Eleven charges were laid after an independent investigation into an incident that occurred during a South West District Football Netball League match on April 21.

Portland police were called to the game between Dartmoor and Heywood at the Dartmoor Recreation Reserve.

Media access into the independent football tribunal, which is normal protocol for country football hearings, was denied by AFL Western District region general manager Kate Williamson on Wednesday night.

Media coverage of independent tribunals throughout the region has in the past solely been up to independent tribunal members.

It has only been in extreme cases, such as hearings involving racial abuse claims, that cases have been held in secret or closed to the media. 

Williamson told The Standard media were not allowed as the tribunal "can be closed".

She said the results of the tribunal would be published on the commission's website in coming days. 

She declined a request from The Standard for the opportunity to speak to the independent tribunal chairman.

Usually the results of a tribunal are known on the night. 

It is understood there was an on-ground melee during the game that involved players, trainers and runners. 

There is also an allegation that spectators were on the playing surface. 

A Portland police spokesman said officers attended at the ground just before half-time after a call was received.

"Officers attended but whatever had happened was over and no one wanted to talk about it," he said.

"They stayed at the ground for the rest of the game but nothing else happened.”

The hearing was held at the commission's Deakin University campus base and will continue on Thursday night.