Bullioh player Kelvin Wallace was hit with a forearm by Federal player Ashley Tyrell with about 10 minutes left in Saturday’s Upper Murray grand final at Tallangatta. 

The incident was treated as a spinal injury, as the 23-year-old had tingling in his neck from the impact. 

He will require specialist surgery and will be transferred to a Melbourne hospital on Monday.

His brother, Gordon, described the incident as a king hit that came without warning.

Mr Tyrell, who had run over from a distance to a small scuffle, was red carded after the incident and will face the tribunal.

“I’ve seen some pretty gruesome things but this was just absolutely disgusting,” his brother said.

“The left side of his teeth and bottom jawline were at normal height, but the other side of the jaw was about 30 millimetres higher.

“It’s torn his gums.

“It was absolutely disgusting.”

The Bullioh player, who was playing in his first season for the club, was bleeding heavily on the bench after the hit.

He was left in shock, went cold and nearly fainted.

Scans show a major break in his jaw which appears to have dislodged his teeth.

“He’s pretty shaken up about it all,” his brother said.

“He’s pretty pissed off he couldn’t celebrate the win of the grand final.

“If the elbow had been four inches higher and hit his temple it would have broken his skull.

“It had enough impact to break his jaw.”

The matter has been reported to Tallangatta police, who are investigating.

Mr Wallace said it had been reported to police to get a sense of justice.

“He’s self employed,” he said.

“He’s had $10,000 worth of work done to his teeth when he was younger, now his whole jaw is stuffed.”

League president Gavin Rendell said the tribunal would sit when all the parties are available.

The incident occurred in close proximity to a field umpire and had followed a goal. 

Mr Wallace said an example needed to be set. 

“People can't just go and do this,” he said. 

"He literally could have died yesterday.

“It's completely unacceptable.”