ROOKIE-LISTED West Coast ruckman Tony Olango faces assault charges stemming from an alleged incident just before he joined the club.
The Eagles have confirmed the charges against Olango, continuing a torrid week for them.
It comes a day after star midfielder Andrew Gaff received an eight-week ban for striking Fremantle teenager Andrew Brayshaw.
The punch during Sunday's Western Derby left Brayshaw with a broken jaw and the ban means Gaff will not return to the AFL until early next season.
The loss of Gaff is a major blow to West Coast's premiership hopes.
Now it has emerged that Olango was charged following an alleged incident on November 25, the day before the Eagles recruited him through the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
"We've known about it since just after the draft, so this is not news to us," coach Adam Simpson said on Thursday.
"It's just been an amazing coincidence that this has come out today, but that's OK.
"It's before the courts. I can't comment on that. I literally cannot comment on that one."
The incident happened in Darwin, where Olango lives.
"Olango was involved in an incident shortly prior to the draft last November which the club became aware of following the rookie draft process," the Eagles said in a statement.
"Since becoming aware of the incident and charge the club has supported Olango and will continue to do so through the legal process."
The Eagles added that they had kept the AFL informed of the matter.
Olango, 19, is yet to make his AFL debut.
Podcast: Brayshaw says Gaff's hit on brother was 'assault'
Find AFL Exchange on iTunes, Audioboom, Acast, Mixcloud or RSS.
