Controversy as Lane cleared to play colts final

The Great Southern Football League has granted Denmark-Walpole permission to play Kalin Lane in their elimination colts final on Sunday, a controversial move that has angered direct rivals Albany.

To be eligible for colts finals, players must have played three standalone colts games during the regular season.

If that player plays both colts and a senior game on the same day, it is registered as a senior fixture only.

Lane has played 13 league games for the Magpies this season and with them out of the finals, he must have qualified for colts to be able to play in the first semifinal.

The Magpies asked permission from the GSFL to have his qualification wiped and that was granted when the directors passed the motion last week.

Lane has played only one colts qualifying game, in round 14 against Royals.

He has played in colts fixtures and then on the same day played league. Following the decision Sharks president Geoff Oldfield took aim at the GSFL.

“All of our (colts) players have qualified, they did in the last game,” Oldfield said.

“We asked if Kieran Gowdie can qualify with two colts games and help out our league, who were struggling on the weekend, and we were told he must qualify in one more game.

“It has got to be the same for everyone and I’ve written to the league and the directors saying that.

“We are very unpleased, not happy at all.

“We’ve managed our players and if we can do it, Denmark can do it.

“There is no excuse for playing him.” GSFL president Joe Burton said the decision was voted on by the directors after the Magpies asked for an exemption.

“Sharks in the past have been supported in this way,” Burton said. “Denmark have asked if they can be supported and the directors were unanimous in their decision.

“They have made the decision in the best interests of football.”

Denmark-Walpole Football Club president Kim Barrow said it was important Lane is able to play.

“I can understand Geoff being a bit upset about it. “We have gained an exemption as part of the league and expect him to play.

“It would be a huge benefit to us if Kalin plays. We’ve been the whipping boys in recent years.”