Former Maitland Saints Junior President Faces Fraud Charges
A former junior president of a prominent Hunter sports club has been arrested and charged with allegedly defrauding the organisation of more than $20,000. The arrest occurred at a local sports oval over the weekend, sending shockwaves through the community.
Arrest at Gillieston Heights Oval
Matthew James Norris, aged 36, was taken into custody by police officers at an oval in Gillieston Heights just after 10:30am on Saturday, January 24. The arrest followed an extensive investigation into financial irregularities at the Maitland Saints Australian Football Club.
Norris, who held the position of junior president as recently as early 2025, was transported to Maitland Police Station where he was formally charged. The specific charge laid against him is dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
Alleged Financial Misconduct Uncovered
Police allege they discovered nine unauthorised withdrawals from a club account, totalling $21,415. The investigation into these transactions began in July last year, following reports of suspected fraud within the organisation.
The Maitland Saints confirmed to media in October that Norris no longer held any official position with the club as police inquiries continued. Club chairman Lindsay Guy reiterated this position this week, confirming the organisation had contacted authorities after discovering the alleged financial misconduct.
Bail Conditions and Court Proceedings
Following his arrest, Norris faced an out-of-sessions bail court hearing later on Saturday. Initially refused bail, he was subsequently released by a magistrate with strict conditions including:
- Reporting to Maitland police twice weekly
- Other unspecified conditions imposed by the court
Norris has not been required to enter a plea to the allegation at this stage. The matter is scheduled to return to Maitland Local Court next month for further proceedings.
About the Maitland Saints Club
The Maitland Saints play in the Hunter Central Coast AFL competition and have grown significantly since their establishment as a junior club in 2007. The organisation now fields:
- Senior men's teams
- Senior women's teams
- Multiple junior teams
With more than 300 players overall, the club is based at Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford. The facility is currently undergoing significant development, with a multimillion-dollar amenities building under construction by Maitland City Council, due for completion in coming months.
The club has declined to comment further while police investigations continue, maintaining that the matter is now in the hands of authorities.
