Cobram Roar FC is excited to be sending four teams into the semi-finals this weekend, despite premiership hopes of two of its top outfits coming to an unexpected end.

Cobram’s division one and two men’s teams have been barred from taking part in further cup games this season, after the club was found to have breached regulations on player eligibility during its clashes with Albury United on the weekend.

Roar president Chris Gash said the club took proactive steps as soon as it believed a potential clerical error had been made.

“At that point, we didn’t believe we had made an error, but we made contact to get confirmation of that,” Gash said.

Gash added that all players had been fully registered.

Under AWFA regulations for its division one and two men’s fixtures, players must play at least five games in a particular division to be eligible to play in cup games in that division.

The Courier understands some players in Cobram’s division one and two men’s teams were found to be ineligible under this regulation.

AWFA executive member Stephen Hayes said it was a straightforward decision for the association to make, and Cobram unfortunately was not the first club to have fallen foul of the regulation.

“If you break the rules, you pay the consequence, and unfortunately, they’re not the first,” he said.

“People still make mistakes.”

He dismissed claims the club was being singled out.

In a statement on social media from Monday evening, the club said it acknowledged the recent disqualifications from the division one and two men’s competitions.

“At no stage did any member of Cobram Roar intentionally seek to breach AWFA rules or regulations,” the statement read.

“Unfortunately, a misinterpretation of a critical rule has led to an outcome that prematurely ends our season and our finals aspirations.

“While this is a difficult and disappointing time for everyone involved, Cobram Roar is committed to learning from this administrative oversight and returning stronger in the 2026 season.

“We extend our gratitude to all our loyal supporters. We hope to see you this weekend, cheering on the remaining Roar teams as they continue their campaign toward the grand final.”

It comes as four Cobram teams gear up to continue their thrilling finals campaigns.

This weekend, Cobram’s under-15 girls are set to go up against Wodonga Diamonds, while the under-13 girls face Twin City Maroon.

Cobram’s under-12 Yellow team faces Wangaratta City Black.

Finally, the under-12 boys Black (Pool A) have also booked a semi-finals berth, where they will face Albury Hotspurs Gold.

Winners this weekend will progress to the grand finals.

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Tuesday, 21st March 2023

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