The player transfer issue between the Northern Blues and Williamstown over Kane Lambert has now been resolved, with the clubs meeting to discuss the matter with AFL Victoria this week.
The presidents of both clubs, Stephen Papal (Northern Blues) and Trevor Monti (Williamstown) met with AFL Victoria’s Grant Williams and John Hook to discuss the matter that has been ongoing since December last year.
“We fully supported and understood the stance taken by Northern Blues, and in the end the issue was resolved due to the strong relationship and respect between the two club presidents,” AFL Victoria General Manager Grant Williams said regarding the resolution to the issue.
“AFL Victoria thanks both Stephen and Trevor for their willingness to meet and resolve an issue that should not have occurred in the first place.
“In particularly we would like to acknowledge Stephen Papal, who whilst disappointed the club was confronted with this issue, put the wellbeing of the player and the competition before the clubs’ appropriate stance they had made.”
Williams believes a key reason it has been resolved is the respect the presidents they have for the integrity of the VFL competition.
“With increased standalone VFL and AFL clubs in recent years, the changes to transfer rules were helped framed by club input to assist and protect all clubs in the competition.
“From AFL Victoria’s perspective, it is disappointing that rules clearly agreed to by clubs had not been appropriately considered by Williamstown in this instance.”
Papal said after the meeting that he and the Northern Blues wished Lambert all the best for his football future, after being cleared to sign with Williamstown.
“Kane has developed his game over recent years to the level where he became a regular senior player and a decorated player within the competition, and we wish him well for the future.
“With this issue now resolved, it reminds us that we all want what is best for our clubs, but it should not be at the expense of the rules and the integrity of the competition.”
Last Modified on 31/01/2014 11:39