Former AFL Star Dismissed from Local Club Following Teammate Assault
Jake Carlisle, the former St Kilda and Essendon footballer, has been sacked from Moama Football Club in Victoria after just one appearance, following the emergence of damning footage showing him punching one of his own teammates during a match. The controversial incident occurred during Moama's season-opening clash against Echuca United in the Murray Football League on Good Friday, marking a disgraceful start to Carlisle's tenure as player-coach.
Club President Confirms Departure Amid Controversy
Moama club president Scott Slater confirmed Carlisle's departure to News Corp, stating the official line was that the player had moved back to Melbourne, hence his clearance from the club. Slater added, 'Nothing more to add, sorry,' indicating the club's reluctance to elaborate further on the sensitive matter. This swift action comes after independent sports reporter Matt Jackson shared the vision on his social media platforms, vehemently criticising the act as a 'disgrace'.
Social Media Outrage and Teammate Reactions
Matt Jackson, in his social media post, highlighted the absurdity of the situation, noting, 'That's Jake Carlisle... and this was their first game with him being a player and co-coach. He's decided to smack his own teammate in the face. What's he doing? This is a disgrace.' Eyewitness accounts described even the opposing Echuca United players as being in disbelief, while Carlisle's own teammates were heard questioning his actions on the field. Sources indicate this was not the first altercation Carlisle had with Moama teammates during his brief stint, suggesting a pattern of contentious behaviour.
Carlisle's Checkered Career and Future Moves
Carlisle, 34, who was announced as Moama's player-coach last October, has a controversial history in Australian Rules football. The swingman played 151 games at the AFL level, with his career ending at St Kilda in 2021. Notably, he was one of the 34 players banned for the 2016 season due to the infamous Essendon supplements scandal, which coincided with his first year at the Saints. Reports now suggest Carlisle has been cleared to return to his former club, Wallan, who compete in the Riddell District Football League, though he has yet to publicly comment on the incident or his dismissal.
