Richmond star Noah Balta has fronted Corowa Local Court and pled guilty to an assault charge from a December 30 incident in Mulwala.
A man involved in the incident was taken to hospital, with Balta later handing himself in to police a few days after the incident.
Balta faced repercussions from Richmond and the AFL despite permission to continue pre-season training as normal, with the club eventually handing down a four-match suspension to the 25-year-old, which was soon agreed upon by the league.
The defender will also miss both pre-season fixtures and undertake counselling and complete education.
It is understood Balta is extremely remorseful for his actions.
Balta pled guilty to a single charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and has been granted bail until his next court hearing on Thursday, March 27, the date when he will learn his sentencing.
The 25-year-old is currently on Richmond's longest contract, signed to play at Punt Road until 2032.
Balta's return is set to be on Sunday, April 13, against Fremantle at the MCG.