Saturday’s match will be a danger game for Swifts, taking on an in-form and desperate Rupanyup.
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The Panthers are coming off a season-defining win over Natimuk United last weekend, with their slim finals hopes hanging in the balance.
They are six point back from the sixth-placed Rams and a win over the Baggies this weekend would go a long way to helping them pinch that coveted finals spot.
The Baggies struggled in their last meeting with Rupanyup, with a final-quarter flurry the only thing saving them from defeat.
Swifts coach Scott Carey said he believes his side has made significant inroads since that game in April.
“I’d like to think we have improved since then. It took a while for us to gel and work out our best set up but I believe we have got that pretty close now,” he said.
“Rupanyup have hit some really good form and we won’t be taking them lightly, especially after their great win against Natimuk this time.”
After giving multiple junior players a chance to play last weekend Carey said he is likely to provide another opportunity for the club’s younger players this weekend.
“Jaxon Healy came in for his first game and didn’t miss a beat so he will probably get another go,” he said.
“Josh Reid was one of a few late changes last week so I would think he gets another chance.”
Swifts will also have a cast of experienced players available to pick from, with Caleb Holden, Cody Virgona and Daniel Parkin all potential inclusions.
“Everything tracking along nicely with no real injuries from the weekend,” Carey said.
“I’m sure we will be making a few changes here and there.
“It is a good thing to be able to throw a few names around and pick the right team for the opposition rather than what team is available.”
Rupanyup coach Jack Musgrove said this weekend would provide a huge opportunity for his side.
“We always have a really tough game against the Swifts,” he said.
“We match with them very well. We need to shut down their outside players and we should have a chance.
“We have played some really good football recently and held our own against Kalkee and then brought that pressure against Natimuk United. To finish that game off was great and the players have stepped up which is unreal and hopefully we can keep our finals chances alive.
“We are looking a lot stronger than what we were about a month ago but still a few injuries to work through. The young guys have really stepped up for us.”
