RDFL 2019: Rupertswood signs EDFL duo Matt Knight and Matt Elliott
RUPERTSWOOD has landed a proven finals performer as it strives to challenge for a maiden Riddell District Football League premiership.
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RUPERTSWOOD has landed a proven finals performer as it strives to challenge for a maiden Riddell District Football League premiership.
The Sharks have signed East Keilor speedster Matthew Knight, who was best on ground in the Essendon District Premier Division grand final for Strathmore in 2014.
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Knight kicked 24 goals from 15 games for the Cougars in EDFL Division 1 this year and arrives at Rupertswood with more than 50 games of senior experience in the EDFL top flight.
Sharks coach Nick Ash said Knight’s experience on the big stage would be important for Rupertswood after being left “gutted” by a straight-sets finals exit this season.
“You always look for proven performers come the business end of the year,” Ash said.
“It was more the character and more the person he is.
“Added on top his ability and what he has done at Strathmore during the year and finals, it’s just an added bonus.”
Ash revealed the club had been keen to sign Knight, a two-time premiership player and EDFL interleague representative, for several years.
“For different reasons and circumstances it didn’t happen,” he said.
“Lucky enough this year to have another chat to him and it all fell our way.”
The Sharks have also landed defender Matthew Elliott (Strathmore), who will be a “key pillar” in a revamped back six.
“We’ll probably have 4-5 new players going through there,” Ash said.
Tom Knight (Wallan) and Josh Smiley (Romsey) have crossed from rival RDFL clubs, while James Simpson and Jayden Muscat have returned to Rupertswood.
Ash said he was buoyed by Muscat’s return, declaring the club had “missed his style of play” after the tough utility travelled overseas this year.
“He was one player we missed last year with his versatility, being able to play forward, mid or back,” he said.
“His height, his aggression, his attack on the ball was something we missed in our side last year.”
The Sharks finished top of the RDFL ladder this season but lost consecutive finals to Riddell and Macedon.
Ash said the club had re-signed about 95 per cent of its senior squad for 2019.
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