The incident happened about 1am Sunday at the Royal Hotel in Daylesford, when a fight erupted between five players.

Daylesford Police Sergeant Andrew Guiney said one of the players, a 19-year-old from Barkstead, had been charged with criminal damage after allegedly smashing the window of a real estate agent after the fight.

"It became a very ugly and nasty brawl, both inside and outside," Sgt Guiney said.

"When we got there four men were brawling, two in each fight, on the ground. They broke up upon police arrival and we removed one of them from the scene."

"The behaviour was certainly atrocious and if it had been at a time of a day when people were there and they were offended, outraged or shocked, brawling charges would have been made against all five. But given the fact it

happened at 1am, we are just waiting to see what happens."

Sgt Guiney said the fight was between the players, and there were only a few people inside the hotel at the time of the incident.

The Royal Hotel is a major sponsor of the football club.

Hotel owner Wayne Sharp said he was interstate at the time of the fracas, and was planning to meet with club officials yesterday to get the full story before making any further comment.

Daylesford Football Club coach Darren McColl would not comment on the incident.

The brawl follows the resignation of club president Barry Phypers, which also occurred at the weekend.

Mr Phypers said his resignation had nothing to do with the brawl, but problems he had with some reserves players at the club.

Mr Phypers said it was up to players to behave responsibly when socialising.

"You can't hold players' hands when they are away from football. If they are banned by a pub, then it is their own fault," he said.