CENTRALS ON TOP AFTER APPEAL

NETBALL powerhouse Werribee Centrals will return to the top of the GDFL ladder after winning its appeal in the player registration saga.

The Centurions will get back the 10 A-grade wins they were docked last month, after a GDFL investigation found they did not breach a bylaw relating to dual registrations.

Yesterday’s confirmation comes a week after the Geelong Advertiser revealed the club was likely to win its appeal.

The GDFL flag race was flipped on its head five weeks ago when Werribee was docked 40 premiership points for allegedly fielding a player also registered with the Western Region Football League.

The penalty sent the club from top to bottom of the ladder in one fell swoop, but the club, which has won 15 of 16 matches this season, will get its points back and return to the top of the table as it chases its sixth flag in seven years.

GDFL president Neville Whitley said the appeals officer found there was no breach of the bylaw that prevented a player being registered at, and playing for, another club in a separate league.

“In the findings of the report lodged by appeals officer, Werribee Centrals’ Agrade (team) will get their points, best-and-fairest votes and goals reinstated,” Whitley said.

It was also determined that at “no time did Werribee Centrals gain any benefit” from anyone playing in the Western Region Football League.

Werribee’s C and D grade teams will also have their records adjusted after an investigation into similar suspected breaches in those grades.

“At no time did Werribee Centrals gain any benefit from their players playing in WRFL netball division as they have been long-term players for Werribee Centrals,” Whitley said.

“The league over next few months will revisit the bylaws and rules so clearer policies and procedures can be followed.

“The GDFL will also request clubs reinforce to their members the code of conduct expected on social media platforms.”