NHILL ruckman Will Oakley has defended Wimmera Football League following Saturday’s incident between coach Darren Weavell and Stawell club goal umpire Robert Morris.
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Oakley said the ‘weird’ incident, which occurred during half-time of the round four match between Stawell and Nhill at Central Park, Stawell got out of hand but believed the league was the cleanest he had played in.
“There was no tension leading up to it and the second half was played in great spirit,” he said.
“The funny thing is, despite what happened at the weekend, this is probably the cleanest league I’ve played in.
“Because I’m a bigger guy I have been snipered by other players and the crowd has given it to me but the Wimmera league has been great.”
The Melbourne-based gym owner, who trains AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, said he was shaken after seeing how the incident affected the young boundary umpires.
He discussed the incident with Mr Demetriou and will give the boundary umpires two tickets to an AFL match of their choice.
“I gave one of the young boundary umpires a pat on the back after the match and he looked a bit shaken up,” he said.
“It wasn’t really fair on them. It’s just not a good look for kids and you don’t want to lose any of these kids who are umpiring – they’re important for the game.”
Wimmera Football League Umpires Group director Anthony Croke said investigating officer Ted McCabe started proceedings on Monday morning.
Nhill president Jim White said Weavell had the club’s full support and would continue coaching.
Weavell, who is in his first season at the Tigers, said he did not want to comment until the investigation was over.
Western Vic Football general manager Stephen McQueen said the investigation would be completed within 21 days of the incident.
Stawell police are also investigating the incident, which sparked a half-time melee between the two clubs.
Mr Croke said he was unsure of the details.
“The Stawell goal umpire and the Nhill coach have had a difference of opinion and that’s about all we know at this stage,” he said.
“Until all the evidence is brought forward, both parties are considered innocent because we don’t know what’s happened.”
Police attended the Stawell ground at 4pm on Saturday after the alleged incident at 3.15pm.
A police media spokeswoman confirmed Mr Morris attended Stawell Police Station on Monday morning to report an alleged assault.
