SUNBURY-based VAFA club Rupertswood has submitted an application to transfer to the Riddell District Football League.
The Premier C outfit sees its future in the Riddell league after 13 years as a VAFA club.
The VAFA has until Friday to consider a challenge to the league transfer, but the clearance appears a formality as The Weekly understands it will not stand in Rupertswood’s way.
The Riddell league lost one of its junior clubs, East Sunbury, to the Essendon District Football League last year.
Rupertswood’s junior ranks already play in the Riddell District Junior Football League.
“It’s [switching leagues] been in the background . . . and I think gained a bit of momentum this year,” Rupertswood club president Rob Morrice said.
“The club went through a major review of our senior football to look at all aspects of it and came back with a recommendation.
“The link between seniors and juniors is an important one. The players want to play against guys they’ve grown up playing against.
“Travel is a major factor. We’ve had the situation where a number of junior families will go and watch another game in Sunbury rather than travel with the team.”
Rupertswood’s club review found that 102 senior-age players had left the club in the past three years.
The Riddell league’s pull factors have motivated Rupertswood to apply for the switch.
“We think the VAFA is very well run and we have enjoyed our years in the competition,” Morrice said.
Riddell league general manager Rod Ward said the RDFL clubs had overwhelmingly supported Rupertswood’s application for inclusion at senior level.
“Given Rupertswood is already a member of the league it was a board decision. The board sought the clubs’ views and has now endorsed that application,” Ward said.
“The reasons put forward for the clearance application were very strong.”
Broadford has pulled off the recruiting coup of the Riddell league off-season by signing former Sydney premiership player Barry Hall.
Hall, who will be 36 next season, played in the Ovens and Murray league for Wangaratta Rovers this season. The 289-game Saint, Swan and Bulldog returns to his junior club to play under friend and new coach Aaron ‘Skip’ Bray.
