Hunter and two spectators receive suspensions after MCDFNL brawl

A country footballer who leapt the fence and hit a spectator during a grand final has been punished. But the spectator copped the bigger ban.

A country football player and two spectators have been suspended for a combined total of almost two seasons after their involvement in a brawl during the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League (MCDFNL) grand final last month.

Video obtained by the Herald Sun showed two spectators exchanging punches near the fence as play continued between Harcourt and Carisbrook.

Carisbrook’s Harley Hunter, who was playing at the time, is then seen jumping the fence and throwing punches at a spectator.

He eventually returned to the field of play as other spectators tried to intervene.

In a tribunal hearing on Wednesday night, Hunter received a 10-match suspension, six of which must be served from the start of the 2023 season.

The other four matches have been suspended.

The tribunal also issued suspensions to two spectators who were involved in the fight.

One spectator has been banned from attending any AFL Victoria games for 12 months, while another copped a six-week ban.

Neither the MCDFNL nor AFL Victoria would confirm the identities of the spectators nor would they reveal what they had been charged with.

The Herald Sun understands Hunter was provoked to join the melee after seeing his brother and mother-in-law being targeted in the off-field violence.

It is also understood Hunter had been the target of sledging with spectators allegedly making disparaging remarks about his daughter Isla who is suffering from Batten’s Disease – a condition which can lead to an early death.

Hunter said he accepts the punishment from the tribunal and wanted to move on from the ordeal.

General Manager of the Ballarat Football Netball League, Shane Anwyl, who oversaw the tribunal hearing said the punishments sent a strong message to players and spectators.

“It was a very serious incident and one that the league doesn’t condone in any way,” he said.

“What’s important is the message to players about the expectations required of them on and off the field.”

“The behaviour in the crowd doesn’t meet any community expectations.”