Low blow assault

Local coach steps in to defuse dogfight

A GEELONG football coach has suffered a serious testicular injury after stepping in to break up a fight between two dog walkers at a Geelong West oval.

Police said a man was walking his dog at Bakers Oval, on Shannon Ave, when an argument with another man erupted as one of the dogs became “nippy” about 9.30am on Sunday.

First Constable Travis Wright said Geelong West Giants players and staff, taking part in a development training day nearby, stepped in when one of the men returned to the oval allegedly armed with a metal pole.

Constable Wright said two football coaches tried to defuse the situation when they were injured, one being struck to the body and one to the groin.

“One of the coaches was taken to hospital with minor injuries while the second was much more seriously injured,” he said.

“When police arrived three to four members of the public were holding the gentleman down. He then resisted police arrest.”

The man has since been charged with assault-related offences and was remanded in police custody on Sunday.

The Geelong West Giants are a newly-formed local sporting club bringing together the Geelong West-St Peter’s Roosters and Geelong West Cheetahs. They compete in both the GFL and GDFL.

GFL club president Paul Eastman said those injured were recovering at home.

“The Geelong West Giants would like their members and supporters to know the coaches injured in Sunday’s assault incident at Bakers Oval are recovering,” Mr Eastman said.

“It speaks to the quality of these men and the parents that also assisted that the safety of others was their first concern.

“The Giants would also like to express our appreciation to the members of the police and ambulance services who attended the scene.”