Fremantle has agreed to a request from forward Shane Yarran to take personal leave from the club so he can focus on personal and off-field matters.

Yarran made a brief appearance in court yesterday in relation to an alleged incident last month that resulted in him being charged with aggravated common assault. He has advised the club he intends to plead not guilty to the charge.

Following yesterday’s court appearance, Yarran was charged by police with unlawful wounding, stemming from an alleged incident in July 2015, before he was drafted by Fremantle in November that same year.

Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said in discussions with the 27-year-old yesterday and today, Yarran had requested some time away from the club so he could focus on personal and off-field matters.

“We have accepted Shane’s request for personal leave, which will allow him to concentrate on his personal life and also focus on some off-field matters,” Rosich said.

“We have been assisting Shane in dealing with these matters and will continue to do so.

“Shane’s return from personal leave will be assessed in consultation with him.

“The details around this most recent allegation, which allegedly occurred in mid-2015, are yet to be fully understood by the club.

“An allegation of this nature is treated with the utmost seriousness by the club and we will continue to monitor the legal process closely.

“As the matter is still before the courts, the club will not comment further until the matter is resolved.”