Ground: Natimuk Showground, Saturday, 2.20pm.
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Umpires: G. Rigby and T. Pritchett.
Last time they met: Round 11, 2013. Rupanyup, 17.10 (112) d Natimuk 9.15 (69).
RUPANYUP believes a win is a distinct possibility on Saturday as it prepares to travel to Natimuk Showground for a match against the Rams.
The Panthers have struggled through a one-win season, but have been encouraged by a week off during the interleague break and a strong second-half performance against Taylors Lake in their past outing.
Coach Mick Finnigan said Nathan Sachse and Neville Routley would return to bolster the team and several senior players would come into selection contention in the next few weeks.
He said his charges were fresh and ready to go after an extra week off.
“We’re looking forward to the game on what is a pretty big ground out there,” Finnigan said.
“The boys are pretty pumped up and they know a win isn’t too far away if we play like we did in the second half of our last game.
“It will be a challenge for us, as it will be for them.”
Natimuk United coach Tim Friend said he also expected a fight from Rupanyup.
“We’ve got to come prepared to play four quarters again and have the mindset that these guys aren’t going to be easy-beats,” he said.
“They’ve got some quality players in their side with Sachse, Tyler, Delahunty, Schaper and guys like that, so we can’t afford to take them lightly.
“I think they see this as a winnable game, just like we see it as a winnable one for us.”
Friend said it would be a big result if his side could get back to a 4-4 record nearing the halfway mark of the season.
He said several players were in contention to come into the side.