Mt Barker colts player cops six-week ban after punching opponent in the head on verge of final siren

A Mt Barker colts player has been suspended for six weeks after deliberately punching an Albany opponent in the head on the verge of the final siren of their match at Retravision Stadium on Saturday night. The round-four Great Southern Football League colts game was played under lights and the Bulls finished 23-point winners, with the teenager red-carded seconds from the end for the malicious strike. On the near wing, the Bulls player struck a Sharks opponent with a clenched fist on the side of his head, according to the umpire report. The player was sent off while the victim, who was knocked to he ground, was attended to. The act was deemed intentional by the umpire and it was his second offence of the season. The player and the Bulls accepted a six-week suspension. The Bulls player also received a red card in the opening round of the season after failing to leave the playing surface when directed to by an umpire. The player had a $100 penalty for his report in the first round. He will be free to play again in round 11. Albany Sharks Football Club said their player came off the ground but showed no signs of concussion or further injury. Mt Barker Football Club president Matt Gilbert said the matter had been dealt with. “We obviously don’t condone that type of behaviour,” Gilbert said. “We don’t think it is a good look for the GSFL and we don’t want that kind of act in our game. “The heavy sanction is justified and we don’t want to see that happening in any grade of football.” GSFL president Terry Eaton said the league took the matter seriously and would not stand for on-field violence, regardless of the age. “This is one of the biggest penalties I’ve heard for a while,” Eaton said. “I think it is noble that the umpire took it on and reported it and dealt with the matter correctly. “Secondly, the young person has put his hand up and said ‘I stuffed up’, and hopefully Mt Barker can work with him to ensure it doesn’t happen again.” This weekend will be the 24th edition of the Belt-Up Round — a partnership between the WA Country Football League and the Insurance Commission. Country competitions will take part in the special round. Railways and the Sharks will headline round five in the GSFL as the two square off for the first time since last year’s preliminary final. The Sharks are fresh from a tense win over the Bulls, and will face the reigning premiers at Tigerland on Saturday. In the other Saturday fixture, the Bulls will host North Albany at Sounness Park. Royals will be at home against Denmark-Walpole in the sole Sunday fixture.