EDFL: Rupertswood stuns Tullamarine in Division 1 upset

Rupertswood has scored its second huge upset of the season following a win over Tullamarine with one player compared to a Collingwood champion after a stunning display.

Is Rupertswood the sleeper in the EDFL Division 1 premiership race?

It’s a question worth asking after the Sharks caused another stunning boilover to beat Tullamarine 14.12 (96) to 11.12 (78).

Earlier in the season, they handed Airport West its only loss of 2022.

Despite their stunning win, Rupertswood still remains outside the top four on percentage with Westmeadows and Roxburgh Park sharing the same 8-6 record.

Hillside is just a game further back.

But according to coach Arron Bray, the challenge for his side is continuing to try and close the gap between their best and worst.

“We’re pretty comfortable of where we’re at after Saturday,” he said.

“We’re under no illusions our best is up there with the best teams and our worst is horrible. I think it’s a mental challenge for us.

“Ninety per cent of it is between the ears. Being such a young group, sometimes we might think the job is done against the teams around us.

“But it’s something we’re learning along the way.”

Benjamin Borg. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Bray’s side refused to panic against the high flying Demons after conceding six goals to one in the opening term.

They trailed by just four points at the main break.

“We thought we were in the contest at quarter-time despite the score,” Bray said.

“We missed a couple of opportunities early we probably should have taken but I was proud of how the boys were able to turn it around.”

Zak Saad was named the best player on the ground in a dominant display with three goals as he took his season total to 25.

Brent Swallow and Mitch Johnson also finished with three.

“Zak’s quality,” Bray said.

“It’s a luxury to have him in our side. He can be a nightmare match up for opposition because of the way he can impact a game.

“He’s a little bit like Scott Pendlebury with the way everything seems to slow down when he has the ball in his hands. He always has time.

“Even yesterday, he showed why he’s a player who can turn the game in five minutes.”

Rupertswood coach Arron Bray.Picture: George Salpigtidis

Brock Landt, a Rupertswood junior who returned to the club at the start of the season, continued his brilliant form to again be named in the bets for the Sharks.

He came into the came on the back of two best on ground displays.

Jackson Cardillo, Jorden Braddy, Omar Taleb and Dylan Podolczak also impressed for the home side.

“Brock is just a bull, he loves the contest,” Bray said.

Brad Allen and Shaun McKernan impressed for Tullamarine with three goals while Michael Dalrymple was named the Demons’ best.

They’ll next face Airport West in a highly anticipated clash.

Rupertswood will look to continue its winning ways against Craigieburn.