Summerton smiling at his milestone opponents

By ZAC MILBANK

South Adelaide co-captain Jake Summerton chuckles when he sees the irony in the opposing club for his milestone matches. 

The 32-year-old’s Hostplus SANFL League debut, for Woodville-West Torrens, was against South Adelaide in 2013.

Then when he chalked up his 100th match in 2022, the Panthers defender confronted his old side, the Eagles.

And to top it off, Summerton is preparing to face the Eagles again on Saturday for his 150th outing at Magain Stadium.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, South’s No.22 said while he’s still enjoying his time at Noarlunga, he will discuss his playing future at season’s end.

The PE teacher is revitalised by the rapid improvement already being displayed by his younger teammates as the club continues its rebuild with emerging talent.

After playing in three consecutive Reserves premierships with the Eagles, Summerton has thrived at Lovelock Drive since being enticed south by coach Jarrad Wright at the end of 2017.

A key plank in South’s consecutive preliminary final appearances in 2020 and 2021, Summerton has used his teaching background to his advantage as a leader with the Panthers.