Brendan Fevola is under investigation ahead of his surprise return to football this weekend, not by rival defenders, but by the very competition he’s gearing up to play in.
The former Carlton and Brisbane forward is slated for a one-off cameo with Masala, a VAFA Division 5 Thirds side, on Saturday. But the Victorian Amateur Football Association has stepped in to review the circumstances around his appearance, along with that of pop star Guy Sebastian, who’s set to perform at half-time.
Fevola’s return is part of a promotion cooked up by his breakfast radio show, which gifts his footy talents to struggling local clubs. This week, Masala, a team known for its multicultural makeup and modest standing in the VAFA ladder, got the call-up.
Publicity stunt draws scrutiny
While the stunt has attracted plenty of fanfare, it’s also prompted questions within the league’s corridors. With Fevola’s star power and Sebastian’s chart-topping presence combining at a suburban footy oval, the VAFA is assessing whether any competition rules have been breached.
No formal sanctions have been handed down, but the governing body is keen to ensure Fevola’s involvement aligns with player eligibility requirements and maintains the amateur spirit of the league.
Masala, who sit in the fifth tier of the competition’s reserves structure, are unlikely to mind the attention or the crowd, as they prepare for a rare moment in the spotlight. Sebastian’s halftime set, meanwhile, adds another layer of spectacle to a day already bursting with buzz.
Fevola, now more often heard behind a mic than spotted inside 50, has remained tight-lipped about the league’s investigation.