In 2019 Rupanyup battled their way to six wins from 16 games as they languished in eighthplace on the ladder, but it was a complete reversal of fortunes in 2021.
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The Panthers turned it all around in 2021, climbing all the way to second on the ladder and dropping just two games along the way.
A six-goal loss to Noradjuha Quantong in round seven and a 42-point defeat to Jeparit Rainbow in round 11 were the only hurdles the Panthers failed to clear in 2021.
Panthers senior coach Jack Musgrove said the turnaround in form was down to significant improvement from some of their younger players.
"We have had a few player step up and fill a few roles for us and we also recruited pretty hard as well," he said.
"Having that top end talent come into our side lifted a fair few people around them and I think some of the local players have played some of the best football they ever have.
HDFNL Your club, your season:
"And that has been through a big preseason and having a red-hot crack.
"Recruiting a few players got a bit of extra drive out of a few players locally and that has been massive for us.
"It has been our local players who have driven our year and hats off to them for having a good preseason and a good crack at it."
Musgrove said Elliot Kelly had another outstanding season while high-profile recruit Mitch Gleeson has also been one of the best for the Panthers.
HDFNL Your club, your season:
The senior coach was also impressed with young guns Blake Turner and his work up forward, as well as Jordan Weidemann down back.
Musgrove said COVID-19 had affected the club, but was proud of how his side had handled the challenges.
"It has been pretty painful trying to get all that stuff sorted, but other than that we have had a pretty good year," he said.
"I have learnt that you have to be flexible and with a lot of things you have to go with the flow and be prepared for anything."
Rupanyup's other football sides have had a strong year with the reserves in fifth, the Under-14s finished on top of the ladder, while the under-17s finished sixth on the table.
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