Police investigate alleged on-field assault during a clash between Edwardstown and Hackham

POLICE are investigating an alleged on-field assault during a suburban football match that’s left one player unconscious — ending his season and possibly, footy-playing days.

A HACKHAM footballer who allegedly knocked out an Edwardstown opponent is being investigated for assault.

The Southern Football League’s tribunal this week suspended Hackham player Cameron Spencer-Long for three matches for striking Edwardstown captain Colby Blyth.

The incident, which left Blyth unconscious and concussed, occurred during the clubs’ A-grade match at Hackham Oval on August 8.

South Coast Police said it was investigating an on-field assault from that game.

An Edwardstown official, who declined to be named, said doctors had told Blyth he would not play again this season.

He also said Edwardstown was considering appealing the length of Spencer-Long’s ban.

Hackham president Graham Thompson and SFL president Craig Warman would not comment.

In 2013, Spencer-Long received a 44-month prison sentence with a 14-month non parole period after being found guilty of recklessly causing harm in May 2011.

Three years ago, he received a 21-month prison sentence for charges relating to a June 2011 taxi hijacking, including aggravated assault and drink driving.

The SFL handed Spencer-Long’s teammate Jarrad Daish a four-week ban for kicking Blyth in the same match.

Messenger Community News tried to contact Spencer-Long through the Hackham Football Club but is yet to hear from him.

While it is unusual for police to become involved in an on-field altercation it is not unprecedented.

Police charged former Happy Valley captain Scott McKenzie with assault after he received a five-game ban for striking Edwardstown wingman Matthew Hearn during a SFL semi-final at Bice Oval in September 2013.

That on-field incident left Hearn with a broken jaw.