North Albury footballer Riley Smith fronts Albury Local Court over alleged assault of Josh Hudson

An Albury footballer suspended for 10 games for an on-field hit on a local copper has fronted court for the first time over the incident.

Riley Smith after he re-signed with the North Albury Hoppers last season. Picture: North Albury Football Netball Club Facebook Page

A country footballer who copped a 10-match ban for belting a local police officer on the footy field has fronted court over the matter after being charged with assault.

Riley Smith, who plays for the North Albury Hoppers in the Ovens and Murray League, was suspended after the incident on Albury’s Josh Hudson on Anzac Day.

The incident occurred at roughly 1.45pm that afternoon in a reserves match on the public holiday.

The Lavington man who last year won the club’s ‘Most Selfless Player’ award did not appear in court but was represented by his lawyer.

Smith has since been promoted to the Hoppers’ seniors outfit, and last played on May 11 against the Wangaratta Rovers.

Riley Smith's most recent game – in the seniors – was on May 11 against the Wangaratta Rovers. Picture: North Albury Football Netball Club Facebook Page

Smith was suspended for 10 games by the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League after the on-field hit.

It was double the base penalty for an incident graded as intentional, severe and high by investigations officer Graeme Simpfendorfer, a retired Wodonga police detective.

Tribunal chairman Wayne Taylor said it needed “to send a clear message” that Smith’s actions weren’t acceptable.

Mr Smith pleaded not guilty in the tribunal and also intends to plead not guilty in court.

It was found during the hearing that at a follow-up scan had revealed a small benign tumour on Hudson’s brain.

The 24-year-old will next face the Albury Local Court on July 10.