Police Intervene Following Disturbance at Canberra Junior AFL Grand Final

Police responded to reports of spectators throwing objects at players and igniting flares during the Under 18s AFL Canberra Grand Final at Phillip Oval on Friday evening. Two individuals were briefly detained at the scene before being released by officers.

ACT Policing arrived at the venue around 8:30pm following reports of a disturbance during the match between Marist College and the Belconnen Magpies. According to a statement from law enforcement, authorities received reports that a crowd of 50 to 75 teenagers engaged in disruptive behavior, which included throwing items at players, setting off flares, and consuming alcohol.

School Administration and League Respond to Safety Concerns

In a message sent to parents, Marist College deputy principal Liam Stakelum described the end of the fixture as chaotic. He noted that school staff took precautionary measures after quarter-time, gathering their students at one end of the ground to maintain distance from the disruptive group. Stakelum stated that police managed the situation directly and decided to clear the entire venue after the game because troublesome spectators could not be easily distinguished from genuine supporters.

Following the conclusion of the match, event staff and police directed all patrons to leave the facility. ACT Policing confirmed that the crowd dispersed without further incidents. A spokesperson for the AFL emphasized that the safety of players, officials, and spectators remains paramount, adding that the league collaborated closely with local police to contain the situation and allow the match to conclude safely.