VAFA Statement: Hearing Outcome

Independent Integrity Hearing Panel upholds VAFA position on points allocation

The VAFA advises that the Independent Integrity Hearing Panel (IIHP) have determined the appeals of the points reassessment applications made by Melbourne University Football Club (MUFC) in respect of players Martin Gleeson and Mojwok Akoch under rule 144(ii) of the 2022 VAFA Rules.

A comprehensive hearing took place over two separate hearing dates, and both parties provided detailed written submissions and witness statements to the Panel.

In making its determination, the Panel took into account numerous submissions and Rules, including the AFL Victoria Player Points System Policy October 2021 (AFL Policy).

The Panel found that:

• Player Gleeson, having played AFL football in 2021 and without being a full time student at Melbourne University or a graduated alumnus, is a 6 point player as mandated by the AFL Policy
• Player Akoch, having been a junior from a separate club (South Warnambool) in 2021, would normally be assessed as a 3-point player. However, given his youth, the two recent COVID interrupted seasons and the fact that he has moved from Melbourne for his studies, it is appropriate to assess Akoch as a 2-point player.

This decision of the IIHP follows on from the original assessment determined by the VAFA administration, and also that of the Permit Committee which twice heard and determined appeals on the reassessment of player points for Martin Gleeson and Mojwok Akoch.