An amateur footballer has been handed a “life ban” and the opponent at the centre of the complaint advised to go to the police after a match in country New South Wales.
Henty Football Club playing assistant coach, Grady Nigsch, was handed an 18-week suspension after being found guilty of eight offences after a Hume Football Netball League match against Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock Saints on July 4.
Mr Nigsch was not cited by umpires on the day, but a post-match complaint from the Saints saw the club leader hit with eight offences, including physical conduct, rough conduct and abusive language.
Under AFL community football rules, any suspension exceeding 16 weeks results in automatic deregistration across all AFL-managed competitions, including match-day official roles.
An AFL NSW-ACT spokesperson said its investigation uncovered allegations the complainant was advised to take to police.
“During the investigation, the AFL became aware of serious misconduct claims, and advised the complainant to refer these allegations to NSW Police,” a spokesperson said
The ABC understands the alleged victim was a young player.
Grady Nigsch was a senior player and assistant coach at Henty. (Supplied: Henty Football Netball Club Facebook)
“All other reportable offences within the AFL’s jurisdiction under the AFL National Community Football Policy Handbook were investigated, resulting in the charges laid and sanctions imposed,” the spokesperson said.
“The matter is now closed.“
NSW Police said it looked into the incident, but it was not a police matter.
Mr Nigsch has played more than 200 games of country football. He joined Henty at the start of the 2025 season and has been in its best players five times this season.
The ABC has contacted Mr Nigsch for comment.
Hours of ‘horrible’ behaviour
Speaking on a podcast, Brock-Burrum Saints president Tim Doherty said the young player had to go through “two hours of horrible behaviour directed to him”.
“I’ve had a lot of Hume League clubs, people in leadership positions or players, well-respected players, have reached out over the last 10 days to say that they’ve had run-ins with this fella or some odd behaviour,” he said.
“The support’s been great, but it’s also left me really saddened that this wasn’t called out earlier because they’ve done a disservice to all our footballers in the league and also the offender.
“If he had have been pulled up earlier, and may have got a four-week suspension rather than having to not play a game of footy ever again.”
Grady Nigsch has been found guilty over several misconduct offences. (Supplied: Henty Football Netball Club Facebook)
Deregistration is referred to as a “life ban” under the AFL’s community sport policies, however, deregistered players can apply to be reinstated after 12 months.
Photos of Mr Nigsch remain on the club’s website and social media accounts.
In a statement, the Henty Football Netball Club said it did not condone Mr Nigsch’s behaviour.
“We recognise the gravity of the incidents that occurred and extend our sincere apologies to everyone impacted by this,” the statement read.
“The actions of one individual does not represent the values, culture or expectations of our club.
“We thank the Brock-Buttum Saints for their professionalism and appreciate them working with us respectfully.”
