October 2, 2007

Brownlow medallists Michael Voss and Simon Black have avoided convictions over a pub brawl on grand final eve last year.

The Brisbane AFL stars successfully applied to the Melbourne Magistrates' Court to have their charges to be dealt with through a diversion order.

Voss and Black have been ordered to do community work for the Alcohol Related Brain Injury Association - which provides services in alcohol and other substance related brain impairment.

Magistrate Paul Smith said their profiles would allow them to influence young footballers about alcohol abuse.

The two footballers were charged with assault after a brawl at the Prince of Wales Hotel, in St Kilda, on September 29, 2006.

Jarrod Rouse, 29, of Box Hill, who threw a billiard ball during the fight, had previously pleaded guilty to conduct endangering serious injury and was fined $2,800 by the same court.

Voss, the 1996 Brownlow medallist and triple premiership captain who retired last year, is alleged to have struck Rouse with an open hand, while Black is accused of kicking him.

Mr Smith said the footballers were appropriate candidates for a diversion order - which can be issued for first time minor offences.

It allows an offender to avoid a conviction and usually involves community work, making an apology or a fine.

Mr Smith said he accepted the men's offences occurred over a very short period of time and alcohol was a very significant factor in each case.

He also said the men had accepted responsibility for their actions and showed remorse.

"This appears to be out of character. It appears to be a one off. So you're entitled to keep your good names intact," Mr Smith said.

The footballers' lawyer Michael Bosscher told the court both his clients had no prior convictions.

He agreed that Black played a larger role in the incident than Voss.

He described the 2002 Brownlow medallist's behaviour as "10 seconds of madness" followed by admirable behaviour in which he organised for others to be placed in taxis and away from the scene.

Mr Bosscher said Black was a leader at his club, contributed significantly to charity work and was acutely embarrassed to find himself in court.

Retired St Kilda footballer Fraser Gehrig faces court on an assault charge over the same incident in November. His application to have his charges dealt with by diversion was rejected by a magistrate last month.

Former Brisbane Lions player Steven Lawrence, who is also charged with assault over the incident, will appear in court on October 30.

Rouse, his girlfriend and another friend, who were at the pub on the night of the brawl, have commenced civil proceedings against the footballers.

They are seeking damages for psychological and physical suffering as well as medical expenses.

Brisbane club chairman Tony Kelly said he was disappointed Black appeared in court.

"I am obviously disappointed at having a Lions player appearing before the court, but I know that Simon's high profile and standing within the community will certainly assist the great work provided by ARBIAS in his diversion program," Mr Kelly said in the statement.

Link to story on Real Footy website: AFL stars avoid conviction over brawl