Statewide Super League Preliminary Final Preview

Woodville-West Torrens v South Adelaide | 3:15pm | Channel 7 & 7plus | 1629 SEN SA & SEN App | ABC Grandstand | SANFL Digital Pass

Paul Hunter (South) v Jarrad Redden (Eagles)
South’s mid-season recruit has been a revelation inside the centre square and around the ground. Hunter put on a stunning display when these two sides last met in Round 8 but on that occasion, Redden was sidelined. That sets up a fascinating duel between the pair, with both players particularly adept at directing their hit outs to their midfield teammates. The player who can get their midfield brigade moving the best will play a significant role in victory.

Jack Hayes (Eagles) v Jake Summerton (South)
Eagles coach Jade Sheedy would love three versions of Jack Hayes to use in each segment of the ground but instead, he must choose where he will cause the most damage. That appears to be inside 50m, where he will likely lock horns with former Eagle Jake Summerton, who is a master stopper for the Panthers. Hayes will look to lead Summerton as far as he can up the ground with his exceptional running capacity. When Eagles ruckman Jarrad Redden is off the ground, expect Hayes to be thrown into the centre square to get the ball moving his team’s way.

Joseph Haines (South) v Jack Firns (Eagles)
It’s not often a backman has a tight tag but that’s exactly what happened in Round 8 when Eagles shadow Jack Firns put the clamps on the ultra constructive Joseph Haines. The strong-bodied Firns did a disciplined job of quelling Haines’ influence, keeping the dashing defender to just three kicks up until the final change. If Firns can do the same in the Preliminary Final it could prove crucial to the final result considering Haines ability to rebound from the back half.