Katanning footy assault: Alleged victim speaks after Ashton Aubrey Hayden charged with grievous bodily harm

A 25-year-old Perth man has been charged with grievous bodily harm after allegedly breaking a younger opponent’s jaw during a football match in Katanning. The alleged assault occurred about 1pm on Sunday, May 30 in a reserves clash between Katanning Wanderers and Brookton-Pingelly Panthers in the Upper Great Southern Football League. Police say Ashton Aubrey Hayden, a Brookton-Pingelly player, struck an opponent in the face in an off-the-ball incident that left his victim needing surgery for a broken jaw. Katanning went on to complete an upset victory over ladder leaders Brookton-Pingelly, winning the game 12.13 (85) to 7.11 (53). The alleged victim, 22-year-old Katanning landscaper Alvin Eades, told the Herald he had four metal plates and 12 screws inserted into his jaw in hospital in Perth. “After I got hit I just dropped to me knees and I knew straight away because I tried to talk and had to hold my jaw,” Mr Eades said. Mr Eades said he had “flashbacks” about the incident and his jaw sometimes ached when it was cold. He said he was frustrated that he had sustained a season-ending injury in a year when Katanning’s reserves side was making a premiership challenge. “We really had a real chance of making it this year,” he said. “I got told by the doctors that I shouldn’t play footy for a few years. “I want to go back and play next year but I don’t know. “I’ll give pre-season a crack.” Detectives first announced they were investigating the incident in June. At the time, UGSFL president Tim Cowcher said no players were reported in the reserves match. “The UGSFL will await the outcome of the police investigation and go from there,” Mr Cowcher said in June. “There was no report made on the day, there was nothing noted on the match report sheet. “We will help police with anything we can.” On Monday, Det. First Class Const. David Costello said police appreciated the assistance of the UGSFL in their investigation. He said Mr Hayden was charged with grievous bodily harm on August 18. “There is consensual assault in football matches, that happens all the time, but this was far and away above consensual assault,” Det. First Class Const. Costello said. “You can be challenging for the ball and contact happens, but this kind of act is unacceptable.” Mr Hayden, from Hilbert in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs, is due to appear in Perth Magistrate’s Court on September 3. He played all 13 regular season games for Brookton-Pingelly reserves this year as his side earned the minor premiership. On Saturday, he kicked a goal in the Panthers’ semifinal victory over Williams. Brookton-Pingelly will face the winner of Narrogin v Williams in the grand final on September 5.