TALENTED Albury rookie Elliott Powell has become embroiled in an ineligible player drama after taking the field for his former club Dederang-Mount Beauty in the Tallangatta and District league on Saturday.
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Powell joined the Tigers from the TDFL Bombers and has been one of the recruits of the O and M season.
His debut year suffered a setback when he injured his knee against Wodonga Raiders on June 25.
The Tigers had a bye on Saturday and Powell took the field for the Dederang-Mount Beauty reserves who are coached by one of his close mates.
Bombers senior coach Damian Jones confirmed Powell played for his former club, but wished he hadn't.
"The twos weren't going to have a team and his best mate is the coach," Jones said.
"He played at full-forward and the ball didn't go down there.
"He thought he was doing the right thing, but didn't understand the consequences.
"We didn't think it would get out, but it did.
"'When you've been in the news and playing in one of the best sides going around in country Victoria, he has to realise he is a bigger name than what he thinks."
The Dederang-Mount Beauty reserves were thrashed by Kiewa-Sandy Creek by 156 points and could face further embarrassment with their score of 5.0 (30) wiped.
AFL North-East Border regional manager John O'Donohue said the matter was being treated as an allegation at this point, but investigations would be stepped up on Monday.
"The rules say if you win the game, you lose the points, whatever you score, you lose and there could also be a monetary fine that goes with it," he said.
"The last one gives them a chance to explain the circumstances."
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