AFLNT boss Stuart Totham calls for more thought from member clubs on radical walk offs

Walking off a football ground will stay with a football club for many years to come, the AFLNT has warned

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham has warned clubs of the ramifications of a walk off by its member clubs..

AFLNT boss Stuart Totham wants every club in his organisation to know it is unacceptable for teams to walk off an oval in game time.

The St Mary’s Division 2 side was handed fines, suspensions and points deductions for abandoning a Round 7 game.

“Our focus when working with St Mary’s through the process was them understanding how they would look going forward,’’ Totham said.

“There has been a significant fine handed out ($3000 with $1500 suspended), the coach suspended, a points deduction and an onus put on the club to work on its culture.

“It’s not what we’ve known St Mary’s for and definitely not one of their trademarks as a footy club.

“They’ve always been a very proud club, probably the most successful community club in Australia and very professional in everything they do.’’