Weavell was found guilty of striking Stawell club goal umpire Robert Morris during half-time of the Stawell versus Nhill game at Central Park last month.

However, the ban and restrictions were dramatically reduced.

Not only did the 52-year-old's seven-and-a-half year ban for 'conduct unbecoming' - a Wimmera Football League record - get slashed to one-and-a-half years, he is also able to take training and recovery sessions.

Weavell expressed his emotions about the final decision.

"I'm still disappointed in the penalty and the verdict, but there's certainly a relief that it's not seven-and-a-half years," he said.

"I can't thank everybody at the club enough for their support during a tough time, it has been fantastic.

"I was pretty flat after my original ban but the club convinced me to appeal the decision, which proved to be a good move in the end."

Simon Brearley will step in as the Tigers' game-day coach, with Nhill president Jim White hopeful that Weavell can stay involved with the club on Saturdays.

White said it was a fantastic result for the club and he said he was relieved the process was all over and done with.

"We're not happy about him being found guilty but it's pleasing that the ban was shortened," he said.

"It opens up so much more for Weavs to be involved at the club.

"He believed he was innocent all along and we've supported him the whole way."

Wimmera Football League chief John Smith believed justice prevailed and the hearing was conducted in a professional manner.

Stawell president John Griffiths said the club had no further comment on the matter.

But he said personally the decision stunned him.

"Weavell got found guilty of striking a club official," he said.

"It sends a pretty bad message out to people who might be thinking of volunteering.

"I thought the initial finding from the Wimmera league was okay."

The original cost of the appeal for Nhill Sporting Club was $5500, with $3000 being refunded after the hearing.

Sixteen witnesses took park in the hearing including players, spectators, umpires, Wimmera Football League commissioners, coaches and a photographer.

Morris was also suspended and will not be able to goal umpire until the end of the 2014 season.

He did not appeal the ban.