Northern Football League Reservoir player cops life ban over jawbreaking strike

A TRACKING bracelet-wearing footballer who broke the jaw of an opponent with an on-field strike has been slapped with a life ban after a hefty suspension from his local Melbourne footy league.

The front page of the footy record shows the player wearing a tracking bracelet.

A TRACKING bracelet-wearing footballer who broke an opponent’s jaw with an on-field strike has been banned for life.

Reservoir player Ashley Cluney was found guilty of striking a South Morang opponent on Saturday at a tribunal hearing last night and handed a 16-week penalty, which will trigger a life ban.

Footage emerged yesterday of the strike, while Cluney featured on the cover of this week’s Northern Football League record in an image which showed him wearing a tracking ankle bracelet.

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The South Morang player spent the past three days in hospital.

The victim will miss the rest of the season as a result of the blow.

Under the National Deregistration Policy, a player or official who accrues a total suspension of 16 weeks is automatically deregistered.

Cluney will have the option to challenge the suspension and his deregistration.

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The incident was referred to the tribunal by the NFL’s match review panel after vision showed Cluney’s raised arm making contact with a South Morang player, who immediately fell to the ground.

The NFL has confirmed tonight’s verdict.

Cluney joined Reservoir this year from fellow Northern league club Thomastown.

South Morang president Chris Donnelly said his injured player was recovering from surgery.

“Indications are he has got to keep his jaw still,” Donnelly said.

“If he’s to open it too wide in the initial stages, it might break again.”

The victim was appointed co-captain of the Lions this year, and was in his fourth season with the club.

“He’s pretty much an idol of the club,” Donnelly said.

“Everyone has looked up to him and he has shown tremendous loyalty as well.”