North Melbourne AFL player Majak Daw was flanked by family and friends as he faced court for the first time on rape charges.
Daw, 23, is facing three counts of rape which he allegedly committed against a girl when he was aged 16 in 2007.
He was supported in court by a group of friends and family, and sat quietly throughout the brief Melbourne Magistrates Court filing hearing.
He will return to court on August 22 to face a committal mention hearing.
Daw, of Wyndham Vale, made no comment to journalists as he left court, making a quick departure in a waiting car.
He was the first Sudan-born player to reach the AFL and has played 12 games since joining North Melbourne as a rookie in 2009.
The club says it will support him and that he will remain available to play for the Kangaroos' AFL and VFL sides.
The AFL has backed the club's decision but has restricted Daw, who is one of the league's multicultural ambassadors, from making promotional appearances.
The alleged incident occurred at Altona Meadows, in Melbourne's west, in March 2007.
