A man in his 20s is recovering after being punched in the head during a country football game in Western Australia (WA). The incident occurred on Sunday, July 27, 2026, in Kojonup, about 260 kilometres south of Perth, during a match between the hometown Cougars and the Bridgetown Bulldogs in WA's Lower South West Football League.

Footage from the game shows a Bridgetown player running up behind a Kojonup player before delivering a punch to the side of the head, which knocked the victim unconscious. A WA Police spokesperson confirmed the victim was threatened and assaulted while participating in the game and was subsequently taken to Kojonup Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

WA Police are investigating the incident, and the offending player has been referred to the Country Football WA tribunal process. A spokesperson for Country Football WA stated, "The matter has been referred to the Country Football WA tribunal process and will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures," emphasizing the need to preserve the integrity and fairness of the tribunal process.

The Bridgetown Football Club declined to comment until the league and Country Football WA complete their investigations.

Sources