EDFL 2019: Roxburgh Park could could have a ‘free hit’ in Division 1

Roxburgh Park coach Michael Farrelly has revealed his club could be in line for a big free kick if it finishes bottom of the EDFL Division 1 ladder this year.

Roxburgh Park celebrates last season’s grand final victory. Picture: Hamish Blair

ROXBURGH Park coach Michael Farrelly has revealed his club could be in line for a big free kick in the form of a relegation reprieve if it finishes bottom of the Essendon District Football League Division 1 ladder this year.

The Magpies secured promotion after claiming last season’s Division 2 premiership, while the additions of Sunbury Kangaroos and Keilor Park to the third tier created a 10-9-9 senior structure across the three divisions.

The addition of this season’s premier and no relegation in Division 1 would leave all competitions with an even number of clubs next year, while a 29th senior club could also pave the way for Roxburgh Park’s wish to come to fruition.

While the potential “free hit” is far from confirmed and does not indicate the Magpies are expecting to be uncompetitive, it would represent a massive boost given the challenges associated with promotion.

“I believe at this stage we may have a free year, a free hit, at staying up this year,” Farrelly said.

“If that’s the case, then we’ve got nothing to lose and we’re definitely going to try and breed as many guys as we can and give them as much experience as possible, so that next year we’re in a much better position than what we are at the moment.

“The timing’s been really good in that regard, but nothing’s been announced … so we want to go out there each week and still have a crack, but we’re under no illusions it’s going to be a solid year.

“We want to win games — we’re not going out there to be competitive or survive.”

Roxburgh Park coach Michael Farrelly looks to fire off a handball. Picture: Hamish Blair

Farrelly is preparing for his second season at the helm after steering Roxburgh Park to its maiden senior flag with a tense grand final triumph over East Sunbury.

The Magpies have experienced little movement over summer and will start their campaign against relegated Premier Division club West Coburg on April 6.

“We will know exactly where we sit (after Round 1) and what it takes to be at that next level,” Farrelly said.

“The biggest thing for us this year is that every side’s going to be thinking we’re coming up just to fill a hole, fill the void, and that’s our biggest weapon this year.

“We expect sides to be lethargic against us … we want to go out there and steal a few wins and just constantly build. If West Coburg’s a team we stamp our authority against early, then that would be amazing.”

Jay Barbera, who played alongside Farrelly in Hurstbridge’s 2016 premiership in the Northern league, headlines Roxburgh Park’s signings.

Barbera finished second in the Bridges’ best and fairest that year and can fill a role in defence or midfield.

“He uses the ball really well, he’s a great leader, speaks really well and he’s just looking for a fresh start,” Farrelly said.

“He’s been at Hurstbridge his whole life and he’s looking for a new challenge. He’s looking for something different to get that fire burning again and he’s going to (play a key role in) a huge cultural shift to our side with regards to discipline and training and that sort of stuff.”

Wally Abbouchi (Northern Saints) and Matt Barnes (Point Cook Centrals) have also put pen to paper.

Tumay Hamza, who has retired, is the only member of the premiership team to depart.

Farrelly said the club was keen to invest in youth and reward players for working hard on the training track.

“It’s going to steep year for the year in regards to learning — not just on field but off field,” he said.