Two prominent Australian Football League premiership players have formally contested their involvement in a coastal altercation, asserting they were not present during the incident as they seek to have criminal charges against them withdrawn.
Court Appearance and Charges
Richmond Tigers midfielder Dion Prestia, aged 33, and Melbourne Demons defender Steven May, aged 34, made a virtual appearance at Dromana Magistrates Court on Thursday for a brief hearing. The players face charges stemming from an alleged brawl that occurred approximately ten months prior, in October, on Point Nepean Road in Sorrento, located on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
According to police allegations, two groups were involved in an altercation around 2am on December 27, 2024, resulting in two men being transported to hospital with injuries. Prestia has been charged on summons with recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing injury, and affray. May has been charged on summons with affray.
Legal Defence and Innocence Claims
However, both athletes vehemently deny any presence at the scene of the brawl and maintain their innocence. Their legal representative, Tony Hargreaves, informed the court that he had submitted detailed written arguments to Victoria Police, outlining reasons for the charges to be withdrawn.
Mr Hargreaves disclosed that these submissions included a witness statement which contends that neither Prestia nor May were present during the fight. He noted that Victoria Police are currently reviewing the submission, leading to a request for the case to be adjourned until February for a contest mention.
Prosecutor Alex Turner acknowledged that the matter had recently been referred to his unit and consented to the adjournment. Consequently, Prestia and May, who remain charged on summons, are scheduled to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court on February 20.
Player and Club Statements
Both players have previously issued statements through their respective clubs, strongly proclaiming their innocence. In a statement released by Richmond in October, Prestia asserted, 'I was not involved in the fight. I was not even physically present when it apparently took place.' He further denied guilt and expressed his intention to vigorously defend against the charges.
Similarly, Melbourne Football Club stated that May had advised them he was not involved and would 'strongly defend' the charge in court. Both AFL clubs have affirmed their support for the players during this legal process.
Professional Backgrounds
Dion Prestia and Steven May share a professional history, having begun their AFL careers together at the Gold Coast Suns. Prestia is a three-time premiership player with Richmond and received the club's best-and-fairest award in 2019. May played a key role in Melbourne's 2021 premiership victory and is a two-time All-Australian player, highlighting their esteemed status within the league.
