AFL player Garlett to fight affray charge

AFL player Jeff Garlett will fight a charge of affray over an altercation outside a Melbourne bar.

Garlett appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court briefly on Monday when lawyer Bernie Balmer requested the matter be adjourned for a contest mention in March.

Garlett was charged with one count of affray following the alleged fight on August 3.

Speaking outside the court, Mr Balmer said Garlett would argue self-defence.

"At the moment on our advice we're contesting the charges," he told reporters.

"You've got to remember, he got knocked out."

Garlett, who left Carlton this year to play for Melbourne, was hospitalised with a laceration to the head following the incident.

Four other men have been charged over the alleged fight outside a bar on Lonsdale Street.

Garlett's bail was extended until his next court date on March 20.