St Albans player Bailey Coutts free to play after bump on Darby Henderson as Lara requests investigation

The AFL Barwon match review panel has ruled on a bump that concussed an ex-VFL player and put his playing future in doubt. And one club is going to take it further.

St Albans coach Ricky Munn and Lara coach Brett Henderson speak about the bump during the game Picture: Mark Wilson

St Albans player Bailey Coutts has escaped sanction for his bump on Lara gun Darby Henderson after being cleared by the AFL Barwon match review panel as the Cats prepare to request an investigation into the incident.

Coutts collected Henderson early in first quarter after he dished off a handball, with the Cats ball-magnet ruled out of the game with concussion after jogging off the ground.

Henderson has had a history of concussion issues which led to him being let go by Williamstown VFL earlier in February, and this latest head knock has put his playing career in doubt.

There was no free kick given following the incident but the umpires made a video request to AFL Barwon for the hit to go to the match review panel.

Bailey Coutts' bump on Darby Henderson after he disposed of the ball.

Darby Henderson after the bump from Bailey Coutts.

Lara and St Albans were informed of the match review’s verdict on Monday that the panel believed both players contributed to the contact that led to Henderson’s concussion.

Lara coach Brett Henderson said he and his son Darby were disappointed with the outcome.

“We are really disappointed with (the verdict),” Brett said.

“I have had conversation with Darby and he is quite shattered about it.”

In a statement, Lara FNC president Chris Spence said that the club was in the process of requesting an investigation into the incident.

“Lara acknowledges the MRP has deemed there is no case to answer. However, we disagree with the finding and will be going through due process by requesting an investigation into what we believe to be the serious nature of this incident,” Lara president Chris Spence said in a statement.

“We will be limiting any further comments in the public space to allow the investigation process to be handled in the appropriate way. AFL Barwon is aware of our intention to request an investigation and we are currently completing the paperwork.”

St Albans football manager Sam Wolfenden said the verdict confirms that Coutts and the club did not target Darby, as was asserted by Brett Henderson on Monday.

Wolfenden also wished Darby all the best in his recovery.

Darby Henderson has starred for Lara this year. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“We acknowledge that we don’t want to see any player get injured especially players of Darby’s calibre that make the GFL a better competition for players like him playing in it.

“We have firmly believed from the outset that we did not target Darby and that Bailey’s actions were well within the boundaries of acceptable football actions.

“The MRP has confirmed this view by finding no reportable actions and laying no charges against Bailey for the incident.

“We are excited for the next month of games and to have a big back end of the year. We wish Darby all the best.

Originally published as St Albans player Bailey Coutts free to play after bump on Darby Henderson as Lara requests investigation