SOUTH Adelaide is the SANFL’s women’s champion, claiming the crown in its first season with a tense five-point triumph over Norwood in the grand final at Unley Oval on Wednesday.

The Panthers were forced to withstand a second-half charge from the Redlegs to earn some rare silverware for the Noarlunga club.

The final quarter was a nervous 17 minutes for the Panthers with the Redlegs camped deep in attack as they pushed for a successful title defence.

Sing it one last time! 😍 #StrongerTogetherpic.twitter.com/IGRMd0hAA8
Panthers star Cheyenne Hammond was named best on ground after racking up the possessions.

“The team has worked so hard and I’m so proud to be involved with this club,” Panthers co-captain Kristi Harvey said.

“(Coach) Krissie Steen is incredible and we are so lucky to be coached by her.”

The Panthers controlled the first half, having 14 more visits inside its attacking 50. But they wasted prime goal scoring chances and were punished when Alana Browne kicked a goal for the Redlegs on the halftime siren.

Despite dominating territory in the third term, the Panthers led by just six points at the final change.

Rebekka McMahon levelled the scores 11 minutes into the final before Courtney Gum responded immediately with a strong mark and goal to put the Panthers back in front.

Then the Panthers had to hang on grimly to triumph.