The Senior Men’s side featured a strong line-up against the Bathurst Giants as the temperature sank below zero at North Parkes Oval on Saturday night.

The Giants were ahead for the majority of the clash, but despite Parkes suffering a number of injuries, the boys clawed back to narrow the gap in the fourth quarter with several spectacular goals. However the valiant effort wasn’t enough, with the Panthers going down 9.9-63 to 11.10-76.

Coach Mitchell Stubberfield shone bright on the paddock with three goals, while Justin Dane Kelly, Isaac Bunge, Shane Apsey, Aaron Halls, Branden Clinton and Rhys Frame booted one goal each.

Aside from Kai Frame, Round 9 of the AFL Central West competition also marked the final game for Justin Dane Kelly as well as Daniel Pizarro (yours truly) who is returning to Sydney, but is hopeful to continue his footy career with another team.

Pantherettes kicking it for Kai: Back on home soil last weekend, the Pantherettes played their first ever night game against the Bathurst Giants, under freezing conditions.

The Giants showed their sportsmanship and gave the Panthers extra players for the match, so it was an even contest.

Plenty of tackles were laid by either side and intense pressure  formed in the midfield, which was led by Alex Briton as she provided that brutal force that was needed to win the possession.

Hallee Pauley-Lestrange was yet again our ruck for the match and kept the Giants ruck at bay. Panthers defenders kept the Giants to a minimum of scoring shots of three goals and three behinds for the quarter.

After a very hard fought opening term, Panthers were yet again pleased with their efforts all across the ground. Some key positions were changed and they were ready for battle again.

Ashley Rosser just kept going and going like a road train, not giving an inch to the Giants forwards.

Making them work harder and harder to gain any possession or kick. Other defenders Amy Bush, Amber L'Estrange and Renee Massurit were under the pump to reduce the scoring and remain composed.

The Giants kept on coming and piled on four goals and four behinds. As the third quarter started the Giants maintained their momentum and looked dangerous as they headed into their forward 50.

Lauren Andrews played an important role for the Panthers as she laid tackle after tackle and winning the ball to give some relief for the defensive line. However, the Giants kicked five goals and four behinds.

Final quarter and without ever shaking their heads, the Pantherettes never give up and believed in themselves to put some points on the scoreboard and reduce the free flow of run by the Giants midfielders.

Players player Amy Roseby was pushed up forward and became a menace for the Giants defenders, as she took several marks and kept the ball inside the forward 50.

Which led to her taking another mark and using her powerful right foot to score a behind. Korine Coleman was another standout, having played the game after dislocating her finger in the first quarter. Clearly this didn’t bother her too much, as she also scored a behind.

Bathurst scored one goal and one behind. Coach Ralph commented "This week was a big game under lights against a strong Giants team, the girls tackled well and showed patches of good ball use in dewy conditions."

As well as a great night of footy, last weekend the club held a fundraising night for men’s player Kai Frame, and were proud to “go green” in support of his battle with liver cancer.  Parkes 0.2-2 defeated by Bathurst Giants 13.13-91. Parkes play against Dubbo Demons at South Dubbo Oval game starts at 12.45pm