The first half of this contest was nowhere near A grade standard, with countless turnovers and basic skill errors shading the sheer physical intensity of the match.

Neither team could put together fluent play but South were able to take a four point lead into the main break.

Angaston was reduced to just one fit player on the bench after losing full back Michael Pech (knocked out) and full forward Brenton Bascombe (yet another hamstring injury).

This disrupted the visitor’s structure and left coach Craig Hadden to throw his team around to find some direction.

The first half also saw some nasty moments with two players, Angaston’s Kym Reimann and South’s Lee Makris, reported for striking - each other.

The Lions’ David McGree was also sent from the field.

With the Blue and White cup and Malcolm McGrath medal on the line the second half was set for a tight tussle but although Angaston never completely controlled the play, South were unable to make a serious impact on the scoreboard.

The Panthers were much cleaner going forward and had more contributors like Kurt Thiele who came off the bench to deliver some instant offence with a pair of goals.

He also supplied the mark of the day, which came as he rose above the pack on the goal line.

Matt Lutze was sensational for South and was awarded the medal as best on ground but had too few helpers on the day whereas Angaston had the likes of Matt Dawes, Ashley Clarke, Matt Doecke and Ben Klemm all standing up when needed.

The Lions severely missed their best forward option in Paul van den Bergh, who missed the game through injury.

They will need to get him back in the line up if they are to be a chance at Barossa District this week.

Hadden acknowledged it was an important win.

“We don’t win down there very often and it was really good that we were able to guts out a win that was pretty character building,” Hadden said.

“And it holds us in good stead going forward.”

Angaston, now in second place on the ladder, need to replace their own injured personnel before they host Gawler Central who are coming off the bye and looking to move ahead of the Panthers.