Former Glenelg Forward Justin McConnell King Hit

[Vic Spy]

Love or hate him no one deserves this to happen to them on a footy field these days.
I spoke to Justins dad Dave yesterday who has been told by many who witnessed the incident that it was a blatant king hit 30 metres off the ball . He has 4 plates and 16 screws in his face.

This report from The Border Watch newspaper Mt.Gambier.

Tigers request investigation into coach hit
ROD MORRIS
23 Jul, 2012 11:30 PM

North Gambier has requested an investigation into circumstances surrounding a severe facial injury to dynamic coach, Justin McConnell at Melville Oval against Hamilton Imperials on Saturday.
Western Border Football League chief executive officer, David Heard confirmed yesterday that he had received a request from the North Gambier Football Club to instigate proceedings into an incident.

McConnell was felled 15 minutes into the first quarter and was quickly ferried to Hamilton Base Hospital for treatment and observation.

On Sunday he was transferred to Ballarat Hospital where he underwent a six hour operation that resulted in him having plates inserted into either side of his jaw.

"His jaw has been wired and he has had some teeth removed," North Gambier president Mr Peter Allen said.

"I have asked the Western Border to investigate the matter.

"Our club would be derelict in our duty if we did not demand it and I'm sure the Imperials Football Club will understand us wanting to take it further.

"I don't want to make any comment on the alleged incident as I would prefer the investigation officer to do his job and interview all the right people in accordance with the Western Border's by-laws," Mr Allen said.

McConnell has been one of the most influential player/coaches in the Western Border since he transferred from SANFL club, Glenelg at the start of the 2010 season.

In his first year, McConnell took North to the elimination final, whilst winning the WBFL's best and fairest medal.

Playing in a slightly different role last year, McConnell kicked 101 goals and guided the Tigers into the grand final, only to be beaten by West by 49 points.

Heading to Saturday's game, North Gambier were on top of the ladder and McConnell had kicked 54 goals to again lead the competition.

Saturday's match was McConnell's 50th as a North Gambier player and 53rd as coach.

The extent of the injury will almost certainly rule him out for the remainder of the season.

"It is a very unfortunate set of circumstances, but our coaching staff that includes Richard O'Grady (assistant coach) and Adam Kurzman (captain) will assume extra responsibilities," Mr Allen said.

[Mark_Beswick]

Its a sad fact that former league players are often targets usually by no talented payers with an ego that want to brag how they took down a player of note.

Get well Justin and may justice prevail

[scoob]

Disgraceful - hope the bloke who hit him gets what he deserves

[the joker]

Why do some people think if they king hit an ex AFL/sanfl/vfl star it will be a big tick on their career. Thuggery

[Jimmy_041]

Name and shame them I say

[topsywaldron]

That's not pretty to watch.

Should the cops be involved?

[GWW]

Just to clarify, that video above, is from the Hills Football League, and is not the McConnell incident.

[grasshopper22]

This $hit has got to stop, start with much harsher penaltys for starters

[topsywaldron]

Just to clarify, that video above, is from the Hills Football League, and is not the McConnell incident.

Good to see defamation lawyers staying up late.

Cheers.

[MatteeG]

This $hit has got to stop, start with much harsher penaltys for starters

This might seem a bit radical- but why dont we penalise the club? Instead of giving the bloke 12 weeks, give the team -12 points?

[Mr Beefy]

Name and shame them I say

Jimmy, how come after I watched that, one of the suggested watches was a pole dancer? Are they are a selection of your favourites?

[on the rails]

We wonder why parents want their kids to play other sports when $hit like this happens.

The last game of football I played which was in a country league and my first for the year in the A grade lasted the first minute and half of the game - I was king hit from behind and spent 2 days in hospital with severe concussion. The main reason for the hit I was told later was becuase of my occupation. I extracted my revenge several months later!

[Jimmy_041]

Are you that pole dancer?

[Dogwatcher]

We wonder why parents want their kids to play other sports when $hit like this happens.

The last game of football I played which was in a country league and my first for the year in the A grade lasted the first minute and half of the game - I was king hit from behind and spent 2 days in hospital with severe concussion. The main reason for the hit I was told later was becuase of my occupation. I extracted my revenge several months later!

Heard of a very similar thing happening elsewhere.
The person I knew of was in the Star force.
Revenge, on this occasion, wasn't even served cold. It came very quickly.

[Footy Smart]

We wonder why parents want their kids to play other sports when $hit like this happens.

The last game of football I played which was in a country league and my first for the year in the A grade lasted the first minute and half of the game - I was king hit from behind and spent 2 days in hospital with severe concussion. The main reason for the hit I was told later was becuase of my occupation. I extracted my revenge several months later!

Heard of a very similar thing happening elsewhere.
The person I knew of was in the Star force.
Revenge, on this occasion, wasn't even served cold. It came very quickly.

Kuarna Eagles were the worst for this.....

[Apachebulldog]

Its called assault and i suggest that charges will be laid.

[HH3]

Heard on the grapevine that the guy in that youtube clips getting 8-10 weeks, got put up on assault charges and may also be getting sued...as well as threats to nor return to that league because he has a target on his back...serves the **** right

[scoob]

Heard on the grapevine that the guy in that youtube clips getting 8-10 weeks, got put up on assault charges and may also be getting sued...as well as threats to nor return to that league because he has a target on his back...serves the **** right

******* hope so! 100% agreed with you there HH3 - what a weak ****!

[Jimmy_041]

He may have problems getting into some other leagues next year as well................

[Footy Smart]

He may have problems getting into some other leagues next year as well................

any club that accepts him should be publically ridiculed also