Former AFL Players Dion Prestia and Steven May Face Civil Lawsuit
A personal injury claim follows an alleged 2024 brawl on the Mornington Peninsula.
1Civil Litigation Initiated
Former AFL players Dion Prestia and Steven May are currently facing a personal injury lawsuit in the Victorian Supreme Court. The legal action stems from an alleged brawl that occurred on the Mornington Peninsula during the 2024 Boxing Day period. A single plaintiff, whose identity remains restricted, is seeking damages for injuries.
2Background of Allegations
The incident involved an alleged streetside altercation in the coastal town of Sorrento. Following the event, both players were initially charged by authorities with offenses including affray and recklessly causing serious injury. Although these criminal charges were subsequently dropped in May 2026, the civil proceedings regarding the alleged assault are now moving forward.
3Expanding Legal Scope
During a recent directions hearing held at the Supreme Court on Friday, legal representatives confirmed that two additional defendants have been added to the civil case. This expansion suggests a more complex legal battle than initially anticipated. The court is now managing a multi-party civil claim alongside the existing criminal matter context.
4Damages and Medical Claims
While specific details of the claim remain sealed in court documents, it is understood that the plaintiff is seeking compensation for medical costs incurred from the incident. Two men were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following the altercation. The court has yet to release the full particulars regarding the financial damages being requested.
5Criminal and Civil Intersection
The civil action is currently paused, as criminal matters related to the incident remain before the court. Legal experts indicate that the civil case is unlikely to commence until the criminal proceedings are fully finalized. This procedural delay ensures that the civil litigation does not interfere with the ongoing criminal justice process.
6Professional Athletic Careers
Dion Prestia, a three-time premiership player, recorded 254 games for Richmond and Gold Coast. He is scheduled to join Hawthorn's coaching staff for the 2027 season. Steven May, who played 251 games for Melbourne and Gold Coast, was part of the 2021 premiership squad before retiring suddenly on the eve of 2026.
7Denial of Involvement
Throughout the investigation and subsequent legal challenges, both Dion Prestia and Steven May have strenuously denied any involvement in the alleged assault. Their legal teams have maintained this position since the charges were first brought forward. The upcoming court proceedings will serve as the venue for testing these claims under oath.
8Future Legal Outlook
The case highlights the intersection of professional sports and legal accountability. As the Victorian Supreme Court continues to oversee the directions hearings, the public and the sporting community await further clarity on the timeline. The resolution of this civil claim will depend heavily on the finalization of the underlying criminal matters.