RUPERTSWOOD will become the 13th senior team in the Riddell District Football League next season.
The club, which fielded 14 junior teams in the RDFL this year, lodged the paperwork with AFL Victoria last week, seeking to move its senior operations away from the Victorian Amateur Football Association.
VAFA chief executive Michael Sholly said he would like to see Rupertswood remain in the league, but added the asssociation would not stand in the way of a transfer.
"We wouldn't block them if they want to leave," Sholly said.
Rupo president Rob Morrice said it was "a very exciting time" for the 28-year-old club.
"We've had a great 12-year association with the Amateurs and there are a lot of regrets about leaving them, but we're also really excited about joining the RDFL," Morrice said.
"Obviously moving from the amateurs to a semi-professional league brings about a whole new set of circumstances, a whole new set of problems to deal with.
"There's a lot of work to be done between now and the start of the season, so our job's basically just begun."
The news comes after the RDFL board moved to back the inclusion of a new club, with feedback then sought from clubs who also indicated their support.
"The RDFL clubs have voted overwhelmingly in support of the inclusion of Rupertswood, so the board has formally endorsed the request to seek a clearance application. That request has gone into the VAFA and AFL Victoria," RDFL general manager Rod Ward said.
Credit: Chris Cavanagh - Leader Newspapers.
Last Modified on 15/11/2012 09:04