AFL player Jeff Garlett, ex-Carlton goalsneak & new Demons recruit, to contest charges over Melbourne CBD brawl

AFL player Jeff Garlett will fight charges over an alleged city brawl that saw him treated in hospital, with his lawyer saying he will claim self-defence.

GARLETT: goal sneak Jeff Garlett up on affray charges ...Magistrates Court. Picture : Mike Keating.

NEW Melbourne recruit Jeff Garlett will fight charges over an alleged city brawl that saw him hospitalised.

The former Carlton goalsneak was traded to the Dees last month.

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

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“We believe he has a defence of self-defence,” Mr Balmer told reporters outside court.

“At the moment on our advice we’re contesting the charges.

“You’ve got to remember, he got knocked out.”

Garlett was hospitalised with a laceration to the head following the incident.

Four other men have been charged in relation to the altercation outside a bar on Lonsdale Street.

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

The small forward kicked 183 goals in 107 games for the Blues, before being traded for picks 61 and 79. The Demons also got pick 83 as part of the deal.

After 68 games and 120 goals between 2011 and 2013, Garlett played just nine times for the Blues in 2014.

Originally published as AFL player Jeff Garlett, ex-Carlton goalsneak & new Demons recruit, to contest charges over Melbourne CBD brawl