Two AFL premiership stars have denied being “physically present” at an alleged Sorrento Boxing Day brawl, a court has been told.
Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia and Melbourne defender Steven May appeared at the Dromana Magistrates Court on Thursday.
The pair were represented by lawyer Tony Hargreaves, who requested the matter be adjourned in order to give the prosecution time to consider submissions he’d made.
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Mr Hargreaves said he had sent detailed written submissions to police about “why charges should be withdrawn” and was told they needed some time.
He said neither Mr Prestia nor Mr May “were physically present or physically involved (in alleged incident)”.
Prosecutor Alex Turner supported Mr Hargreaves request to adjourn the matter.
“We’ll come to be in a position either way, whether proceeding or withdrawing, by the 20th of February,” he said.
The presiding magistrate accepted Mr Hargreaves’ request and adjourned the matter until February 20.
Police allege two groups of men were involved in an altercation about 2am on Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento on December 27, 2024.
Two men were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Police said they interviewed three men in May 2025 as part of their investigation.
Mr Prestia was charged on summons with recklessly causing serious injury and Mr May was charged on summons with affray, the Herald Sun reported in October.
Both men continue to maintain their innocence.
In a statement issued by Richmond last year, Prestia said: “I have today been charged with the offence of recklessly causing serious injury as a result of an altercation that apparently took place on Boxing Day 2024 at Sorrento.
“I was not involved in the fight. I was not even physically present when it apparently took place.
“I deny that I am guilty of these offences and will strenuously defend these charges.”
May has not commented publicly, however a statement from the club said they will “continue to support Steven through this process”.
“Steven has advised the club that he was not involved in the alleged incident and will strongly defend the charge in court,” the statement said.
Both men appeared before the court on Thursday via video link.
May is a two-time All-Australian, a premiership player and previously served as co-captain of the Gold Coast Suns.
Prestia has won three premierships and was named part of the All-Australian squad in 2019.
The men will appear at Frankston Magistrates Court February 20.
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