Swifts spokesman Robert Carey has expressed his disappointment at the circumstances leading up to Natimuk requesting an official investigation into the incident that left a young ruckman with broken vertebrae in his neck.

Carey, who is the team manager for Swifts seniors, believes it is unfair that Baggies ruckman Sam Cooper is being portrayed as the villain by Rams' coach Nathan Fidler for intentionally injuring young Bryce Hateley.

A report in the Wimmera Mail-Times on Monday had Fidler quoted as saying ``It was a disgraceful, cowardly act'' and ``It was blatantly a head-high hit on our player. It was very disappointing.''

However, Carey remained in no doubt that there was no malice from his club's `gentle giant'.

``From our club point of view it was one of those unfortunate things that sometimes happen in football,'' Carey said.

Carey was very disappointed at the way Natimuk had spoken out about the incident.

``We are very disappointed that they spoke out the way they have,'' Carey said.

``Really, I don't feel anyone has the right to say those things before an investigation.

``No one wants to see anyone get hurt.''

Carey said the fact that no further action was taken other than a free kick meant that the umpires didn't see the incident as intentional.

Carey said Cooper was distraught over reading the things he did in the paper on Monday.

He added that Swifts' trainer Daryl Mair was influential in helping Hateley, who went down within the opening minutes of the match, feel as comfortable as possible while waiting for the ambulance.

Swifts will prepare a letter to send to Natimuk, expressing their concern for Hateley, who had a three hour operation to repair the broken vertebrae.

The Horsham District Football League confirmed on Wednesday that it had received a written request from Natimuk and a $500 cheque to begin the investigation.

The league's investigations officer will look into the incident and report findings to the league.