By Tara Murray
Experience and trying to get back some former players has been the focus of Rupertswood’s off season recruiting.
The Sharks announced their first batch of recruits last week, headlined by Strathmore premiership player Matt Knight.
Knight, who was best on ground in Strathmore’s 2014 Essendon District Football League premiership, will be joined by his former teammate Matt Elliott at the Sharks.
Sharks coach Nick Ash said the two would bring some experience to the side.
“We were looking for players in the 25 to 30 age range and both Matts are in that,” he said.
“We played in the grand final in 2017 and the 19s have done the same the last few years.
“The two Matts have played at a high level of footy and experienced grand finals.
“It’s a different level of football and hopefully it rubs off on our group.”
Josh Smiley, Tom Knight, James Simpson and Jayden Muscat will join Knight and Elliott at the Sharks.
Muscat and Simpson both return to the club after spending time away.
Ash said the club was excited by the prospect of all of the recruits.
He said while they had announced the first group of signings, there was still a few more to come.
“We’ll announce a few more in the next few weeks. Guys in that 24-27 age group.
“We’re pretty happy with who we’ve got on board.”
While the Sharks have been busy recruiting, Ash said they would continue to bring younger players through the program.
He said retention had been the club’s first focus, with most of the group re-signing.
Dylan Featon, who is headed to the Sunbury Lions, and Nick Angello, who is going to the Sunbury Kangaroos, are both on the move.
The Sharks had several under-19s players make their senior debuts this year, and with the under-19 team winning this year’s premiership there will be more to come, according to Ash.
While the under-19 team tasted success, the Sharks senior team fell short when it counted.
After claiming its first RDFL minor premiership and only the second minor premiership in the club’s history, the Sharks exited the finals in straight sets.
Ash said the way they ended the season had left a fire in the belly.
“We are a bit disappointed, but you can’t change history,” he said. “We were burnt out come finals and were playing our better footy at the start of the season.
“There were some circumstances … there’s things to learn from.
“You want to be playing your best football at the end of the season.”
MORE RDFL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/woodend-hesket-is-on-the-up/
