Both clubs have battled this season, with Pimpinio winless and Rupanyup's only previous win coming against the Tigers in round two.

Pimpinio had shown improvement, however, in the past month and was keen to make a game of it against the Tigers.

Instead, it was a Rupanyup victory procession, with the visitors booting 13 goals to three after half-time.

David Lang has captained the Panthers well through a tough season and in this match he led from the front again, booting seven goals in a best-on-ground performance.

Coach Mick Finnigan spent the game in hospital after an operation, but assistant James Delahunty and the rest of the leadership group, including Lang and vice captain Noel Joergensen, stepped up.

Drew Tyler, Nathan Sachse and Campbell Matthews were among the best for the Panthers.

Finnigan said it was good for his side to get some reward for its hard work.

"It was probably one of the best teams we've been able to assemble this year so far," he said.

"We've been improving this season from one quarter of good footy to two quarters, to two-and-a-half quarters, to three, and this time we played good footy in every quarter.

While there was joy for Rupanyup, there was despondency from Pimpinio coach Mal Coutts.

Despite optimism entering the game, the Tigers could not stand up to the visiting Panthers save from a one-goal-apiece second quarter.

Coutts said words had failed him after the game.

"We took huge steps backwards in that game," he said.

"I didn't say anything to them after the game, because what can you say?

"If they don't know how bad they've gone and they think it's all right, they've got a lot of soul searching to do."

Alex Hill's consistent effort has been one of the few bright spots for the team this year.

Hill played hard for three quarters in the backline before being moved to full forward, and was the Tigers' best player.