Rupertswood upsets Diggers Rest to move into RDFL grand final
Emotions were at a high when Rupertswood confirmed a spot in the Riddell District Football League grand final. But the Sharks know a lot of work is yet to be done — and that they will have a lot of players to choose from.
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A confident Rupertswood side is the first outfit to confirm its place in the Riddell District Football League grand final after a barnstorming last quarter on Saturday.
The Sharks pushed minor premier Diggers Rest to one side during a six-goal to none final term, overturning an 11-point deficit at the last break to win 13.10 (88) to 9.8 (62).
The Burras will now have to prevail in next weekend’s preliminary final if it is to contest the decider.
Rupo coach Nick Ash said there was a lot of excitement in the rooms following the win at Sunbury’s Clarke Oval.
“It’s unreal,” he said. “It’s something we’ve been building towards all year.
“But we all know cups aren’t given for second semi-finals.”
Despite a gusty, swirling breeze to contend with as it favoured the aquatic centre end of the ground, scores remained close throughout the match, before Rupertswood took the game on with so much success in the final 30 minutes.
Ruckman Dean Putt was his side’s best once again, working hard around the ground among another good team effort, according to Ash.
Matthew Knight, Billy Cannolo (three goals), Sean Hetherington and Cameron McRorie also impressed.
One of the biggest coming challenges for the coach will be at the selection table.
In an incredible result for the club, six of its seven football and netball sides have earned a spot in the decider, with the other a chance to qualify next week.
“We have plenty of depth. It’s going to be a tight selection,” Ash said.
“It will be based on match-ups and all the rest of it.”
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Among those vying for a senior berth will be Alex McConville and Keegan Guy, who excelled for the reserves team which knocked off a previously undefeated Wallan side in the second semi-final.
“For those who miss out on the seniors, they will get their chance in the reserves and 19s,” Ash said.
“They are still a massive part of the club.
“The players get all the wraps, but it’s the volunteers at the club who really put the hard yards in and don’t get noticed as much but they certainly part of this and without them we wouldn’t have the club.”
Cale Morton was named the best for Diggers Rest, along with Stuart Clarke and Taylor Hine, while Thomas Taylor booted three goals.
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