Mernda captain Andrew Smith’s playing future in the balance pending Northern Football League tribunal hearing

MERNDA captain Andrew Smith’s career will go on the line tonight at the Northern Football League tribunal.

Chris Tarrant at NFL Game

MERNDA captain Andrew Smith’s career will go on the line tonight at the Northern Football League tribunal.

Smith, who successfully appealed his a life ban after reaching the 16-week suspension threshold last year, has been cited after an incident in the Demons’ loss to Thomastown on Saturday.

The forward reached the threshold allowed for players and officials after copping a three-week suspension for striking in the club’s win over Hurstbridge on June 28 last year.

Under the national deregistration policy, any player who gains an exemption and reoffends is automatically deregistered with “no further right to apply for an exemption or to appeal”.

AFL Victoria has confirmed no avenue of appeal would be available should Smith be found guilty.

“This is made clear in a letter to the player when they are re-registered after their appeal,” AFL Victoria said in a statement.

The Demons explored their legal options last year before Smith was re-registered, successfully arguing the power forward should be allowed to continue playing.

The NFL has declined to comment pending the result of the hearing.

Mernda officials have been contacted for comment.

The club has had a tough start to 2015, losing its opening five Division 2 matches.

Smith has played in all five games, booting eight goals.