A ball may not have been bounced yet in the Goulburn Valley League season, but already there has been two suspensions arise this week involving a player and coach.
Euroa senior footballer Nate Trotter will sit out the opening month of action following a report from a pre-season match earlier this month.
Trotter received a four-match suspension at Tuesday night’s tribunal hearing after he was reported in the Magpies’ practice match against Mrytleford on March 18.
Trotter was reported with intentionally striking an opposition player in the pre-season hit-out and pleaded guilty to the charge at the tribunal.
The incident happened in the final moments of the contest at Mrytleford Recreation Reserve.
Trotter, who featured 21 times at senior level last year, will miss the Magpies’ round one clash against Mansfield.
Meanwhile, a report stemming from more than 10 years ago was heard in front of the tribunal on Tuesday.
Kyabram reserves co-coach Scott Hearn faced the tribunal for the first time since he was charged while he completed runner duties for Lancaster in 2012.
On September 9, 2012, Hearn was reported for using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards an umpire during a Lancaster football final.
He was reported by four separate umpires on the day.
Since he failed to attend his original tribunal hearing, Hearn was suspended until he appeared in front of a tribunal.
On Tuesday evening he pleaded guilty to the charge and was given a four-match suspension.
Hearn is unable to partake in any match-day duties and will miss the Bombers’ round one clash against Rochester at Moon Oval.