The Horsham District league round 16 clash saw an in-form Panthers take it up to the Baggies. 

The final scoreboard read Swifts 11.8 (74) to Rupanyup 9.8 (62). 

Baggies coach Scott Carey said he was expecting a tough game. 

“Rupanyup’s form in the last couple of weeks has been outstanding and they took it up to us,” he said. 

“They made sure we couldn’t play our style and then they controlled the play. They made it hard for us to get the four points.” 

Carey said he had spoken to his players in recent weeks about the importance of building momentum coming into finals.

He said his charges showed resilience to get across the line.

“When the game was on the ropes we had the cattle to get the job done,” he said.

“Blokes put their bodies on the line and now we have another cracking game coming up.” 

Carey said Jake Goodes was solid on the half-backline, and Ryan Folkes was also pivotal.

“I think we learnt that when their backs are against the wall, those players can stand up and get us over the line,” he said.

Panthers assistant coach and ruckman Zack May was named best on field. 

Adrian Reid was best on field for the Baggies, who will now look ahead to the first week of finals.