The Tyrendarra Football Netball Club is facing backlash after celebrating an award for being the "2026 Most Disciplined Club-Football," a mere few months after being compelled to reverse its decision to allow a convicted sex offender to return to the team.
The south-west Victorian club had announced the award on Facebook, characterizing it as a recognition of the standards upheld by its football representatives. The post stated, "This recognition means a lot. We know being a strong club isn't about being perfect, it's about continuing to learn, holding ourselves accountable and choosing the standards we want to represent. A credit to everyone who pulls on the green and gold and represents the Darras each week. Proud of where we've come from. Proud of the work being done and committed to continuing to be better."
However, the award announcement ignited controversy due to the club's earlier decision in October 2025 to welcome back James Nicholas Williams. Williams had served a prison sentence for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in September 2022, an incident that occurred during an end-of-season club trip to Adelaide. He was 20 at the time of the offense, which involved him placing his hand under the girl's skirt despite her protests. The South Australian District Court heard that Williams later bragged about the incident.
Williams pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under 17 and was sentenced in April 2024 to 14 months in prison with a six-month non-parole period. Despite his conviction, Tyrendarra initially described him on social media as a "classy midfielder/forward flanker" and "the kind of player who lifts the team when it matters most."
The club's decision to reinstate Williams led to significant public scrutiny, with former female players reporting they had left the club over the matter, and sponsors withdrawing their support. Tyrendarra initially defended its choice, citing consultations, risk assessments, and compliance with court orders. However, in June, following extensive media coverage, the club reversed its decision, permanently banning Williams and issuing an apology. The committee acknowledged failing to adequately consider community expectations for an organization involved with children and pledged to implement a binding code of conduct.
Solicitor Andrew Carpenter brought the controversy to light again following the club's discipline award announcement. He posted on Instagram, questioning the meaning of discipline in light of the club's past actions. "The Tyrendarra Football Club was named as the 2026 'most disciplined football club' despite welcoming a convicted child sex offender to return to the club. Is this what discipline means?" Carpenter asked, adding, "Some standards are worth setting. Others should never be forgotten."
Reactions to Tyrendarra's Facebook post about the award were mixed. While some supporters lauded the club's leadership and resilience, others criticized the award, with one Instagram user calling for the club to be deregistered. The award itself did not specify the awarding body or the criteria used for selection, and it is understood to relate to on-field football discipline rather than the club's management or governance decisions.