The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Rupertswood coach Brad Fox who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 4th, Premiers (11W, 6L, 1D, 119.81%)
Coach: Brad Fox
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"The obvious focus is bridging the gap between Division Two and Division One football. We see that as speed of disposal and ability to bring pressure at the contest. Building on our game system and patterns of ball movement has also been important. All of that comes back to training standards.
"We were tested on depth of personnel for most of last season. That looks less of a challenge this year after strong growth in player numbers and experience, plus continued athletic development of our group. Understanding how to maximise our running power was also a key takeaway.
"Flexibility of our players to take on different roles was vital last year and we will look to take that even further. We were a strong contested possession side in 2025 so maintaining heat on the contest is an area we can continue to press our strength.
"We had 40 of the boys attend a weekend pre-season camp at the end of January on the Murray River. They took part in nine events as three competing teams with the focus on building connection, communication, and problem solving in pressured environments. Of course, there were a few beers and shenanigans as well. They showed how much spirit and ambition they have for the 2026 season."
LIST SHAPE
"We’ve had a net gain of around 16 players come to the club. A number of those are players from our successful grand final era in 2019 so they bring both experience and understanding of the community culture we want at Rupo. The increase in depth will make our Reserves side very competitive as well.
"We have achieved some targeted depth in key position players, as well as players that will lift our kicking efficiency and midfield speed.
"We have lost some ruck depth but this creates opportunities for others to grow in this area."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"We have a really good balance now between youth and experience. It will be exciting to see the return of Ethan Fitzpatrick after an ACL who has an amazing athletic profile. Equally, there is so much upside for Jackson Cardillo even after a dominant season last year, as well as the speed that Luke Sultana can add to our midfield.
"Logan and Mitchell Johnson, Matt McDonald, and Jackson Pranauskas have had outstanding preseasons and will continue to build their impact on matches. We’re excited to have Jordan Flanigan return to the club and together with a much fitter Joel Flanigan, and new recruit Joey Barham, plus Aaron West and Fraser Phelan-Smith, we have some exciting flexibility in key positions."
2026 OUTLOOK
"The players will continue to set higher and higher standards at training, and that will transfer into match day. The progress made in this area over the summer is outstanding. We also want to maintain a healthy and hungry list so that both Reserves and Seniors play finals.
"Local football is demanding more and more from players and volunteers to be competitive. An important goal therefore is that we keep the enjoyment in the game. Turning up to training needs to be the highlight of their day, and playing is the highlight of their week, regardless of results. It’s the joy in competing and testing yourself with your mates that drives connection, and that flows on into the social involvement at the club as well.
"In the not-too-distant future, we want Rupo to be a destination club. To achieve that we need to keep making inroads to be the best football club, and playing list, in Sunbury, and then in the Northwest and Macedon Ranges. So, continuing to build Rupo as a welcoming club that has an engaged, committed, and enthusiastic supporter base is a very high priority, as is continuing to increase the professionalism in our football and netball programs."
ON THE RECORD WITH BRAD FOX
Biggest pest at the club?
Matt Brown.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Twilight.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Aaron Grubb, the Sherpa!
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Isaac Heeney.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Joel Flanigan.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Coachability; Selflessness; Sass; Ruthless competitor.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes – two games, same date, one day, one night. (WA v VIC and SA v Allies). Next year the winners play each other and so do the losers.
Hardest opposition player to coach against?
Ask me again after Round 9.
Flag tip outside of Rupertswood?
Oak Park.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Joseph Barham (Macedon), Zach Cannolo (East Sunbury), Izaiah Lomax (Molonglo Juggernauts), Frank Gill (Hamilton Kangaroos), Ben Daly (Brunswick), Ethan Sultana (Diggers Rest), Benjamin Cannon (Sunbury Kangaroos), Nicholas Agnello (Sunbury Kangaroos), Harry Manders (Gisborne), Josh Mackie (Brunswick), Benjamin Borg (Riddell), Luke Sultana (Airport West), Sean Hetherington (Maribyrnong Park).
Out: Tyler Caldone (Barwon Heads), Thomas Phillips (East Sunbury), Toby Walker (Eltham), Owen Sloan (Broadford).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Rupertswood returns to Division One after a successful solitary season in Division Two. Rupo retained and recruited well with returning players and fresh faces alike, a great sign of a strong club correction that was needed after an exodus at the end of 2023. It's always hard to place a promoted side, especially in such a strong division, but you'd expect Rupo to be competitive each week as they look to make a home in Division One again.
