Edithvale-Aspendale under investigation over player-points cap

THE AFL South is investigating a potential breach of the player-points cap by Edithvale-Aspendale following its Round 1 win over Bonbeach.

EDITHVALE-Aspendale is being investigated over a potential breach of the player-points cap following its season-opening victory over Bonbeach on Good Friday.

The AFL South East confirmed this morning it was assessing if the Eagles exceeded the ceiling of 39 points for MPNFL Division 1 clubs.

It’s believed there are questions marks over the points allocation listed for Edi-Asp recruits Sam Monaghan, Lachlan Batten, Liam Hulett and Aaron Johns.

Former Noble Park captain Monaghan, Sandringham VFL midfielder Batten and ex-Eastern league player Johns were down as three-pointers and former Melbourne forward Hulett was put at five points.

AFL South East general manager John Anderson said penalties for breaches ranged from fines, loss of the match points, or even exclusion from finals and relegation.

But he said any breach from the Eagles was unintentional.

“This is the first time we’ve had to deal with something like this,’’ Anderson said.

“There was some advice received — and I won’t disclose where it came from — about particular players.

“I think it’s fair to say the club may not have done the expected due diligence on the history of some of their new players.

“Further investigation by us has disclosed some information that the club probably should have been aware of. I won’t go into specifics but it involved a number of players whose history wasn’t checked diligently enough.’’

Anderson said the Eagles had prepared a lengthy submission in response to a “please explain’’.

A subcommittee of the AFL South East Commission will meet on Tuesday or Wednesday night to deal with the issue.

“I can’t predict what the outcome will be, but if the club is found guilty it won’t be classified as an intentional breach,’’ Anderson said.