EDFL: Rupertswood gives update on coaching search, playing list for 2021
The Essendon District Football League’s newest club knows which division it will compete in next season, but who could coach the Sharks and how is the senior squad shaping up?
Local Footy
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Rupertswood’s coaching vacancy has attracted top-quality candidates as the club prepares for its first season in the Essendon District Football League.
President Brad Pietromonaco said coaches with experience in the VFL and NAB League had applied for the job, with interest booming since the club’s move to the EDFL was given the green light.
The Sharks claimed the 2019 Riddell District league flag and will compete in EDFL Division 1 in 2021.
Pietromonaco said Wednesday was the cut-off for applications to replace premiership coach Nick Ash but said the date could be extended.
He expected an appointment to be ratified next month.
“We’ve got a very good calibre of coaches to choose from,” Pietromonaco said.
“We may even extend the date. We didn’t have many applications prior to the announcement (the club would join the EDFL).
“We’ve got to get the right coach. We want a long-term coach locked away with these boys for the next 2-5 years – that’s the plan.”
Rupertswood is likely to enter next season among the leading contenders for the ultimate prize in the competition’s second tier.
Pietromonaco said all members of the Sharks’ premiership team had re-committed.
But he is acutely aware his club faces a difficult task against the likes of East Keilor, Airport West, Tullamarine and Westmeadows.
He said Rupertswood was “extremely happy” to be put into Division 1.
“I can promise you, we expect a very tough year next year,” Pietromonaco said.
“It’s a big learning curve on and off the field next year. We don’t expect to win any flags straight up. We’re going to sit back and watch and see how things go next year.
“We’ll be happy just to make finals, and that will be a big goal for us.
“But premierships – we’re not even going talk premierships.
“The goal is to get to Premier Division … but it could take 2-5 years and it could take even longer.”
The Sharks boast a powerful senior side and won their maiden RDFNL flag last season, crushing Wallan by 85 points in the grand final.
They also finished minor premier the previous year before suffering a straight-sets finals exit.
Rupertswood was affiliated with the VAFA until the end of 2012, but Pietromonaco said the move to the EDFL would not be short-term.
“We’re definitely there for the long haul. The club can only grow bigger and bigger now,” he said.
Pietromonaco said the Sharks were yet to turn their attention to recruiting, with salary caps to be slashed by 50 per cent next year.
“It’s a huge stage for the club. The salary cap (reductions), if anything, helps us. The club’s in a very good position on and off the field financially,” he said.
“We think once the coach is signed, it’s going to attract players wanting to come to the club.
“I can’t comment on what the (new) coach (will want). I think we’re going to have to chase a couple of players to toughen us up and get us ready for Division 1.”
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