‘We are all devastated’: Old Xavs apologise after administrative failure costs grand final berth

The president of a powerhouse Victorian amateur football club forced to forfeit a grand final spot has taken full responsibility for selecting an ineligible player.

Old Xaverians’ under-19 premier men’s team won its preliminary final over St Kevin’s on Saturday, but won’t contest the grand final against Old Brighton after a league investigation.

The Victorian Amateur Football Association announced late on Sunday night that the Old Xavs would receive a $100 fine and forfeit their five-point victory over St Kevin’s for breaking finals eligibility rules.

St Kevin’s, not Old Xaverians, will compete in this weekend’s grand final. This masthead is not suggesting that Old Xavs intended to break VAFA rules.

VAFA rules state that under-19s footballers cannot have played more than 12 games in the season in question in the Talent League – the AFL’s premier junior feeder competition – to retain finals eligibility.

The player in question, who was on Oakleigh Chargers’ list and in Greater Western Sydney’s academy this season, exceeded that tally, but met other eligibility criteria, which required him to play at least five games for Old Xavs, including a minimum of two after June 30.

This masthead contacted Old Xaverians president Michael Logan, general manager James Woods and under-19 coach Matthew Handley.

In a statement on the club’s website, Logan said no one at Old Xavs intended to “deceive or act dishonestly”.

“We accept full responsibility for this error, as VAFA rules state that clubs are accountable for ensuring players’ final eligibility,” Logan wrote.

“When the matter was brought to our attention, the club undertook a thorough review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the situation, including grounds for review.

“At the conclusion of that review, we made submissions to the VAFA. Upon their further investigations, the VAFA’s position was that the ineligibility decision stood. We accept that position.”

Logan said Old Xaverians had protocols in place to manage player eligibility, but that they had “failed” in this instance, so the club would review and strengthen the process to try to avoid this happening again.

“The situation was in no way the fault of the player ruled ineligible,” he said.

“The club accepts responsibility for his being in this situation and I know he has received – and appreciates – the full support of his teammates. The way both he and his family have conducted themselves during this matter is a credit to them.