Rupertswood hoping to further close the gap on top two sides in RDFL in 2015

RUPERTSWOOD believes the experience of playing finals in the Riddell District Football League last year will hold it in good stead as it eyes season 2015.

RDFL: Sunbury Kangaroos versus Rupertswood at Eric Boardman Reserve, Sunbury. Rupertswood coach Ben Jordan. Pictures:Angie Basdekis

RUPERTSWOOD  was “found wanting” in finals last year.

After a strong home-and-away season, which saw it lose just three matches, Rupo realised it did not have the strength and experience to match it with Romsey and Diggers Rest come the pointy end of the season.

But with that finals experience and another pre-season, coach Ben Jordan believes his young side can make inroads in 2015.

“We had a really positive discussion among our coaches at the end of last season about where we thought we’d improved, but there’s a bit more improvement to come, hopefully, from this current list of guys,” Jordan said.

“We were probably found wanting in the finals with regards to body strength and experience, and the age profile of our list was a little bit different to the Romseys and the Diggers that played off for the flag.

“We recognise that and we’d be crazy to think we’d be able to jump straight into the finals and knock those sides off, as much as we would have loved to have taken it up to them a little bit more.

“But we’ve got no excuses for the way we went out in the finals. We just need to get better but there’s pretty good enthusiasm around the place to step it up again from last season, so that’s what we’re looking to capitalise on.”

While Rupertswood has “not gone on any big-scale recruiting drive”, it has added three experienced players from Lancefield in Tony Fulton, Leigh Lugg and Matthew Bullock.

Combine that with no major losses and things are looking good for Rupo in Jordan’s second season.

“Hopefully, come finals, if we’re thereabouts, we’ll be able to challenge some of these sides and put on a better display than what we did last year,” Jordan said.

“That’s the next step for the club for sure, to start winning finals now.”