The Euroa Football Netball Club (EFNC) has received a $2,500 fine and two player suspensions after being found guilty of breaching salary cap and player declaration rules following a detailed investigation by AFL Goulburn Murray.
The sanctions stem from irregularities uncovered about third party payments during the 2024 season, particularly involving former coach Ryan Pendlebury and player Silver Yousif.
The club self-reported the issue in March 2025 after discovering that about $4,000 had been provided by club supporters to Pendlebury prior to the 2024 season.
Pendlebury used the funds to offer an undeclared sign-on fee to Yousif, who played for Euroa during that season.
Pendlebury, who was appointed as Euroa’s coach in late 2023, was found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute for failing to disclose the sign-on payment.
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He was initially suspended for seven matches but successfully appealed the penalty.
The appeal panel ruled the original sanction was 'manifestly excessive', reducing the ban to five matches.
Pendlebury, who now plays for St Mary’s in the Geelong Football League, has served two matches of the suspension.
At the end of the 2024 season he informed Euroa he would not continue in his coaching role, having accepted a position with the North Melbourne AFLW team.
Yousif, now playing with Great Western in the Mininera District Football League, received a four-game ban for his involvement.
He has served one match of the suspension.
Both players have not commented publicly, and the Goulburn Murray Football League has yet to release its full findings or confirm whether the matter is considered finalised.
AFL Goulburn Murray regional manager Shaun Connell said the investigation highlighted the need for shared accountability.
Speaking to Newscorp, Connell said the integrity of competitions was paramount at all levels of the game.
"It is important to remember that the responsibility for compliance with the rules sits with everyone including leagues, clubs, officials, and players,” Connell said.
He also noted that Euroa was fully cooperative throughout the investigation and emphasised the league’s focus on educating clubs and players through comprehensive preseason training.
The club was found guilty on three charges: exceeding the Goulburn Valley League’s $130,000 salary cap, failing to submit accurate player payment totals, and lodging an inaccurate player declaration.
Euroa was fined $2,500, with $1,500 suspended for three years pending ongoing compliance, and received two official reprimands.
Despite the controversy, Euroa president Scott Watson said the club would not be making further comment beyond its statement posted on Facebook.
“The club isn’t willing to go into any more details than what has been published in the official statement,” Watson said.
He did, however, praise the resilience of the club’s playing group and interim coaching team.
“I’ve been extremely happy with the young list of players who stepped up in 2025,” he said.
“And full credit to coach David Gleeson, who took on the role late and has done a terrific job under challenging circumstances.”
Watson confirmed the club had already begun planning for the future, with coaching positions for the 2026–27 seasons now open.
“The iron is hot, we’ve already had some great candidates come forward,” he said.
The coaching applications close 27 July and can be made via email scott.watson@education.vic.gov.au
