Football
24 April, 2026
Panthers host Demons
In a first for many players, Rupanyup and Laharum’s senior football sides will suit up for an Anzac Day clash this Saturday, April 25, in round three of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Playing under lights at Rupanyup from 4.30pm, Laharum coach Robbie Miller said his team will value the importance of playing on such a historic date.
“It's an exciting occasion,” he said.
“I don't think I, and probably quite a few guys here, unless they've played at Horsham or Horsham Saints, have experienced something so respected amongst the country.
“So we'll mention it on Thursday night to the whole group and show what it means to pay our respects.
“It will be nice to play a twilight match as well, something a bit different for the group.”
Rupanyup enters Saturday having recorded a come-from-behind victory against Edenhope Apsley and gets the benefit of playing at home.
But the Demons have recorded impressive wins, defeating Taylors Lake (87-50) in round one and Pimpinio (106-64) in round two.
Despite the strong start, the Laharum coach won’t underestimate the Panthers.
“We can't be taking any team lightly this year, or otherwise you'll come unstuck,” Miller said.
“So we'll go in with a must-win attitude and try to execute our game plan.
Miller added that the side still has plenty to improve on, including getting better entries into forwards like star recruit Jack Fenner.
“I know we're not playing our best football, so that's a promising sign that we're winning and not playing at our optimum,” he said.
“We'll continue to work on our areas of growth at training, particularly our stoppage work, getting around the ground, running patterns, and more efficiency going forward.
“We get it into our forward 50, but we're probably not getting our forwards the best opportunity.
“They're probably making their opportunities count when we do, but we want to make their job just that little bit easier.”