Swifts led for the majority of the game and dominated the first three quarters but the Panthers pounced on an opportunity to claw back in the final quarter. 

The Panthers went into the last quarter trailing Swifts by more than five goals. 

Rupanyup worked hard to level the scores in the final term but Swifts proved too good, taking the win 11.9  (75) to 9.8 (62). 

Swifts coach Scott Carey said his side put in a solid three-quarter performance. 

“We had a strong lead on the scoreboard but Rupanyup kicked into gear in the last quarter,” he said. 

“They kicked about three goals in three minutes, so all credit to them to be able to get into gear and make it interesting. 

“We were certainly wary that if we were off our game they’d punish us. Luckily we did the hard work early and were able to hold on for the win.”

Carey said the Panthers managed to get on top of Swifts midfield. 

“Their ruckman Timothy Tyler gave them first use of the ball,” he said. 

“We were able to able to get it out of the midfield and forward line and capatalise with goals.”

Ryan Folkes had a standout game for the side as did Nicholas Pickering and Jake Goodes, who were instrumental in holding up Swifts backline. Damon Folkes led the game’s scoring, booting five goals for Swifts. 

“Damon fills in wherever there’s a hole,” Carey said. 

“We like him to play up forward when we have the opportunity. He’s a very talented footballer.”

Sean Mantell used his leadership skills to spur Swifts on to victory. 

“Sean does all the hard things you expect a leader to do. He’s in and under all day with his head over the ball,” Carey said. 

”We moved the ball through the corridor well in the muddy conditions.

“Our ball movement is still excellent when we’re switched on and concentrating on where we should be going and how to move it forward.”

Panthers coach Scott Finnigan said his side was hesitant in the first half. 

“We let them in the first half and gave them the lead,” he said. 

“We made some errors and didn’t take our chances, which we can’t afford to do. 

“We were a bit flat-footed at times, even though we finished the game strongly.”

The Panthers were subject to injuries, which jeopardised the team’s play throughout the day. 

Cameron Taylor moved to the bench with a hand injury, Nicholas Reading suffered a hamstring strain and Mark Tickner picked up a back injury. 

“We couldn’t afford too many changes so we just rolled the dice and took our chances in that final quarter,” Finnigan said. 

“The ground was extremely heavy which didn’t help.” Timothy Tyler was a standout for the Panthers, delivering in the ruck, while star Daniel Launer carried the backline for the side.