Football
8 April, 2025
Rupanyup stage thrilling comeback
Rupanyup Football Netball Club (RFNC) stormed home in the final quarter to snatch an 11-point victory over Kaniva Leeor United in a high-intensity clash at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.
The RFNC trailed most of the game but lifted in the last term to seal the 13.8 (86) to 11.9 (75) win.
Kaniva Leeor United set the early pace, kicking six goals to three in the opening quarter and building a 20-point lead by the first break.
Rupanyup FNC refused to back down and tightened up in defence.
They found their rhythm through the midfield and chipped away at the margin.
By half-time, they had closed the gap to eight points.
In the third quarter, both teams went goal-for-goal, but Rupanyup’s pressure around the ball started to tell.
The Rupanyup dominated the final term, running harder, winning key contests, and controlling the tempo when it mattered most.
Their midfield pushed forward with purpose, and the forward line finished strong, kicking four final-quarter goals and overrunning their tiring opponents.
RFNC coach Cam Weston said the pre-season training helped the players come back in the opening game.
“We (coaches) are both aesthetic with the win in the first round, as everyone in the team played their role brilliantly,“ Mr Weston said.
“Coming back with four goals in the final quarter shows the fitness of our players, and credit goes to the pre-season training they did,” he said.
“Our ability to work together as a team and act as a defensive unit was the main highlight of the day.”
Kaniva Leeor United coach Jonno Hicks acknowledged his side let the game slip.
“We missed the chance towards the end,” Mr Hicks said.
“We missed rotations during the middle of the game, and that cost us,” he said.
Mr Hicks also pointed to his side’s failure to manage the tempo.
“The main causes of the defeat were fitness and running in the midfield throughout the day,” he said.
“We started well but didn’t continue at the same tempo.”
“We just have to learn how to slow and control the game when needed.”
“Being more disciplined in the coming games will help us bring our A game.”
Rupanyup Football Club’s comeback win sends a clear message to the rest of the league.
