Weekly Times | FORMER AFL player Nick Stevens has lodged an appeal against AFL Victoria’s decision to withdraw his coaching accreditation.
AFL Victoria last week intervened in Red Cliffs’ appointment of Stevens as senior coach. Stevens is awaiting an appeal hearing in the County Court in July next year after he was earlier this year found guilty of several charges relating to domestic abuse.
AFL Victoria said “being charged with a criminal offence, charges of violence or of a violent nature, act as grounds for refusal” for accreditation.
Stevens, who played 231 games at Carlton and Port Adelaide, faced a possible fine and Red Cliffs could lose match points if he coached while unaccredited. Stevens’ lawyer, David Tonkin, said notice of appeal against AFL Victoria’s decision was lodged last week.
AFL Victoria today issued a statement saying the appeals process had begun.
“No timeline has been put in place for the appeal process at this stage and AFL Victoria will not be commenting further until the matter has been resolved,” it said.
Red Cliffs was one of four clubs which did not have representation at last night’s league annual general meeting, but gave the league no prior notice. There were apologies from representatives of the Mildura and South Mildura clubs, while new Irymple president Newton Hughes said he was unavailable and the new club committee was adjusting to their roles.
The Weekly Times has sought comment from representatives of Red Cliffs, which was to hold its annual meeting tonight.
AFL Victoria said last week Stevens’ accreditation would be reviewed if his conviction was overturned.