Adrian Whitehead is facing one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following the incident in Thurgoona on September 10.

The 42-year-old, who played in Carlton’s 1995 premiership-winning side, must front the Albury Local Court on November 14.

He strongly denies the allegations and will fight the charge, but has stepped aside as senior coach of Hume Football League club Holbrook in light of the allegations.

It was reported to police that the woman was hit in the face after getting off the Beer Deluxe courtesy bus about 4.20am.

The bus had stopped at Thurgoona, near the intersection of Honeyeater Circuit and Egret Way, and several people got off. 

Police were told there had been a verbal altercation, leading to groups walking in opposition directions, before the woman was hit.

A man was said to have been dragged away from the altercation. 

It’s believed the impact damaged her teeth and her jaw.

The woman attended the Albury police station and reported the matter to officers later that day.

Holbrook president David Morton said the club was aware of the incident.

“Adrian Whitehead is stepping aside from his coaching duties whilst he works through a personal issue,” he said.

“He has the full support of the Holbrook Football Club.”

Mr Morton said Whitehead hadn’t been sacked, but would not be in the coaching position while the legal matters were pending.

The 42-year-old has been at the club for two years after coaching the Wodonga Raiders for several seasons. 

He was an AFL Rising Star nominee in 1995 – the same year Carlton won its last flag – and played every game that season.

Whitehead played 63 games for the club before his AFL career ended with his delisting in 1999.

Police did not name Whitehead, but said a 42-year-old Thurgoona man had been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. 

They said he was granted conditional bail to appear before the Albury court.