Local footballer banned for life for off-the-ball hit, which is under police investigation

A northern league reserve grade player has been banned for life and could face criminal charges after allegedly elbowing another player in the head and knocking him out cold on Saturday.

Thomastown player Ashley Hood has been banned for life. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Police are investigating an alleged assault in a local footy match on Saturday.

Thomastown reserve grade player Ashley Hood was reported after a sickening off the ball hit that left his Northcote Park opponent convulsing on the ground unconscious.

The incident occurred early in the fourth quarter and resulted in the game being called off with Bailey Wall-Bardelmeyer taken to hospital by ambulance.

Thomastown was leading the match 21.11 (137) to 2.2 (14) at Main Street Reserve at the time.

The Northern Football Netball League tribunal came down hard on Hood, handing out a 16-week suspension on Tuesday night.

The sanction automatically meets the threshold for a life ban under AFL Victoria guidelines.

Victoria Police confirmed they were investigating the matter after a complaint was made following the match.

It is alleged Hood elbowed Wall-Bardelmeyer in the head, knocking him out.

Players rushed to his aid after he had a seizure on the field.

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A Northcote Park trainer performed first aid, stabilising the player before an ambulance arrived.

A report was made by the nearby goal umpire.

It is understood Wall-Bardelmeyer spent Saturday night in hospital under observation, will need to take time off work and has been told he is unable to drive for two weeks as he recovers.

Thomastown declined to comment when contacted by this masthead.