Man charged with arson of Melbourne pub

A man has been charged with arson over a fire that destroyed a South Melbourne pub part-owned by AFL Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan and former rugby league international Robbie Kearns.

A 47-year-old Berwick man faced a Melbourne court on Wednesday charged with one count of arson.

The Albion Hotel, in York Street, was destroyed on October 5 last year, just before it was about to re-open after months of renovations.

It is part-owned by Collingwood star Swan and former Melbourne Storm NRL players Kearns and Danny Williams.

Former Western Bulldogs player Luke Darcy's brother, Matt, is the principal owner of the pub.

The Berwick man will appear in court at a later date.