Football
22 April, 2026
Panthers overcome Saints
Rupanyup’s senior football side recorded its first win of the season, coming from behind in the final quarter to defeat Edenhope Apsley in round two of the Horsham District Football Netball League on Saturday, April 18.
Playing at Edenhope, the Panthers kicked 9.9 (63) to the Saints’ 7.11 (53).
It was the visitors who got on the scoreboard early, with Blake Turner scoring within the first minute.
But each side traded goals and opportunities during the quarter, with Rupanyup going ahead 17-14 at the first break.
Matt Hodge and Blake Turner scored early in the second quarter for the Saints and Panthers, respectively, with the Panthers holding a narrow 23-22 lead at halftime.
Goals to Sam Kamstra and Sid Kingston appeared to open up the game for Rupanyup before goals to Saints skipper Toby Ferguson and Billy Cameron kept the deficit to one point (38-37) at the final break.
Two early goals in the fourth quarter gave the Saints the momentum, but the side struggled to further capitalise on shot opportunities.
A critical free kick goal to Rupanyup’s Ryan Timmins loomed as a key turning point in the game, with the Panthers proceeding to kick two more goals to take the lead and eventually finish as 10-point victors.
Blake Turner led the Panthers with three goals, and Sam Kamstra had two, while Matt Hodge kicked two for the Saints.
Halfback Daniel Weetra and midfielder Jack Kreuzberger were critical late in the game, with recruit Xavier Pumpa and Luke Yeates also having impactful games.
For the home side, ruck Jeremy Kealy and back Flynn Loft were among the best on field, with Billy Cameron and Corey Williams having strong games in the midfield.