A contractual deadlock with VFL club North Ballarat Roosters has champion ruckman Orren Stephenson in doubt for Redan’s encounter with Ballarat Football League reigning premier Bacchus Marsh on Saturday.
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Stephenson trained with the Lions at the City Oval on Thursday night unsure whether he would available for a second appearance with the Lions since retiring from the Roosters.
North Ballarat Football Club chairman John Nevett told The Courier in a prepared statement that Stephenson’s retirement as a player and coach had resulted in some residual contractual issues.
“The club has sought the advice of AFL Victoria in dealing with these issues and is working closely with Orren and AFL Victoria to resolve them as quickly as possible so he can be officially cleared...”
A visibly frustrated Stephenson said all he wanted to do was get on with the next chapter in his playing career.
He said he hoped to gain a clearance in time to play against Bacchus Marsh.
Stephenson would not comment any further on the contractual talks cited by the Roosters.
Redan president Damian Linton said the Lions were not playing any part in the matter.
He said their only interest was getting Stephenson on board for the remainder of the season.
The Roosters allowed Stephenson to play with Redan against Ballarat on May 20 by issuing a day permit.
The indication was late on Thursday that the Roosters would not provide a second permit.
