# Former AFL Players Dion Prestia and Steven May Face Civil Lawsuit A personal injury claim follows an alleged 2024 brawl on the Mornington Peninsula. - **Source:** [ABC Australia – Sport](https://www.abc.net.au/news/sport) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/58d0bfe6-5db9-4177-8d08-5aadc5598971 ## Civil Lawsuit Filed Former AFL players Dion Prestia and Steven May are currently being sued in the Victorian Supreme Court. The legal action stems from an alleged brawl that occurred on the Mornington Peninsula in 2024. A single plaintiff has initiated a personal injury claim, though specific details regarding the damages remain restricted by court order. ## Background of Incident The alleged altercation took place in the coastal town of Sorrento on Boxing Day in 2024. Two men were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following the incident. Both Prestia and May previously faced criminal charges, including affray and recklessly causing serious injury, but those specific criminal charges were officially dropped in May 2026. ## Legal Status Update During a recent directions hearing at the Supreme Court, lawyers confirmed that two additional defendants have been added to the civil case. Because related criminal matters remain active before the court, the civil proceedings are unlikely to commence until those underlying cases are fully finalized by the presiding judge and legal authorities involved. ## Nature of Claims While the exact nature of the legal filing is not yet public, it is understood that medical costs are included among the damages sought by the plaintiff. The court has restricted the identity of the individual claiming assault. Both former players have previously denied any involvement in the alleged violent incident in Sorrento. ## Career of Dion Prestia Dion Prestia is a highly decorated athlete who played 254 games for Richmond and Gold Coast. He is a three-time premiership player known for his significant contributions to the sport. Recently, it was announced that he will join the Hawthorn coaching staff as an AFL development coach for the upcoming 2027 season. ## Career of Steven May Steven May concluded his professional career after playing 251 AFL games for Melbourne and Gold Coast. He was a key member of the 2021 premiership-winning squad for the Demons. May retired suddenly from professional football on the eve of the 2026 season, marking a swift end to his long-standing tenure in the league. ## Civil Litigation Process Civil litigation for personal injury allows individuals to seek financial compensation for damages, such as medical expenses and pain, independent of criminal outcomes. In this case, the court must balance the ongoing criminal proceedings with the civil claims. The addition of new defendants suggests a complex investigation into the specific events of 2024. ## Future Legal Outlook The case highlights the intersection of professional sports and legal accountability. As the Victorian Supreme Court continues to manage the directions hearings, the public awaits further disclosure of court documents. The resolution of this civil matter remains contingent upon the finalization of the remaining criminal issues currently pending before the state court system. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-06/dion-prestia-steven-may-sued-victoria-court-alleged-brawl/107356188 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._