It was a close first half, with Rupanyup kicking eight goals to the Saints’ six. 

However, in hot conditions, the Saints struggled in the second half, and were kept goalless in the third term. 

Oliver said the side needs to improve its fitness.

“We found out with the hot weather that fitness is definitely an issue,” he said.

“In the second half there were a few heavy legs running around. We need to be cleaner and sharpen up those skills as well.”

Oliver praised Rupanyup’s attacking style in the match.

“Their physicality at the contest was too much for us at times,” he said. “Full credit to them, the way they attacked the footy was the difference. 

“We weren’t as clean as we would have liked to be but early on in the season that’s going to happen. The pleasing sign was that the intention from our boys was there. They were very intent on doing the right thing and throwing their body over it right till the end.”

The Panthers led from start to finish, with Trent Grant kicking six and coach Jack Musgrove bagging two. 

Jak Ryan, Cameron Domaschenz and Jeremy Kealy all kicked two goals each for the Saints.

Daniel Reading, Jesse Jesson and the returning Matt Tyler were best on ground for Rupanyup, with Dale Smith, Chris Heath and Ryan the pick of the Saints players.