AN EAST Coast Swans reserves football player has been found guilty of assaulting an opponent behind play during a game in 2014.
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Gregory John Medcraft clubbed Steven McKillop from behind with his right arm during a game between the East Coast Swans reserves and the Bridport reserves at Bridport on May 17.
The strike occurred 10 minutes into the first quarter after the pair had contested for the ball.
Seconds before the attack, Bridport had possession of the ball and Mr McKillop, the full forward, was trying to fend off Medcraft, the full-back, as he leapt towards the ball.
In the Launceston Supreme Court last week, Mr McKillop claimed Medcraft grabbed his guernsey and in response, Mr McKillop struck the accused's hand to try and break free from him.
Mr McKillop claimed moments later Medcraft struck him with his forearm - a blow that fractured two of his cheekbones, his eye socket, a nasal bone, and misaligned his jaw.
Mr McKillop said he has not played a game of football since.
Medcraft was charged with Criminal Code assault days after the incident.
On Monday, a jury unanimously found Medcraft guilty of the crime, after deliberately for more than two hours.
Medcraft’s lawyer Mark Doyle had argued the incident did not constitute an assault, because physical altercations of that nature were part of the risks associated with football, and an element of provocation was involved.
During the trial, a doctor outlined the extent of the injuries suffered by Mr McKillop.
Dr Peter Renshaw, head of the Launceston General Hospital’s clinical services, said a victim’s nose “buckles in” after a blow like the one delivered by Medcraft.
The extent of the damage was so severe that Mr McKillop required surgery.
“(It was) quite a fair crack,” Dr Renshaw said.
Medcraft, dressed in a suit, maintained eye contact with Mr McKillop while he gave his evidence in the court last week.
Mr McKillop said the strike knocked him to his hands and knees for two to three minutes, but he returned to his feet and confronted his attacker.
“I got up and called him weak,” he said.
After that he was taken to hospital in an ambulance.
Medcraft will be sentenced on Wednesday.
