AFL Victoria steps in after Red Cliffs appoints Nick Stevens as coach

The AFL has stopped a country football club from appointing Nick Stevens as its coach due to charges relating to a domestic dispute.

Sunraysia league club Red Cliffs announced last week it had appointed Stevens as coach for next season, which led to widespread criticism.

The former midfield star was found guilty of a string of charges relating to domestic abuse in January, which included threats to kill his former girlfriend.

He has since launched an appeal, which is set to be heard in July next year.

But Stevens, who previously coached Gippsland Power and South Australian club Glenelg, lost his coaching accreditation after he was found guilty.

AFL Victoria has since told Stevens he can not renew that accreditation due to the charges.

Red Cliffs would face several sanctions, including fines and the loss of points, if he was to coach the club.