Football
15 April, 2026
Rams run down Panthers
Natimuk United’s senior football side overcame a slow start to handily defeat Rupanyup in round one of the Horsham District Football Netball League on Saturday April 11.
Playing at Rupanyup, the Rams kicked 12.15 (87) to the Panthers’ 4.4 (28).
It was the home side who struck early, kicking four goals to Natimuk’s two to lead 25-15 at the first break.
But the Rams quickly adjusted in the second quarter, taking the lead to be up 42-27 at half-time.
A hard-fought third quarter saw the visitors extend their lead to 58-28.
Natimuk then put the exclamation point on the game in the final quarter, dominating territory and possession to kick four more goals.
A strong defensive effort saw the Rams keep Rupanyup goalless in the second half before ultimately finishing with a 59-point victory.
Adrianne Lupton led the visitors with three goals and Jarred Combe and Billy Taylor each kicked two.
New ruckman Henry Gould was arguably the best on ground with his performance in the ruck, while Jacob Medwell, Zachary Smith and Kaiden Sudholz were also among the best for Natimuk.
For Rupanyup, Blake Turner led the side with two goals, while Daniel Schaper, Jimmy Finnigan, Luke Yeates and Adrian Rose were among the side’s best performers.
With the integration of three new players in Gould, Medwell and Will Kennedy, Rams assistant coach Billy Taylor said he was pleased with how quickly the side adapted.
“We thought we gelled really well as a team with the three new boys,” Taylor said.
“It probably took us a bit to get into it, but once we figured out what we were doing, it looks really exciting for the season ahead.”
Taylor added that the excitement of the season starting may have contributed to an underwhelming first quarter.
“I think we were a bit rushed in that first quarter,” Taylor said.
“I think a few boys were pretty excited – I know I was pretty excited to get out there and have a crack – but once we came in at quarter time and we really settled in as a team, I think we gelled, and the three quarters after that we thought we played very well as a team.”
Addressing the side post-game, Rams coach Jarred Combe said the performance demonstrated what the team could do when they maintained their team-focused structure.
“As soon as we made that mindset and structural shift, you could see the shift in the game in the early stages of the second quarter,” Combe said.
“It goes to show that when we employ ourselves, and when we want to play that unselfish footy, we'll produce results like that.”