Mernda seeking legal advice before launching appeal to AFL Victoria against skipper Andrew Smith’s deregistration

MERNDA president Jason Berry concedes the chances of Demons captain Andrew Smith playing again this season are remote after his deregistration.

Northern Football League (Div 2) Hurstbridge v Mernda at Ben Frilay Rerserve Hurstbridge Andrew Smith from Mernda Picture:Richard Serong

MERNDA has conceded the chances its captain Andrew Smith playing again in 2014 are “pretty remote” after his deregistration.

As the Leader revealed, Mernda is fighting to save Smith’s career after a three-week suspension at the Northern Football League tribunal lifted him over the 16-week threshold for players and officials.

Smith was yellow carded and sent to the tribunal after an incident in the club’s win over Hurstbridge on June 28.

Demons president Jason Berry said Mernda had sought legal advice but was yet to appeal the deregistration with AFL Victoria.

Berry said the club accepted the verdict handed down by the tribunal, but questioned the process behind the hearing.

“One of the biggest disappointments we probably had was more the way the hearing was ran,” Berry said.

“(When) Andrew Smith went to the tribunal, it wasn’t so much the verdict but we believe we weren’t fairly tried so to speak.

“That’s the other avenue we’re looking at.”

Berry said the 25-year-old was “too good” for his career to end.

“I believe if we do go down the tribunal process that’s fairly lengthy and the chances of having him back for this season are pretty remote,” he said.

“He’s too good a player for him to sit out for too long.

“Hopefully we can get him back to football as soon as we can.”

It is understood Smith could be re-registered if Mernda convinces an AFL Victoria appeals board he should be allowed to continue playing.