EDFL: Rupertswood to compete in Division 1 in 2021
2019 Riddell District league premier Rupertswood will compete in the second tier of its new competition in 2021. EDFL boss Ian Kyte explains why.
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The race for promotion to Premier Division will be hotly-contested in 2021 with new Essendon District Football League club Rupertswood to compete in Division 1.
The EDFL’s board ratified the decision on Thursday, meaning the bye will be eliminated in the competition’s second tier.
The Sharks claimed the Riddell District league flag in 2019 and will start next season among the premiership contenders.
Division 2 clubs have also avoided the prospect of a potentially lopsided season after Sunbury Kangaroos completed an undefeated campaign as a first-year EDFL side last year.
There was speculation Rupertswood would be placed in Division 2 given it had switched leagues.
But EDFL boss Ian Kyte confirmed no rule stipulating new clubs entered the bottom division existed.
“We had to make a decision on where they’d best fit, being a successful club coming in to the competition,” Kyte said.
“We saw (Division 1) as the right choice for Rupertswood.
“They’re a strong club and they’ve proven that in the RDFNL. They’ve shown to be a very competitive club in the last seven years and last year competing in grand finals in all three senior divisions. It’s good to have them into the competition.”
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 will have a new coach calling the shots next season after the departure of premiership mentor Nick Ash.
Division 1 is shaping up to be a strong competition, with East Keilor, Airport West, Tullamarine and Westmeadows among the leading clubs.
“It should be a challenging, interesting year for all the clubs involved,” Kyte said.
“I think it’s great that we’re going to be able to have competitive games through most of the year in that division.”
Rupertswood was affiliated with the VAFA until the end of 2012 before crossing to the RDFNL.
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