Nate Munzer, a junior U18 player, was punched by a Grade A adult footballer

How does this prick get one game suspension, then another a life ban? - was the question posted by Nate Munzer ’s father, Bronte Joel Munzer, on his Facebook post dated 7/13/2025. His son, a junior U18 player, was punched by a Grade A adult footballer. The punch struck his Adam’s apple in the throat, leaving him breathless. He was gasping and could not speak for some time. The incident occurred on 6/28/2025. On July 13, Bronte Munzer shared a lengthy Facebook post elaborating on the heinous act. Munzer specifically mentioned that the adult footballer received only a one-game suspension for his deliberate and violent punch. On July 15, Daily Mail reported that a deeply frustrated and appalled father questioned how a suburban AFL player received only a one-game ban after allegedly punching a teenager in the throat during a match. The shocking incident unfolded during a fixture featuring South Augusta and Proprietary/Risdon Lions Football Club on June 28 in South Australia.
Bronte Joel Munzer said his teenage son, Nate, is still suffering from a throat infection as a result of the punchNate Munzer’s father, Bronte Munzer, also shared a clip of the incident on his Facebook. He wrote, “As a father, I’m deeply frustrated and frankly appalled by the decision for a one-game suspension following the violent incident on 28th June, where he punched my son in the throat during a match.” The shocked father further explained the incident, “Let’s be clear—this wasn’t a scuffle or a bump. This was a deliberate and violent act by an A Grade adult footballer against a junior U18 player.

The punch struck directly in the Adam’s apple, causing him to lose his breath and struggle to breathe. He was left gasping and unable to speak properly for some time. He was out of action for several days, and even now—more than a week later—he’s still dealing with ongoing throat issues. This was not a minor incident, and it should never be treated as such.”
Bronte Munzer is worried about the one-game suspension given to the adult footballer for violently punching his teenage son, NateBronte Munzer expressed his understanding that football is a tough and physical game, but such behaviour crossed a line. He is concerned about the message it sends to everyone. What standards was the SGL setting by giving a one-game suspension to an adult footballer who violently punched a minor footballer? Munzer gave a few examples from the AFL: “Look at what’s happening at higher levels of the game. Tom Lynch from Richmond was just handed a five-game suspension in the AFL for a punch that was arguably less serious than what happened here. We had another guy banned from footy for life as near an equal act.”
Munzer then questioned the suspension given to the adult footballer for punching his teenage son, Nate Munzer, “And yet here in grassroots footy, where young players should feel protected and supported, we’re setting a much lower bar? As a parent, I trusted that this league had strong values and would take a firm stance on player safety, especially when it comes to our juniors. Right now, I’m struggling to see that.”

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