Eagles and SANFL believed to reach agreement on 19th man compensation claim
There appears to have been a resolution in the 19th man compensation claim, but Woodville-West Torrens and SANFL are staying mum on the details.
Woodville-West Torrens and the SANFL are believed to have reached a resolution in the Eagles’ compensation claim over the 19th man controversy.
But the outcome, and whether the Eagles were successful in gaining financial compensation, is to remain a mystery with both parties refusing to comment.
The Eagles took their fight to the SANFL after losing an extraordinary preliminary final to North Adelaide by five points when the Roosters had an extra man on the field for the first four minutes of the last quarter.
The matter went to the tribunal and the Roosters were fined $10,000 and penalised four premiership points for this season. They are still two points in the red after winning just one of their 11 games.
Just what compensation the Eagles were seeking is unknown, but the club claims it was denied significant commercial opportunities involving membership, merchandise, events and prizemoney associated with playing in the grand final.
It is understood the SANFL rejected the Eagles’ claim for compensation in a written reply earlier this year. However, the Eagles maintained their strong stance and persisted with their claims.
Eagles president Kurt Slaven said in March the club would be pursuing the matter as hard as possible.
The SANFL altered its rules in the wake of the 19th man drama and team runners and vice-captain can now call for a head count. Previously only the captain had that power.
There has also been an additional official at each game, whose role is to account for the interchange players before a quarter can start.