Education
Abernethy was originally from Shepparton and attended boarding school at Wesley.
Abernethy was originally from Shepparton and attended boarding school at Wesley.
He played 130 games for Melbourne between 1923-1924 and 1926-1932. He kicked 61 goals. As such he attracted interest from many VFL clubs. Because he had been living in Street Kilda, the Street Kilda claimed that Abernethy was in their zone.
Abernethy played for Melbourne in 1923 and 1924, but moved back to Shepparton in 1925, to further his law career.
Abernethy came back to play for Melbourne the next season and was a part of their premiership team He continued to play for the Demons until his retirement in 1932.
In 2008, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Football Club"s founding, the Demons named their "150 greatest heroes", of which Abernethy was one.
The VFL committee ended up siding with Melbourne"s point of view and the Demons signed Abernethy.
Abernethy was made a life member of the Melbourne Football Club in 1961.