EDFL 2018: Sunbury Kangaroos switch from RDFL approved
SUNBURY Kangaroos have been given the green light to join the Essendon District Football League.
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SUNBURY Kangaroos have been given the green light to join the Essendon District Football League.
The former Riddell District club had been waiting on a vote from RDFL clubs to take place and AFL Victoria approval after voting overwhelming to switch competitions.
RDFL 2018: SUNBURY KANGAROOS LOOKING AT EDFL MOVE
ROOS SET FOR VOTE ON EDFL SWITCH
SUNBURY KANGAROOS VOTE TO CROSS COMPETITIONS
RDFL 2018: AFL GOLDFIELDS BACKS LEAGUE’S FUTURE
The club’s move was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement issued by the EDFL.
“The league has this afternoon received confirmation that Sunbury Kangaroos FNC has been approved to join the EDFL,” it read.
The Roos’ interest in crossing to the EDFL was revealed by Sunbury Leader in July, when the league confirmed it had held talks with Sunbury Kangaroos officials.
The club will join East Sunbury in EDFL Division 2 next year and face teams including Moonee Valley, Coburg Districts and Burnside Heights.
Jacana, Northern Saints and Hadfield will also be in the EDFL’s third tier.
EDFL Division 2 will be a nine-team competition in 2019, should Keilor Park return from recess.
Sunbury Kangaroos declared their ambition to become the town’s premier club earlier this month after a 96-3 members vote in favour of joining the EDFL.
“We want to play the highest possible football that we can,” president Allan Walters said.
“Over the last few years we have played practice matches against EDFL Division 1 sides and been fairly competitive.”
Sunbury Kangaroos said the club’s “dream had become a reality” upon learning its switch had been approved.
The Roos finished eighth in the RDFL this year with six wins under coach Anthony Leydin, who has experience as an EDFL mentor with Tullamarine.
The club hopes joining the EDFL will lead to an influx of recruits and has been working to bolster its attacking options after averaging 72 points per game in 2018.
Sunbury Kangaroos has cited a shortage of netballers as a key reason behind its move.
RDFL clubs are encouraged to field four netball teams, however Sunbury Kangaroos only entered two this year.
The EDFL does not require clubs to have netball sides in its fledgling competition.
Sunbury Kangaroos’ senior footballers will join their female counterparts, who already compete in the EDFL, next season.
The Roos’ women’s team finished third this year, losing a preliminary final to eventual premier Pascoe Vale.
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