On Good Friday 2nd April 2010, the Shepparton Swans kicked 18.19 (127) to defeat the Shepparton Bears 11.18 (84) under the lights at Deakin Reserve to kick off the 2010 season. The game included a near 40 minute second quarter after central umpire Cruze O'SHEA reported Mark BETSON from the Swans and Tim EWART from the Bears for striking each other. It happened that Tim EWART left the ground but Mark BETSON did not which resulted in the Shepparton club requesting a player count which revealed Shepparton had 17 men on the ground whereas the Swans had the full complement of 18. As such, a free kick was awarded to Shepparton's Ed CLARKE who was also afforded a 50 metre penalty to put him just inside the 50 metre arc. Ed CLARKE kicked the footy to the GVFL reigning Morrison Medalist Brian DURBRIDGE from the Swans who had wandered down into the Shepparton forward line who marked the footy and then kicked a behind for Shepparton. Brian DURBRIDGE was then reported for the offence of Time Wasting and was sent from the ground as per the yellow card rules. Unreal! The huge crowd were in a state of dismay and wonderment. If there was 5000 people there, probably the 5000 people were as equally bemused as the players and officials. Fair-dinkum, it was a real tragedy of errors. You can't call it a comedy of errors because it was not funny or humorous at all. It was terribly unfortunate the way things panned out. Amid huge publicity the Swans were stripped of their score or 9 goals 7 behinds (61 points) that they had scored up to the player count. After consultation with the newly amended VCFL 2010 Handbook the score was replaced up on the new brilliant electronic scoreboard. The VCFL rules regarding a player count state that the matter will be referred to the local League to decide the matter "as they see fit." This incident and that of the behaviour of the Shepparton Swans coach was referred by the League to be investigated by a VCFL Investigations Officer, Mr Paul SHORTIS who referred the player count matter back to the GVFL to ultimately determine the outcome. Three Friday's later on April 23rd, the Board of the GVFL met and were unanimous in that the Swans had breached the rules and had one too many players on the field. The GVFL determined that the Swans were to lose the 9 goals 7 behinds they had kicked up to the time of the count and as such the 4 Premiership points for the win be awarded to the Shepparton Bears. The Swans were upset with this decision and immediately lodged Notice of Appeal. As per the VCFL Rules the matter was referred to the VCFL Area Appeals Committee which subsequently met and studied all the statements, correspondence and submissions. The Swans appeal at this level was dismissed on 20th May with the order made that the decision and the penalty applied by the GVFL stand. The Swans then appealed to the VCFL Appeals Tribunal which commenced on Friday, June 3rd at the Shepparton R.S.L. Club. The Swans on that occasion were represented by A.F.L. Player Advocate Mr Iain FINDLAY who made numerous submission resulting in the case being adjourned to Wednesday 4th August 2010. On this evening commencing at about 7pm, the Tribunal re-convened back at the Shepparton R.S.L. with Mr Geoff COBBBLEDICK from the Shepparton Swans representing his club. Mr Paul SHORTIS represented the Goulburn Valley Football League. The Appeals Board was chaired by Mr Eddie POWER acting with Mr Barry JOSEPHS and Mr Sam CUSUMANO who were in possession of all the statements, documents and submissions. The d.v.d. of the incident where Mark BETSON and Tim EWART were reported plus the subsequent player count was played and examined by the Appeals Board. After final submissions made by Paul SHORTIS acting for the GVFL and by Geoff COBBLEDICK for the Shepparton Swans after a two and a half hour hearing, all parties left the hearing room for the Appeals Board panel to consider their verdict. After another half hour all were reconvened back into the hearing where Mr POWER informed that the young umpire Cruze O'SHEA had failed to comply with the implementaiton of the Order Off Rule (top Left hand section of Page 61 VCFL 2010 Handbook) which states "Only field umpires and emergency umpires have the power to send players from the ground. When ordering a player off, an umpire shall signal his intention by pointing to the interchange area with an outstretched arm and holding a coloured card above his head with the other." With credit to Cruze O'SHEA he had admitted that he did not hold the yellow card up high and admits he did not point to the Interchange bench. Having watched the game live and now having watched the d.v.d. many times, it is totally clear as to why Cruze did not do these actions. It was at the time very hot in the kitchen! As such, Mr Eddie POWER announced that the Swans Appeal was successful and ordered that their full score be re-instated and be awarded the 4 premiership points.
This success by the Swans practically gaurantees the Swans to feature in the finals with them now being credited with ten wins and five losses for the 40 points (Percentage to be calculated) The Swans will remain 5th on the ladder after Round 15 but they are two games (8 points) and percentage clear of Rochester in 6th possie on 32 points and Mansfield in 7th, also on 32 points but 3.15% behind Rochy.
For a terrific story on young umpire Cruze O'SHEA, do yourself a favour and have a read of todays Shepparton NEWS, Thursday 5th August, with the article written by Sporting Editor Marc McGOWAN.
This has been a harrowing experience for all involved and no doubt all concerned are pleased this matter has been finalised.To make life easier, we must all do our best to know the rules and then abide by same. It has often been said that when the pressure is on, it is a good thing to take a step back, take a deep breath and then assess. We must all assure that this game we are involved in, the best game in the world, continues to be the best. Good luck to all of us as we get on with our business.
Last Modified on 29/08/2010 14:31