DISGRACED former North Cairns AFL coach Jason Love is trying to restart his coaching career in Victoria.

Mr Love was suspended on two charges by an AFL Cairns tribunal for three and five years respectively after the infamous grand final brawl with Port Douglas in 2004.

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The mini-riot, which made national headlines, started when Mr Love and his players charged into their opponents after the pre-match anthem, before play had started.

Pictures: AFL Cairns 2004 grand final brawl

Supporters and officials were also caught up in the violence.

North Cairns won the match but was later stripped of the premiership.

Mr Love thought the three and five-year suspensions handed down by the tribunal were to be served concurrently and expired last year, but he has been told by AFL Queensland they remain in place until 2012.

The now 44-year-old wants to coach the Port Melbourne Colts in the Western Region Football League this season but has been denied coaching accreditation by AFL Victoria.

The former North Melbourne and Sydney AFL player told the Port Phillip Leader: "I had one indiscretion in eight years of coaching and haven't I paid for it?

"I've expressed remorse (about the brawl) many times. I just want to get back into it with the Colts, coaching footy."

Mr Love and Port Melbourne Colts plan to appeal AFL Victoria's decision.

AFL Cairns president Gary Young said resentment still lingered in the Far North over the 2004 brawl.

"All I will say is that there are a lot of people up here who would not welcome back Jason Love if he wanted to come back to this part of the world," he said.

North Cairns officials declined to comment.

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