President Mark Johnston said he would have accepted a call to eject a drunken Filo from the club if the order came from SS&A Club staff on the night.

Filo was refused service by staff as the medal count unfolded and concluded with him winning by five votes.

The O and M demanded an apology from the Raiders and Filo for his conduct including his conduct post the presentation when he jumped from the stage and then tripped over and cut his hand on the way back to his table.

The league was also critical of Raiders in not keeping their player under control on the night.

But Mr Johnston said Filo was made aware of expectations on him before the count.

“It was done on Sunday night and Monday morning,” he said.

“But he didn’t meet those expectations and has apologised to the club as well for his behaviour.

“Ultimately he is a 28-year-old man responsible for his own actions and we can make him aware of the expectations on him.

“I’m not sure what else the club can do.”

Mr Johnston said he spoke to Filo and others on the table about his excessive booze intake.

“(Filo) was never asked to leave the club, but there was a thought he might have been,” he said.

“If he was asked to leave the club he would have.”

The SS&A Club, the Ovens and Murray league’s major sponsor, has been approached for comment.

Late yesterday, Filo issued a statement of apology to the award sponsors, the Morris family, the O and M and its sponsors and his club.

“My conduct turned what should have been one of the highlights of my football career into a forgettable incident,” he said.

Filo was one of the pre-count favourites with the Morris Medal held 24 hours after Raiders bowed out of the premiership race to Wangaratta.

“I have had the last few days to reflect on my behaviour and I feel deeply embarrassed, as I should be a leader at my club and want to be somebody that can be looked up to,” he said.

“I love being a part of the Raiders and the Ovens and Murray and feel very lucky to have the support I have around the football club.

“I will be doing everything I can moving forward to ensure that this does not happen again.

“I will be contacting the Ovens and Murray to forward my apologies to them.”

The Raiders had earlier stated there would be no comment on the Filo situation until after a board meeting early next week.

They will also be making an apology which will satisfy the O and M and not require any more action.​

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