Adelaide Footy League club Westminster OS repaid stripped premiership points as unregistered player decision overturned by SANFL

A local footy club is set to be repaid premiership points docked for an alleged rule-break, meaning it could sweep into finals at the 11th hour and knock a rival side out.

An Adelaide Footy League club could compete in finals in a dramatic turn of events after being cleared of any wrongdoing over an alleged rule-break earlier this season.

Division three club Westminster Old Scholars was stripped of two premiership points after its round 14 game against Scotch Old Collegians for fielding allegedly unregistered player Darcy Kildea, who is also the captain of South Augusta in the Spencer Gulf Football League.

SEE THE LATEST AS THE LEAGUE APPROVES SANFL TRIBUNAL’S DECISION

Kildea is a former Westminster OS player and played while on a break during the SA Country Football Championships.

The club took the matter to the SANFL to investigate and on Wednesday night, three days before finals, an independent SANFL tribunal overturned the findings and reversed the penalty.

The decision means the Dragons look set to face Edwardstown an elimination final this Saturday, while Scotch OC would lose the two points and drop down to sixth on the ladder.

Westminster OS has been cleared of wrongdoing by SANFL after fielding allegedly unregistered player Darcy Kildea (pictured) against Scotch OC. Picture: Westminster Old Scholars FC

“SANFL can confirm that its independent tribunal dropped the charges against Westminster Old Scholars and that the club has been cleared,” a SANFL spokesperson told The Messenger.

“This means the original outcome has been reversed.”

A Westminster Old Scholars spokesperson told The Messenger the club was satisfied with the decision.

“The club is pleased by the decision of the independent SANFL tribunal and looks forward to playing on Saturday,” they said.

“The club expects that the Adelaide Footy League will implement the outcome of the tribunal as confirmed in a letter received by the SANFL earlier today.

“The team trained on Tuesday and will continue to train in preparation for the elimination final.”

Adelaide Footy League CEO John Kernahan said the league would aim come to an outcome quickly. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

While Westminster OS were penalised for not having the correct approval to play Kildea against Scotch OC, the spokesperson said the permit received for Kildea was upheld by SANFL.

“The club applied for a permit in accordance with the mandated online player management system and this permit was upheld as valid at the tribunal hearing.”

Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan said the league was aware of a Scotch OC appeal of SANFL’s decision and that it was committed to coming to an outcome before finals.

“We are aware of an appeal made by the Scotch Old Collegians Football Club as per Regulation 11 of the SACFL to SANFL with respect to their findings,” Kernahan said.

“The league is currently seeking counsel and taking advice as to the Scotch OC’s rights as a member club.

“If we are to accept the tribunal’s findings to which we reserve some rights, then the original permit for Kildea must be reinstated until October 1st because that was the basis of the application and the foundation of Westminster OS’ submission, not returning to South Augusta next match.”

Darcy Kildea has since returned to captain South Augusta through four games. Picture: South Augusta Football Club

Kernahan also said local football might need to adjust to clubs taking league matters to higher bodies in light of last week’s Jesse White Supreme Court hearings and the ongoing Westminster Old Scholars case.

“We will sort through this immediate issue but this and other matters being transacted externally will result in football having to resource itself to mitigate further liabilities and risks.

“Unfortunately, football in general has been questioned outside of domestic tribunals but if this is the new way of the world we must move with it.”

The outcome of Scotch OC’s appeal will likely determine who plays finals on Saturday.