Weekly Times | NICK Stevens is planning to appeal AFL Victoria’s refusal to grant him coaching accreditation.
Last week Red Cliffs Football Club, in the Sunraysia league, announced it had appointed the former Carlton and Port Adelaide player as its senior coach.
Stevens was earlier this year found guilty of several domestic abuse-related charges, but has an appeal in the County Court set down for July.
On Tuesday, AFL Victoria intervened in Red Cliffs’ appointment, saying Stevens did not have AFL coaching accreditation and was “not able to undertake the role”.
It stated that “being charged with a criminal offence, charges of violence or of a violent nature, act as grounds for refusal” for accreditation.
Stevens’ lawyer, David Tonkin, said they had until December 11 to lodge an appeal but was aiming to submit it early next week.
Stevens was previously coach at TAC Cup side Gippsland Power and coached SANFL side Glenelg last year prior to his conviction.
In its statement earlier this week AFL Victoria warned that Stevens faced a possible fine and the club could lose match points if he continued to coach while unaccredited.
It also said his accreditation would be reviewed if his conviction was overturned.
Red Cliffs president David Hensgen said there would be a meeting next week to discuss the appointment and the club would make a statement afterwards.
AFL Victoria declined to comment.