Yartapuulti will continue its search for its first win after a challenging day at Flinders University Stadium, going down to South Adelaide by 73 points.
It was another tough day out for the Magpies suffering a heavy loss at the hands of South Adelaide as the former never looked like closing an early deficit. The Panthers started strongly and kicked six goals to two in the first quarter, leaving Yartapuulti behind as they extended their lead throughout the game.
Despite the week off from a league-wide bye, the Magpies were well beaten in the contest and struggled to connect with their forward line, accumulating just nine scoring shots for the match despite 32 inside 50s.
Yartapuulti was also beaten on the stat sheet, losing both the clearances (38-24) and inside 50s (58-32) to a dominant South Adelaide outfit.
Ruckman Ivan Soldo made his SANFL debut and moved well after returning from a knee arthroscopy, leading the Yartapuulti midfield and amassing 28 hitouts while playing reduced minutes. Soldo was among eight inclusions and added AFL experience to the side along with Quinton Narkle and Trent McKenzie, although the injection of experience didn’t aid the Magpies on Saturday.
Coach Hamish Hartlett was bitterly disappointed with his side’s showing, acknowledging there were no excuses for the Magpies’ performance.
“[No] component of our game was in a spot that we wanted it to be”, a frustrated Hartlett said.
“We focused heavily on getting contest work right when we got badly exposed in that area last week… unfortunately we got out-worked by South Adelaide”.
Hartlett also gave an insight around his messages to the team and what they will look to improve on in the week.
“I challenged everyone to have a look into their own game and how hard they worked compared to their opponent,” Hartlett explained.
“We need to work on all those fundamental things that you need each game.”
Despite the loss, Hartlett praised Tom Clurey for his 21 disposal and 10-mark game providing some stability and much needed experience in what was an under-siege backline.
“Clurey was great again. He’s been exceptional all season for us so far,” Hartlett said.
Also among Hartlett’s best performers were Francis Evans (one goal and 21 disposals) and Aidan Turner (two goals and 17 disposals), recognised for their effort and tenacity.
“I thought Evans tried really hard today and looked like he was cracking in around the contest for us… and Turner tried his guts out and kicked a couple of goals”, Hartlett said.
Yartapuulti will now move onto preparing for a Friday night clash against Sturt under lights at Alberton Oval on May 31st at 7:10pm.
Goals: Turner 2, Evans, Lord, McCallum, Scully, Weidemann
Best: Clurey, Evans, Turner
Scoreboard:
PA 2.0 3.2 6.2 7.2 (44)
SA 6.5 11.7 14.11 17.15 (117)
