Adelaide Oval pitch invader Julian Saginario fined, spared conviction for running on to field during Adelaide Crows match

A warehouse worker who invaded Adelaide Oval just as the Crows were surging against Geelong has made a bold claim outside court after being fined.

The man who invaded the Adelaide Oval pitch during a tense battle between the Crows and Geelong has been fined but spared a conviction – and left court declaring “I’m a legend”.

On Wednesday, the Adelaide Magistrate Court agreed not to record a conviction for Julian Saginario, who argued his actions were the result of drinking and “being egged on by mates”.

Outside court, Saginario – who told the court his actions were out of character – was asked if his behaviour made him an idiot.

“I’m a legend,” he replied.

Julian Saginario leaves Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Picture:Brett Hartwig

Adelaide’s Matt Crouch and pitch invader Julian Saginario. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

Saginario, 22, of Blakeview, pleaded guilty to one count of entering or being on an oval or field on the day of a scheduled event after being arrested in March.

At the time, police alleged he was the man who ran on to Adelaide Oval during the third quarter of an AFL match between Adelaide and Geelong.

They alleged that at 9.10pm, when the Crows were surging, the man leapt the security railing and invaded the pitch, quickly pursued by security.

Security escorts Saginario from Adelaide Oval. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

After an encounter with Adelaide player Matt Crouch, Saginario was tackled down by teammate Ben Keays.

Meanwhile, Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron sarcastically made the “holding the ball” signal to a nearby umpire.

Under SA law, the offence carries a maximum $5000 fine.

Invading the pitch carries a maximum $5000 fine and a three-year venue ban. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

In court on Wednesday, Saginario appeared unrepresented and was visibly uncomfortable while standing in the court dock.

He shifted from foot to foot, wrung his hands and looked down repeatedly as Magistrate Justin Wickens offered him an opportunity to explain his actions.

“I had too many to drink that night and I got egged on by my mates,” Saginario said.

“It was out of character for me because I don’t really do anything like that, I’ve got no bad history.”

Saginario said he worked part time in the loading docks for Westfield, lived at home with his mother and his life goal was “just saving money”.

Asked if he had received any form of censure from Adelaide Oval, he replied, “yeah, got a lifetime ban”.

In sentencing, Mr Wickens said Saginario “was absolutely right” to plead guilty immediately.

“Actions such as yours cause a disturbance to what’s going on on the field and indeed require security staff and police to be diverted from their roles,” he said.

“And that’s all because you had too much to drink and were causing a spectacle.

“In the future it might be best you don’t listen to your mates when they tell you to do things that are criminal acts.”

Mr Wickens said a conviction would be deleterious for Saginario’s future.

“It makes it look like you are a troublemaker, which you were on this evening, but you tell me that’s out of character,” he said.

“In the circumstances, particularly with you having a life ban, I have some confidence you are not likely to commit the same or similar offence again.”

He fined Saginario $1080 and ordered he pay court fees and levies totalling an additional $1000.

Saginario made no further comment outside court.

Originally published as Adelaide Oval pitch invader Julian Saginario fined, spared conviction for running on to field during Adelaide Crows match