Footballer escapes assault conviction

An AFL player has escaped conviction over a drunken assault at a Melbourne bistro that's left a bouncer with nightmares.

Toby Greene was fined $2500 for the unlawful assault at Zagame's restaurant in May.

The night turned sour after the Greater Western Sydney player and his friends were told they would no longer be served alcohol, and later were asked to leave.

Police prosecutors told the Melbourne Magistrates Court Greene stepped in after the bouncer and one of his friends started to wrestle.

Greene, who was using a crutch because of an ankle injury, punched the bouncer twice to the head or upper body.

The 21-year-old - who is from Melbourne but lives in Rozelle in Sydney during the AFL season - was pulled away by a staff member, but punched the victim twice more before the group fled.

Both men were later arrested and spent four hours in police cells for being drunk in a public place.

Greene's lawyer Bernie Balmer said he had already been punished by his football club and had potentially missed out on bonus earnings.

Greater Western Sydney fined Greene $5000 and issued him with a five-match suspension for drinking alcohol while injured and for failing to notify the club of his arrest.

Magistrate Franz Holzer supported the prosecution's call for general deterrence.

"As a public figure he is expected to be a role model," he said.

Reading from a victim impact statement Mr Holzer said the bouncer still had nightmares and believed that one more punch or kick could have killed him.

"Gratuitous street violence in this manner shouldn't be condoned," he said.

Both men were fined $2500 without conviction.

Greene said he was sorry for the distress caused by his actions.

"I acknowledge that I let myself, family, friends and teammates down," he said in a statement.

"I have learned a lot about my responsibilities as a citizen and to my club.

"I now look forward to returning to training and continuing to make a contribution to the club and the community both on and off the field."

GWS general manager of football Graeme Allan said there would be no further sanctions imposed on Greene by the club.

"The club took a strong position when it dealt with this matter earlier this year," he said.

"Toby has accepted responsibility for his actions and we are confident he has emerged from this experience a better person."