Shaun Smith, father for Demon Joel Smith, takes aim at Melbourne’s fitness department on Facebook

The father of Melbourne forward Joel Smith has criticised the club’s handling of his son’s injury problems on social media, labelling the Demons’ conditioning as ‘not up to scratch’.

Melbourne's Joel Smith kicks at goal. Picture: Michael Klein

The father of Melbourne forward Joel Smith has criticised the club’s handling of his son’s injury problems on social media.

Former Melbourne high-flyer Shaun Smith has taken aim at the Demons’ fitness department on Facebook, saying the club had mismanaged his son.

AFL DAILY: FOLLOW THE LATEST IN STEVEN MAY SAGA

JON RALPH: DANGER SIGNS FOR BLUES-GIANTS TRADES

SUPERCOACH: TIME TO TRADE SAM WALSH?

Joel Smith, 23, hurt his groin in the pre-season and is out for at least another three weeks.

Responding to other messages on Facebook, Smith said: “Clearly the conditioning is not up to scratch and players who have had opps (operations) have not been managed well”.

“Guess whose fault is that?

“Don’t even get me started about the mismanagement of my son.”

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST

The Herald Sun contacted Smith to confirm he was the author of the messages.

Smith, whose 1995 screamer against Brisbane was awarded mark of the century, has recently spoken about the concussion problems which have plagued him since retiring.

He played 109 games at Melbourne and North Melbourne.

Joel Smith hasn’t played this season due to a groin injury. Picture: Michael Klein

Smith considered taking his fitness and medical department complaint further with the club, but decided not to pursue it.

David Misson is the respected head of fitness at Melbourne who is leaving at the end of the season to move to Canada.

The Herald Sun understands Joel Smith is frustrated by his injury but is not unhappy with the management of it by club medicos.

Melbourne is aware of his father’s comments.