A replay of the North v Woodville-West Torrens prelim final would have been the fairest resolution to the 19th man controversy, but the rules don’t allow.
On Monday night retired Supreme Court judge Michael David QC ruled North Adelaide would play in the SANFL grand final but fined the club $10,000 and four premiership points for next season.
“To me a rematch would seem to be the most superficially appropriate penalty,” Mr David said, “but I have no power to do so and would have of course caused potential prejudice to the Norwood Football Club who are waiting to play the grand final.”
“I’m of the view that as this was not deliberate, a reversal of the result is too savage a penalty and the matter should be dealt with by matter of fine and loss of premiership points for next year.
“Sadly, this is of little consolation to the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club.”
“To me a rematch would seem to be the most superficially appropriate penalty, but I have no power to do so".
— The Advertiser Sport (@TheTiserSport) September 17, 2018
Retired Supreme Court judge Hon. Michael David QC on his #19thman #SANFL tribunal decision that allows @NorthAdelaideFC to play in grand finalhttps://t.co/uUzVbqwSFK
