Football
31 July, 2025
Rupanyup ready for Saints test
League leaders Rupanyup will get an A Grade netball pre-finals challenge when they go against Edenhope Apsley this Saturday in round 16 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
League leaders Rupanyup will get an A Grade netball pre-finals challenge when they go against Edenhope Apsley this Saturday in round 16 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The Panthers have proven to be the standout team of the competition, compiling 12 wins, with their solitary loss being to Laharum, last season’s premiers.
Edenhope Apsley have been one of the big in-season improvers, now boasting an 11-3 record having started the season 3-2.
Making the matchup enticing are the comprehensive victories both teams have had in recent weeks, with the Saints winning their previous three games by an average of 33 points, while the Panthers’ last three victories have come at an average of 27 points.
Rupanyup’s depth and versatility has been their calling card, while Edenhope Apsley’s strong offense, led by shooters Dee Dee Lambert and Lavinia Fox, has spurred their impressive second half of the season.
Georgia Hiscock, coach of Rupanyup, says the side will stick with their playstyle while aiming to nullify Lambert’s goal-shooting proficiency.
“We’ll definitely look at ways to limit Dee Dee’s influence but it won’t be our sole focus,” Hiscock said.
“We’ve found that when we focus more on playing our brand of netball and sticking to our structures, we perform at our best.
“So while we’ll be aware of their key players, the priority is on backing ourselves and playing our style.”
With subsequent games against Taylors Lake and Laharum to finish Rupanyup’s season, Hiscock says this final stretch of games acts as an ideal preparation for what her side will experience in the finals.
“These next few games will really show us where we’re at,” Hiscock said.
“A lot of teams are in strong form heading into the back-end of the season, but so are we.
“We’re expecting some hard-fought, contested matches, and that’s exactly what we want heading into finals to keep challenging ourselves and maintaining our standards.”
Rupanyup’s hot form was demonstrated in their recent win over an improved Natimuk side, with Hiscock praising her side for managing the wet conditions from last Saturday.
“I was really impressed with the team’s composure, especially given the wet and slippery conditions,” Hiscock said.
“It was another great team performance where everyone stood up and played their role really well.
“I found the score wasn't indicative of the pressure Natimuk applied and it's a credit to Di Hayes and what that young team has been able to achieve.”
Another key game to be played will be the Swifts hosting Kalkee.
The seventh-placed Swifts have struggled in recent weeks but are still a finals chance, but will need to defeat the fourth-placed Kees, who enter Saturday having defeated Pimpinio 66-20 in round 15.
In other A grade netball games his Saturday, Noradjuha Quantong will look to push their finals aspirations when they go against Taylors Lake, and Pimpinio will host Harrow Balmoral.
Kaniva Leeor United, Laharum and Natimuk United all have a bye.