AN East Coast Swans reserves player who struck an opponent and fractured his face in 2014 is on trial in the Launceston Supreme Court.
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Gregory John Medcraft has been charged with one count of assault.
The charge relates to a strike on Bridport reserves player Steven McKillop during a game on May 17, 2014, at Bridport.
Mr Medcraft, represented by lawyer Mark Doyle, has pleaded not guilty.
Mr Doyle argues that the contact between the pair - which is not disputed - did not constitute assault.
On Thursday, the court heard that the altercation between the pair occurred 10 minutes into the first quarter.
Bridport had possession of the ball and Mr McKillop, the full forward, was trying to fend off Mr Medcraft, the full-back, as he leapt towards the ball.
Mr McKillop claimed Mr Medcraft grabbed his guernsey and in response, Mr McKillop struck the accused's hand to try and break free from him.
Mr McKillop claimed that seconds later Mr Medcraft struck him with his forearm - a blow that fractured two of his cheekbones, his eye socket, a nasal bone, and misaligned his jaw.
Mr McKillop said he has not played a game of football since.
"The force was astronomical," he said.
Mr McKillop said he was hunched over on all-fours after the incident for two to three minutes.
"I got up and called him weak."
Mr McKillop said the pair had never met before the incident and had exchanged pleasantries about the weather prior to kickoff.
During his cross-examination of Mr Medcraft, Mr Doyle suggested the pair exchanged heated words during the game.
Mr McKillop denied the verbal exchange was aggressive.
The trial will continue on Friday and into next week.
It is expected to hear evidence from former North East Football Union president Leon Quilliam, witnesses, a doctor and a police officer.