Goulburn Valley: Echuca appeal against points loss dismissed

A Goulburn Valley premiership contender wants a face-to-face meeting to explain why players took field without clearances.

Echuca Football-Netball Club is pleading for a face-to-face meeting to explain the “exceptional circumstances” which led to it losing premiership points for playing unregistered players.

The Murray Bombers were advised their appeal against losing the points from the first round win against Rochester had been dismissed by the Goulburn Murray Commission last week.

But the club could only make a written submission and was denied the chance to front commission members in person to explain how the mistake was made.

Echuca self-reported the issue it claimed was connected to teething problems with the new player registration and administration platform, PlayHQ.

Echuca’s Matt Lias is tackled by Rochester players Grant Fuller and Lachlan Harper in the match it was found he was ineligible to play in. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

“This error could not have occurred under the previous system,” Echuca president Ashley Byrne said.

“Since the commencement of the season further amendments to the PlayHQ have occurred to

remove this possibility.

“Our volunteers who donate countless hours to our community club were required to deal with a new system with a large volume of data to be entered before the season commenced.

“We believe this error would be widespread.

“We will continue to work through the appropriate channels to address the exceptional circumstances which enabled the players in question to be available for selection.”

The Murray Bombers were also fined $500 for each breach relating to senior player Matt Lias and reserves player Toby Hore.

The penalties were handed out by the Goulburn Valley league in consultation with AFL Victoria Country Football manager John O’Donohue.

The Goulburn Murray Commission will wait until Echuca “digested” its decision before commenting publicly, but categorically ruled out PlayHQ being at fault.

Echuca is sitting second on the ladder level on five wins with top placed Rochester following weekend matches.