Abernethy had a successful junior career for Wesley, being the champion player of the Associated Public Schools of Victoria.

The VFL committee ended up siding with Melbourne's point of view and the Demons signed Abernethy.

[2] Abernethy played for Melbourne in 1923 and 1924, but moved back to Shepparton in 1925, to further his law career.

[4] Abernethy came back to play for Melbourne the next season and was a part of their premiership team.

[5] 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.