FORMER AFL player Shannon Grant has faced court accused of assault, smashing a laptop and throwing a phone.
Grant’s lawyer has described the case as “personal and private”, saying it could hurt his reputation and family.
The North Melbourne premiership player was arrested at his Highett home last week on 18 charges including assault, intentionally causing injury and criminal damage.
Grant, 40, allegedly committed assaults on three separate occasions in 2017.
It’s also alleged he stomped on a victim’s foot, caused injury by throwing a mobile phone, and damaged a laptop.
Grant, who won the 1999 Norm Smith medal with the Kangaroos, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Wednesday for a brief hearing.
“Mr Grant is obviously concerned about the fact that matters of a personal and private nature relating to him are now a matter of public and media concern,” defence lawyer Nicole Spicer said outside court.
“He will where appropriate be defending the charges and will be addressing them in a full and appropriate manner.”
Ms Spicer said the proceedings were difficult for Grant but he was mostly worried about his family’s welfare.
“He is mainly concerned about his family and his capacity to protect his family,” she told reporters.
“He is obtaining support from friends and community members and he’s dealing with the matters seriously.”
Grant’s arrest came two days after his shock resignation from a coaching role with amateur club St Kevin’s Old Boys.
Prosecutors told the court they were still gathering witness statements in the case.
The matters were adjourned for a contest mention on March 23 as investigations continue.
Grant played 301 AFL games, including 243 for North Melbourne, and won the club’s best and fairest award in 2001.