Victorian Amateur Football Association: Hawthorn player assaulted at Waverley Oval

The assault allegedly occurred as the Hawthorn Amateur Football Club player walked back to the changerooms after the clash against Elsternwick.

Hawthorn Amateur Football Club take on Elsternick in the semi finals. Picture: Half Back Digital Media

Police are investigating an alleged assault that happened during a Victorian Amateur Football Association game at Waverley Oval in Malvern East on Saturday afternoon.

It is believed a man in his 30s was coward punched by a 27-year-old man about 2.30pm.

It’s alleged the assault occurred after the clash between Elsternwick and Hawthorn amateur football clubs when a spectator hit a player.

A witness told the Herald Sun that a Hawthorn Amateur Football Club player was hit while walking to the changerooms.

Police attended and arrested the 27-year-old Keysborough man, before interviewing him for assault related matters.

He was released pending further inquiries.

The Hawks had won the semi final game before the incident.

Hawthorn President Sam Waldron said the player in the Senior Division was checked out by paramedics at the scene but was not required to be taken to hospital.

“From our perspective our player is okay, most importantly,” he said.

“All our players are fully supported by our club.

“We won a game of footy and we’ve been promoted to Div 2 and we’ve got a grand final in two weeks.”

A spokesman from the Elsternwick Amateur Football Club said that none of their club members were involved in the incident.

“In respect of the incident alleged to have occurred following a VAFA semi-final at the Waverley Park Oval the Elsternwick Football Club can advise that no club members or players were involved in the matter,” he said.

“As the matter is currently the subject of an active police investigation, Elsternwick Amateur Football Club will not be commenting further on the matter.”

The Victorian Amateur Football Association confirmed there was an off-field incident involving a spectator and a player.

“The player was assessed by paramedics on the scene and was cleared to be taken home,” it said.

“As this is now a police investigation, the VAFA will make no further comment at this stage.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokesman confirmed they attended the scene.