AFL stars Dion Prestia and Steven May have both been charged by Victoria Police over an altercation that occurred in December 2024.
The two premiership winers, Prestia with Richmond and May with the Demons, will appear in Dromana Magistrates Court on November 27.
“Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged three men following an affray in Sorrento last year,” a police statement reads.
“It is alleged two groups were involved in an altercation on Point Nepean Road about 2am on 27 December 2024.
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“Two men were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries at the time.
“Detectives interviewed three men in May as part of their investigation.
“A 26-year-old Blairgowrie man has been charged on summons with affray and will appear before the Dromana Magistrates’ Court on 20 October.
“A 32-year-old Hawthorn man has been charged on summons with recklessly cause serious injury, intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury and affray.
“A 33-year-old Mt Eliza man has been charged on summons with affray.
“They will both appear before the Dromana Magistrates’ Court on 27 November.”
Prestia, 33, has released a statement denying the charges.
“I have today been charged with the offense of recklessly causing serious injury as a result of an altercation that apparently took place on Boxing Day 2024 at Sorrento," he said.
“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."
Prestia's club Richmond also released a statement on Thursday morning, saying it will fully support the 237-game veteran.
"Richmond can confirm that Victoria Police has charged Dion Prestia in relation to an incident in December 2024," it read.
"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."