Ex-Brisbane Lion and North Melbourne player Ryan Bastinac has been on the receiving end of an ugly strike while playing for Pearcedale in the Mornington Peninsula Netball Football League (MPNFL).
The incident happened off the ball after a stoppage and was an alleged strike that split Bastinac’s forehead.
The cut, shown in a photo posted by Bastinac on his social media, required six stitches.
“Coward hits in local footy are not on in this day and age,” Bastinac said in a statement on social media.
“The footy field isn’t free reign to go out and assault people. Put some gloves on and try yourself the right way if that’s what you want to do.”
“People shouldn’t play the game they love and enjoy and have to worry they are going to get assaulted.
“Footy is a tough hard and fair game but we need to do more to protect all the players who are playing the game the right way.”
There was overwhelming support for Bastinac in response to his statement.
“And this kind of crap will keep ex-AFL players from playing local footy,” one person wrote.
A free kick was paid, but a report was not given.
Bastinac – who is operating on a fly-in, fly-out method – is playing under father Peter, who coaches Pearcedale.
