The 2024 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to new Rupertswood coach Brad Fox who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 3rd (14W, 4L, 132.8%)
Coach: Brad Fox
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"The players have had a tremendous off-season focused on building a culture that lets each other know that they are valued. That starts by investing in each player and their craft, their fitness, and collectively developing a game style that plays to their strengths."
LIST SHAPE
"We have rebuilt our playing list after the departure of 17 senior players. We will be inexperienced, but talented, and hungry to learn. I love the group and their willingness to work hard!"
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"It will be exciting to watch our midfield group develop including Tom Markey. Clay Bonello and Fraser Phelan-Smith will be exciting up forward. Jack Keeping is one of a number of players that are returning after missing all or most of last season. Ethan Fitzpatrick will bring excitement all over the ground."
2024 OUTLOOK
In a word: Connection. We’re rebuilding the Club, and the playing group have taken terrific ownership in that. Our focus is to get better at everything that we as a group can control like our culture, preparation, connection, and game style. Winning is one of the important things, but its not the only important thing.
"That said, I would love the hard work from the boys to be rewarded with earning a finals spot."
ON THE RECORD WITH BRAD FOX
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Clay Bonello.
Biggest pest at the club?
Jason Roberts.
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
Evan Ricupero.
One opposition player you’d love on your side?
I’ll tell you in June!
Flag tip outside of Rupertswood?
West Coburg.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Jack Keeping (Gisborne), James Fox (Gisborne), Ethan Fitzpatrick (Kilmore), Matthew Evans (Essendon Doutta Stars), Connor McCloy (Yea), Daniel Royal (Macedon), Thomas Markey (Parkside), Kevin Royal (Macedon), William Clowes (Essendon Doutta Stars), Liam Clowes (Essendon Doutta Stars) & Brock Bowman (Diggers Rest).
Out: Jackson Cardillo (Gisborne), Benjamin Cannon (Sunbury Kangaroos), Omar Taleb (Glenroy), Travis Dyball (Carrara), David Morrice (East Sunbury), Brandon Brancatisano (East Sunbury), Lucas Mendola-Webb (Sunbury), Shaun Stewart (Wallan), Brock Landt (Sunbury), Jordan Tentonello (Sunbury), Dean Galea (Riddell), Brent Swallow (Riddell), Jacob Chahine (Riddell), Dylan Podolczak (Riddell), Luke Cannon (Riddell), Lachlan Nesbitt (Gisborne), Jakeb Coles (Sunbury), Nicholas Agnello (Sunbury), Zak Saad (Heathcote), Ethan Davis (Riddell), Bailey Verrall (Riddell), Luke Cardillo (Riddell), Cooper Steenbuck (Riddell), Matt Webster (Albanvale), Ryan Jinkins (Riddell), James Wray-McCann (Lancefield), Tyler Morton (Caroline Springs), Lachlan Oliver (Aberfeldie), Sonny Phelan (Macedon) & Jayden Baillie (Deer Park).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
After making a prelim in their first senior finals campaign in the EDFL, it hasn't been the off-season Rupo would've liked. A large cohort of their top talent have departed Salesian College as well as coach Skip Bray. Incoming coach Brad Fox will have his work cut out for him in a division where the mid-table sides of 2023 have only gotten stronger.
Ladder Prediction: Bottom end.
2024 FIXTURE
