West Coast Eagle’s rookie to face assault charge in Darwin
Related Story: Gaff in a 'world of pain' after copping eight-week ban for punching Brayshaw
West Coast Eagles rookie-listed player Tony Olango has been charged with aggravated assault and unlawfully causing serious harm after an alleged incident in his home town of Darwin last year, the ABC can reveal.
Key points:
- The 19-year-old allegedly assaulted someone after threatening them with a drink container
- He was drafted by the West Coast Eagles a day after the alleged incident
- He will appear in Darwin Local Court in September via video link
The revelation of the assault charge comes at a tumultuous time for the club after player Andrew Gaff was suspended for eight weeks for striking Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw in the mouth in a match on Sunday.
Police are alleging Olango, 19, threatened someone with a drink container, who reportedly could not defend himself, before the alleged assault occurred on November 25 last year.
Olango was drafted by the Eagles a day after the alleged incident.
The ABC understands they were soon made aware of the impending charges, and David Grace QC is providing legal advice.
The ABC understands Olango has not appeared at any of the three court hearings for his case.
Olango's case was listed for a preliminary examination application hearing in Darwin on Wednesday, but was not required to appear in court.
Darwin lawyer Georgia McMaster appeared on his behalf.
She requested an adjournment and said that she would like to discuss the matter further with Olango and his Darwin-based parents.
Olango will appear via video link in Darwin Local Court in early September.
The Sudanese-born ruckman, who stands at 201cm, had been one of the stories of the 2017 rookie draft.
He only began playing football in earnest when he was in his mid-teens, eventually going on to represent the Northern Territory Thunder in the NEAFL.
The West Coast Eagles has been contacted for comment.
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ABC .net
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