THE Goulburn Valley League has reluctantly imposed sanctions on Shepparton Swans, who were found guilty of taking the field with an ineligible player earlier this season. Article first appeared: 14 July 2007 Herald Sun
The GVL initially refused to impose the loss of four premiership points and percentage for playing utility Tim Looby while he was still registered with VFL club Port Melbourne, until Shepparton Swans exhausted all avenues to overturn the penalties.
Shepparton Swans, who were also fined $1000, decided against taking the matter to court.
Any court proceedings had the support of the league, with GV general manager Eric Bott saying recently many parties had "muck under their fingernails" in the saga, which began in the first half of the season.
But the four points and percentage from the club's Round 3 win against Euroa will be deducted after this weekend's round of matches.
"The GVFL board has been in regular contact with the Shepparton Swans and the VCFL on this matter over the past 10 weeks, and feels that all parties have been provided with ample opportunity to express their position on the matter on each occasion," GV chairman Ian Fitzsimmons said.
"Members of the public will expect to see the impact of these sanctions - the loss of four points and the impact on percentage - following this weekend's round of matches.
"This has clearly been a drawn-out process that came to light for the GVFL and subsequently the Shepparton Swans on April 30 following Round 3 of the current season."
"The GVFL board reiterates the position supporting the Shepparton Swans in this matter, but is mindful of the obligation to the current VCFL direction and the need to move forward."
The Swans unsuccessfully appealed against the loss of premiership points, percentage and a $1000 fine to the VCFL for playing Looby in Rounds 2 and 3 while he was a registered Port Melbourne player.
The saga surrounded Looby signing a contract in November with VFL club Port Melbourne, then walking out of the club to join SANFL club Port Magpies.
On the eve of the GV season, he joined the Swans and was cleared from the Magpies, but the VFL deemed he was contracted to Port Melbourne.
The Swans are one game clear on top of the ladder.