VFL 2019: Northern Blues issued warning after melee against North Heidelberg in scratch match

Northern Blues VFL club has been slapped with a warning after a melee in a fiery scratch match against rivals North Heidelberg, which resulted in the match being cut short.

Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser called the game off after two quarters. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

VFL club Northern Blues has been issued with a warning after a melee in last Friday night’s fiery scratch match against Northern Football League club North Heidelberg at Ikon Park.

Three 20-minute quarters were planned but Blues coach Josh Fraser and Bulldogs coach and former North Melbourne champion Brent Harvey called the game off after two.

There were no reports and both leagues confirmed no further action would be taken.

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One Blues player went off the ground for stitches during the match.

Fraser told the Leader soon after the game that it was a heated affair.

“‘Boomer’ (Harvey) and I were both looking forward to the hit-out, but things escalated to the point that we were both uncomfortable about continuing,’’ he said.

“We were both happy to call the game. I’d seen enough … it was sort of bubbling away.

“I was proud of the way our boys played. I thought their attack on the footy was terrific and the way the system held up was really good too.’’

North Heidelberg coach Brent Harvey. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

Fraser said the Blues “maybe need to address who our (future) are opponents are … we think it’s a great opportunity for a local club to have a run against a VFL club … but going forward it’s something we’ll have to reconsider.”.

A VFL spokesperson said: “After a review of the practice match footage, the Northern Blues were issued with a warning as a result of the melee in the game. No further action will be taken.”

The Northern league also confirmed no action would be taken against North Heidelberg.

No Carlton-listed players were selected in the Northern Blues team, which featured mostly first and second-year players.

North Heidelberg said it considered the matter closed.

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