North Geelong will ask the GDFNL to investigate an incident where a spectator allegedly struck Magpies captain Zac Schwennesen during the club’s upset win over Werribee Centrals at Galvin Park today (Saturday).
President Darren Vandenberg says Schwennesen was left with a black eye following the incident during the second quarter of North Geelong’s 26-point win.
The person responsible is understood to be the father of a current Centrals player.
“There was what I believe was a stoppage in the far pocket, and I believe from there, a spectator at the fence struck one of our players, who happens to be our captain,” Vandenberg said.
“Zac is a well-respected leader and a fair player that does not deserve what happened to him.”
“We want a league investigation on what can be done to prevent something like this happening again, for the safety of all players.”
Vandenberg is disappointed the incident detracted from North Geelong’s win, which has kept its slim finals hopes alive with one round remaining.
The Magpies climbed to sixth with the victory, two points behind fifth-placed Inverleigh.
“We knew that we had to keep winning to give us a chance of playing finals, and we’ve had that for the last 3-4 weeks,” Vanderberg said.
“For something like this to take the shine off what was a fantastic win for our club… it’s really disappointing.”
Vandenberg paid tribute to how his Werribee Centrals counterpart, Chris Kopelke, handed the incident.
“When I was made aware of what had occurred, I made my way over to where the incident occurred,” he said.
“On my way there, I was told Chris was already over there.
“He also rang me as I was making my way over there to let me know that he was in control of the situation.
“When I got over there, I was told the person had been asked to leave and had left the ground, and they (Centrals) were really disappointed with what had occurred.”
Vandenberg says the alleged person won’t be welcome at North Geelong’s Keith Barclay Oval base while his son plays with Werribee Centrals.
He also confirmed Schwennesen had ruled out pressing charges.
Werribee Centrals has been contacted for comment.
X: @krockfootball
