"The AFL today continued its trial by media of me with the release of the charges against Essendon," Hird said.
The Essendon coach also accused the AFL of a breach of due process by releasing a letter that club doctor Bruce Reid sent to him.
"The letter, released in isolation, is designed to damage my reputation," Hird said.
Hird said the Bombers only received notice from the AFL that the charges were being released "minutes" before it happened.
"Courtesy would dictate that the AFL would have given adequate notification of the release of the charges so I could prepare," he said.
Essendon chairman Paul Little also sharply criticised the league's decision to make public on Wednesday a 34-page document which outlines its case against the Bombers.
Hird and Little made it clear at a media conference on Wednesday afternoon that they will fight the AFL's charges.
The club, Hird and Essendon officials Dr Reid, Mark Thompson and Danny Corcoran are facing charges relating to allegations of conduct unbecoming and bringing the game into disrepute.
The AFL announced the charges last week, but earlier on Wednesday released the much more comprehensive summary of the alleged offences.
Little said the AFL went against its initial undertaking by releasing the charge details.
"It makes assertions that are simply not supported by the evidence," Little said.
Little added it was no coincidence that the AFL released the charge details a day after a media report said the league had known since February that AOD-9604 was not a banned substance.
"That the AFL has known this for six months, but let questions hang over the heads of the club and most unforgivably our players is reprehensible," Little said.
AOD-9604 is an anti-obesity drug that was administered to Essendon players, including captain Jobe Watson, during last year's controversial supplements program at the club.
The status of the drug is one of the key issues of the AFL case and an ongoing investigation into Essendon by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
Little also called on AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick to intervene, saying he had lost confidence in the league administration.
Hird also called on Demetriou to recuse himself from next Monday's planned commission hearing of the charges, accusing him of a conflict of interest.
