Richmond’s Dion Prestia and Melbourne’s Steve May have been charged by Victoria Police for their alleged involvement in a brawl in Sorrento last Boxing Day.
Both players will appear in the Dromana Magistrates Court on November 27.
It’s alleged two groups were involved in an altercation, which began outside the Continental Hotel, at around 2am on December 26, 2024.
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Two men were taken to hospital with non-life threatening conditions.
Detectives in May interviewed three men as part of the investigation.
Prestia on Thursday strongly denied any wrongdoing and said he would “strenuously defend these charges”.
“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,” Prestia said in a statement.
“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.
“As I have now been charged, it would be inappropriate for me to say anything further.”
Richmond also released a statement on the matter.
“Richmond can confirm that Victoria Police has charged Dion Prestia in relation to an incident in December 2024,” the statement reads.
“Dion strenuously denies any wrongdoing and will defend himself accordingly. As with any member of the community, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
“The club will continue to support him as the legal process takes its course. He will return to pre-season training next month.
“As the matter is now before the courts, the club will not be making any further comment.”
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