Port Augusta dad furious after son, 16, punched during football match, attacker receives only one-game suspension

A Port Augusta dad is calling for the league to do more after his teenage son was throat punched and his attacker escaped without serious punishment.

• Player’s life ban after coward punch

An A-grade footballer received a slap on the wrist with a one-game suspension after he punched a 16-year-old in the “Adam’s apple” during a Port Augusta football match last month.

South Augusta footballer Nate Munzer is managing ongoing throat issues after he was punched by a player from the Proprietary/Risdon Lions Football Club during their match on June 28.

“Let’s be clear — this wasn’t a scuffle or a bump. This was a deliberate and violent act by an A-Grade adult footballer against a junior U18 player,” Nate’s dad, Bronte Munzer, said on Facebook.

Nate Munzer, 16, was punched in the throat by an A grade player during a South Augusta v Lions match last month. Picture: Facebook

“The punch struck directly in the Adam’s apple, causing him to lose his breath and struggle to breathe.

“He was left gasping and unable to speak properly for some time. He was out of action for several days, and even now — more than a week later — he’s still dealing with ongoing throat issues.

The other player received a one-match ban. Picture: Facebook

A melee then erupted after the incident, which Mr Munzer labelled “deliberate” and “violent”. Picture: Facebook

“By giving just a one-game suspension, you’ve effectively said it’s okay to violently strike a minor and miss one match.”

Mr Munzer said a South Augusta player was recently handed a one-game suspension for “showing his bike pants under his footy shorts”.

“Are we seriously equating that with a violent act that endangered a young player’s safety?”

“As a parent, I trusted that this league had strong values and would take a firm stance on player safety, especially when it comes to our juniors. Right now, I’m struggling to see that.

“This isn’t just about my son — it’s about fairness, integrity, and sending the right message across all levels of the game. Our kids, and the sport, deserve better.”

Spencer Gulf Football League said they could not comment on the incident and the involved player’s club Proprietary/Risdon Lions said they would not be commenting at this time.

The SANFL were contacted for comment.

It comes as Ingle Farm footballer Brandon Rigney was nationally deregistered for coward punching an off-ball opponent on June 14.