Happy Valley captain to play in SFL preliminary final despite alleged striking investigation

HAPPY Valley's captain is free to play in tomorrow's SFL preliminary final despite facing possible suspension if found guilty over an alleged strike.

HAPPY Valley captain Scott McKenzie is free to play in the Southern Football League's preliminary final this weekend despite facing possible suspension if found guilty over an alleged strike which left an opponent with a broken jaw.

Edwardstown wingman Matthew Hearn broke his jaw when he was allegedly struck in the head during the SFL's first semi-final at Bice Oval, Christies Beach on Saturday.

The incident occurred behind play in the opening minutes of the match.

Hearn, a member of the league's Team of the Year, was taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery.

No one was reported in relation to the incident on the day.

However, SFL president Craig Warman said Edwardstown officials asked the league to investigate the matter.

McKenzie will front the league's investigation committee next Wednesday, September 18, over his involvement in the incident.

But he is free to play in the preliminary final against Reynella at Noarlunga on Sunday.

Mr Warman said under league rules, investigation committee hearings were held about a week after being brought to the league's attention to give clubs time to prepare evidence and witness statements.

"Edwardstown had the option of doing (submitting) a club report, which would have been heard this week, but they've gone down the path of asking for an investigation," Warman said.

"That of course takes time so we give them seven days' grace."

Warman would not comment specifically on the incident because of his involvement on the investigation panel but said the league could fine or suspend players found guilty.

On his Facebook page, Heard responded to messages of support by saying:

"Nothing to (sic) major ... coupla (sic) breaks in my jaw and banded shut."

Edwardstown president John Shaw would not comment, other than to say:

"We'd rather it run through its natural process and see how it goes," Shaw said.

Happy Valley president Wayne Hasel would not comment.