It was the first correspondence between the league and club concerning the August 6 report of Semmel, for striking against Murchison-Toolamba in the second-last home-and-away round of the season, since August 12.
He was initially offered a two-week penalty, but that was challenged by the club — hence the tribunal hearing.
Semmel pleaded not guilty to the charge of intentionally striking the Murchison player and after vision of the incident was viewed by the tribunal he was still found guilty, but given a reprimand — and not suspended.
On August 12 the club received an email from the league — having made contact concerning a potential appeal of the decision on August 11 — explaining that Semmel was still eligible for the best and fairest award.
The final correspondence (on September 21) was in the form of an “updated advice’’ letter.
It was received by Stanhope Football Netball Club president Jason Leocata just six days before the virtual league vote count and included an apology to the club for providing incorrect advice six weeks earlier regarding Semmel’s eligibility for the award.
The letter said: “We note that previous advice provided to you did not consider the Constitution in its assessment of eligibility. We note the advice was provided based on reviews on the By-Laws, AFL Victoria handbook and the Laws of the Game. The Constitution is a document that reflects the overarching obligations and the awarding of Best and Fairest should not be included in the Constitution and should be reflected in our By-Laws.”
Clause three of the Executive Committee Operation component of the competition states: Players found guilty of on field/court offences during the season are ineligible to receive a best and fairest award for that season.
The KDL Constitution clause ruled Semmel ineligible for the best and fairest award.
The league admitted the initial advice had “potentially impacted Stanhope’s decision as to whether an appeal would have been lodged against the tribunal’s decision on the 10th of August 2022”.
In further correspondence to the club Kyabram District Football Netball League operations manager Julian Perta again apologised to the club.
He said the information provided to the club after the tribunal hearing “wasn’t completely accurate”.
Neither league president Fraser Kerrins or Mr Perta was available for comment when contacted by the Free Press.
