Rockbank is hoping to finish the Riddell District Football League season with a bang when it takes on Broadford this week.
Broadford has been one of the big improvers this season and boasts some impeccable talent in its side, including former AFL duo Brodie Holland and Russell Robertson.
Far from being deterred by the challenge, Rockbank is looking to claim a big scalp before the season is out.
Rams president Mark Smith said although his players couldn’t make the finals, they were keen to test themselves against strong opposition. Broadford is fighting for sixth spot on the ladder.
“We are really looking forward to taking these guys on,” Smith said.
“The first time we played Broadford was a pretty close game for most of the afternoon. Their class prevailed towards the end but we worked really hard.”
Rockbank is hoping to have its own high-profile recruit for the match, with the club asking former Essendon player Andrew Welsh to pull the boots on for the contest.
It has been a tough season for the Rams who have been unable to match their sixth placed finish of last year.
Under first year head coach Gavin Sporle, Rockbank has won two games and is 11th on the RDFL ladder. The wins came against Melton Centrals and Kilmore.
While the results haven’t fallen their way, Smith was full of praise for Sporle and the work he has put into the club.
“We have struggled for numbers a little bit and it has been a hard task in the twos,” Smith said.
“We will get over the line though.
“Gav has been great.
“He is doing more than what he should be doing … coaching, team managing, sorting jumpers out before the game and working with personnel.
“It has always been that way at Rockbank.
“He is a great operator and we are rapt with the hard work he has put into the club.”
Saturday’s match will be played at Ian Cowie Reserve with the bounce of the ball at 2pm.
