Ovens and Murray: Joe Richards gets reprimand for striking

One of country Victoria’s leading footballers remains in the best-and-fairest hunt despite an ugly on-field tussle. Watch the video.

Wangaratta star Joe Richards remains eligible for one of country football’s most prestigious individual awards despite pleading guilty to striking in last round’s loss to Yarrawonga.

Richards finished runner-up to Wangaratta teammate Callum Moore in last year’s Ovens and Murray league Morris Medal and last month played a starring role in the interleague win against Goulburn Valley.

But in the past two rounds, Richards has been heavily tagged and found himself in front of the tribunal on Wednesday night to answer a striking charge from a video review requested by the umpires in last Saturday’s match.

He pleaded guilty to striking his direct opponent Jack Forge and was handed a severe reprimand.

Under O&M bylaws, Richards would have been out of contention for the league’s best and fairest if he missed one or more matches as a result of the incident, which took place in the first quarter.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid. Picture: David Johnston

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid said his star player was coming in for some added attention given his brilliant start to the season.

“The last couple of weeks we’ve been off as a team which makes it harder for Joe,” Reid said.

“He will also get better from it and find ways to deal with the extra attention.

“We want the ball in his hands all the time.

“In the first seven or eight games of the year I don’t think there was anyone going better than him.”

Joe Richards in action for Ovens and Murray against Goulburn Valley last month. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Wangaratta went into the clash against Yarrawonga on a nine-match winning streak and the two teams next meet in the final round of the season, which could decide top spot on the ladder going into finals.

“They were super,” Reid said.

“They certainly out hunted us around the ball.

“We’ve obviously got to play them again at the end of the year and we look forward to that next match up.”