very much, good quality game considering the conditions. South are certainly the big improvers this season. Apparently that was only the 12th South win at Alberton ever, remarkable statistic.

Agree AH. Watching it on the telly it was very entertaining, hard fought and some reasonable skills given the conditions and two middle-of-the-road sides. Both teams looked like they were trying to score at all times, and to be honest gave the neutral watcher much more than the Legs/Dogs game a few weeks ago between supposedly the two best teams.

[prowling panther]

Well done Panther boys, what a happy household here tonight.

It is just the 7th South game I have missed in the past 34 years, I happen to pick the game in which we beat Port at Alberton, never mind i did watch the last 3/4 on the TV.

Anyone like to hear the club song.

[Dogwatcher]

Thought that South's endeavour all day, in difficult conditions, was outstanding.

How would YOU know CK, weren't you at home in front of the fire, snuggled up in a nanny rug?

I enjoyed this match very much, good quality game considering the conditions. South are certainly the big improvers this season. Apparently that was only the 12th South win at Alberton ever, remarkable statistic.

Agree AH. Watching it on the telly it was very entertaining, hard fought and some reasonable skills given the conditions and two middle-of-the-road sides. Both teams looked like they were trying to score at all times, and to be honest gave the neutral watcher much more than the Legs/Dogs game a few weeks ago between supposedly the two best teams.

Interesting summary, given there it was less than a goal in that game. I would've thought for a neutral supporter that was pretty good. Hard to please

[The Sleeping Giant]

A few years ago Sydney and St kilda played a draw, and at the time it was agreed it was one of the worst games ever.

[FlyingHigh]

Knew that may have raised a few eyebrows, DW, but that is how I felt. The biggest margin in the game was only 12 points until the last ten minutes, whilst that day I thought Norwood were 5 goals better but let the Dogs back in.
Low-scoring games in wet weather are fascinating, but these days we see too many low-scoring games in good conditions. And I would have mentioned the Eagles/West game too, except my team was playing so obviously that held my interest.

[Grahaml]

To be honest I had a lot of trouble watching this game. Was just so scrappy. Onyl 2 players who seemed to be able to play with any sort of control were Liddle and Cook for South. McKernan worked hard and really showed what a talent he'll be. With the AFL clubs moving away from 2 genuine ruckmen and looking for a second ruckman who can play key forward or defense he seems to be the ideal modern second ruckman. Coupled with the fact he tries hard when he's with South and pays enough respect to anyone he comes up agaisnt (but not too much) I like the way he goes about it. Maric and Mieklejohn were very disappointing. And when Thurgood is your best key position after your rucks you can't afford that.

All in all a good 2 points for South in what shapes a fascinating bottom 5 battle at the moment. But let's not forget it was only Port they beat. Beat Central next week and no doubt we'll look at South in a different light.

[whufc]

To be honest I had a lot of trouble watching this game. Was just so scrappy. Onyl 2 players who seemed to be able to play with any sort of control were Liddle and Cook for South. McKernan worked hard and really showed what a talent he'll be. With the AFL clubs moving away from 2 genuine ruckmen and looking for a second ruckman who can play key forward or defense he seems to be the ideal modern second ruckman. Coupled with the fact he tries hard when he's with South and pays enough respect to anyone he comes up agaisnt (but not too much) I like the way he goes about it. Maric and Mieklejohn were very disappointing. And when Thurgood is your best key position after your rucks you can't afford that.

All in all a good 2 points for South in what shapes a fascinating bottom 5 battle at the moment. But let's not forget it was only Port they beat. Beat Central next week and no doubt we'll look at South in a different light.

Im already looking at South in a different light, in all my preseason/mid season selection i didnt have South anywhere near the top 5.