AFL brawl accused claims self-defence

A man accused of assaulting former AFL player Jeff Garlett will argue he was acting in self-defence, a Melbourne court has been told.

Sudanese-born Samuel Gai, 25, was charged with affray, unlawful assault and recklessly causing injury during a fight between two groups in August last year.

The two groups had argued over a taxi before an altercation erupted in which traffic bollards were used as weapons.

Mr Garlett's then Carlton teammate Mitch Robinson suffered a fractured eye socket and nerve damage during the brawl.

Mr Garlett's brother Gerald and another man were also assaulted, according to court documents.

In January, three other men involved in the brawl, Emmanuel Golong, 27, Abram Hothnyang, 22, and Liep Kuel, 27, plead guilty to charges of affray and recklessly causing injury.

Gai's lawyer Aaron Eidelson told the court his client wished to contest the charges and would plead not guilty, claiming his actions were in self-defence.

Outside court, Mr Eidelson said Gai was protecting his friends.

"He says he came to the defence of his friends and three young Sudanese ladies who he says were confronted by the alleged victims," Mr Eidelson told AAP on Friday.

Gai had his bail extended, and will attend the Melbourne Magistrates Court in April.

Mr Garlett, his brother and the other man will face court in March.

Mr Robinson was not charged in relation to the incident.