7 hours ago
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Fresh details have emerged about the events leading up to a Boxing Day brawl that led to charges against AFL players Dion Prestia and Steven May.
According to information reported by News Corp, tensions first began at the Sorrento Hotel when a member of a group that included the two footballers allegedly made approaches toward a local woman.
Security intervened after several men who knew the woman stepped in, leading to a heated exchange between the groups.
The situation reportedly escalated later that night when the parties crossed paths again at the Continental Hotel on Point Nepean Road.
Witnesses claim that words were exchanged before the confrontation allegedly turned physical outside the venue in the early hours of December 27, 2024.
Prestia, 33, and May, 33, were both charged last week following a review by the Office of Public Prosecutions, however both deny that they were involved in the brawl.
Richmond star Dion Prestia, pictured with girlfriend Brooke Bailey, has denied being present for the brawl and is fighting the charges
Melbourne Demons star Steven May, pictured with his young family, has also denied any involvement
The alleged brawl reportedly started when tensions flared at Hotel Sorrento on Boxing Day in 2024
Prestia faces counts of affray, recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing injury, and recklessly causing injury. May has been charged with affray.
The incident left local electrician Will Salter seriously injured, with reports confirming he has lost sight in one eye and has been unable to return to work.
Police have gathered CCTV footage, medical records, and detailed witness statements as part of the investigation.
Prestia has denied any involvement, saying he was not present when the alleged violence occurred and would 'strenuously defend' the charges.
Melbourne's Steven May has also told his club he was not involved in the altercation.
The Demons released a statement, saying 'the club 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.'
A statement from Richmond confirmed Prestia would continue to be supported through the legal process, emphasising his right to the presumption of innocence.
'I have today been charged with the offense [sic] of recklessly causing serious injury as a result of an altercation that apparently took place on Boxing Day 2024 at Sorrento,' the statement read.
'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.'
Both players are expected to appear in Dromana Magistrates' Court on November 27.
