THE Murray Magpies have been embarrassed with celebrity guest player and an umpire victims of a clubroom thief on Saturday night.
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Former AFL star Jason Akermanis had items — believed to be his wedding ring and mobile phone — taken from his bag at the Lavington Oval as the Magpies lost by 92 points to Lockhart.
And the car keys of umpire Greg Bulman were taken from his bag in the changerooms.
His white Mitsubishi Lancer was driven away and later found outside Red Rooster on Wagga Road.
Club president Ted Miller said the incident was “a bit disappointing”, but he believed the blame couldn’t necessarily be pinned on those linked to the club.
“It could be anyone — there was a lot going in and out — but we’ll do what we can to follow it up,” Mr Miller said.
It is not clear when the items were stolen.
Akermanis rang Albury police at 10pm on Saturday to report the theft and police confirmed yesterday they were investigating.
Umpire Greg Bulman, a North Albury butcher, found his stolen car at 2am in the car park of Lavington’s Red Rooster.
He said the thieves had taken his wallet containing $700.
Mr Bulman said he’d never experienced anything like it during his nine years umpiring.
“I went to have a shower after the game and looked for my keys and couldn’t find them,” Mr Bulman said yesterday.
“I’m assuming the thieves were kids. They must have walked around the car park flashing every vehicle (with my keys).”
Mr Miller said the Murray Magpies had taken precautions by hiring security guards and encouraging players to put valuables in a property bag.
It was a dark night for Magpies — they lost by 92-points, despite a rousing pre-game address from their star visitor.
Mr Miller said the cold weather had limited the crowd to less than the club had hoped.
But he said those who did turn out to see the flamboyant footballer were well rewarded.
The club could consider recruiting another former star next year, he said.
“We easily had a thousand people — and lots of kids, too,” he said.
The Border Mail was unable to contact Akermanis, pictured, because, not surprisingly, his mobile was disconnected.
Mr Miller said Akermanis had turned up at the club after the game.
Mr Bulman said he was happy with how the club handled the incident and he was relieved the car, belonging to his mother-in-law, had been found with just a small dent.
“The club was sensational,” he said.
“Ian Romeril (coach) and Ted Miller loaned me a phone to call police and ring my wife.”
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