By ADEM SARICAOGLU
ROCKBANK’S Ian Cowie Reserve could potentially host an AFL International Cup match in August 2014.
The Riddell District Football League has indicated it would like to make its venues available for International Cup games that would serve as curtain-raisers to senior league games late in next year’s fixture, which is expected to be released publicly this week.
League operations manager Toby Boyle last week revealed Rockbank, along with Sunbury or Rupertswood, could play host to a game in round 17.
“Our idea is we’d like to play a match between two nations either prior to a senior match or after a senior match in round 17,” Boyle said.
“Obviously that’ll promote the game but it’ll also be good for the RDFL, as we’ll get a few more people through the gates.”
A copy of what the league hopes to be the final draft of the 2014 fixture was sent out to clubs late last week.
It is set to feature a number of night fixtures (including the possibility of night finals), and Sunday games.
Furthermore, with Anzac Day falling on a Friday next year, the fixture could also include up to three games to be played on the day, pending formal approval.
“We’re looking very strongly to play some night and twilight football at Romsey, and we’re also pretty keen to play a few matches on Anzac Day,” Boyle explained.
“With Romsey’s upgrade to lights and their new facilities, we’re hoping to play a few night matches there.
“So hopefully it’s an exciting fixture that has a bit of point of difference to some of the leagues nearby.”
Boyle also revealed Rockbank will again take part in the annual NAIDOC game against Lancefield in the middle of the season.
Meanwhile, RDFNL general manager Rod Ward has confirmed the league is in the process of relocating its headquarters from Sunbury to Arnolds Creek in Melton.
“We are looking to entering into a partnership with the Melton City Council,” Ward told Star.
“We haven’t signed off on any agreements yet, but there has been an agreement reached in principle.”
Ward said the league has been looking at a possible relocation since 2012.
“It’s long been a desire of the RDFNL to have their own dedicated home,” Ward said.
“It was a task that was identified as a very high priority with the board, so we have been looking for and discussing opportunities with several councils ever since, and this was the one that the RDFNL looks like taking up.”
