By PETER DOUGLAS
A MAN is set to face multiple assault charges over an alleged incident during the Wandin and Healesville senior football match on Saturday, 23 July.
Senior Constable Angelo Stylianou of Knox Police on Thursday, 4 August, confirmed a man had been arrested and questioned over the on-field incident, which left Wandin Bulldogs player Robbie Ross, 29, in need of surgery.
Ross suffered multiple facial fractures and severe concussion.
Sen-Constable Stylianou said the exact charges the man would face had not been determined yet, but he would receive a summons in the coming days.
Earlier last week, police had launched an investigation and called for witnesses to the incident.
General manager of AFL Yarra Ranges, Luke McCormick, said even with charges being laid, the league would continue their external investigation.
Mr McCormick said the player could request an adjournment before an incident headed to the tribunal, in the case where charges or legal proceedings were involved.
No request from the player has been made.
Mr McCormick assured the community the AFL Yarra Ranges had a proud history of good conduct and that this was a once-off for the 2016 season.
“The one positive from this is we are all talking about on-field violence not being acceptable,” he said.
“It’s not like days gone by, we don’t want to see this in our game.”
Mr McCormick said the league worked closely with clubs, players and umpires to ensure a safe environment for players.
“We have absolute faith in our tribunal system, as well as our clubs and players to establish a positive culture,” he said.
“We’ve had a few incidences before the tribunal this year, mainly for abusive language and a few for striking, but nothing to this extent.
“We have umpires who are a very professional unit, and players and clubs are constantly briefed and updated.”
Mr McCormick said there was no footage of the incident involving Ross.
Ross had surgery on Friday, 29 July, and Mr McCormick believed he was recovering well, with talk that he may return later this year.
For the record, Wandin won the match by 50 points.
With both teams in premiership contention in 2016, it’s likely the two teams will meet at some stage during the finals series.
A strong rivalry already exists between the two clubs, with Wandin defeating Healesville in last year’s senior grand final.
Ross was listed among the best players for Wandin on that day.
