Carl Murray, Daniel McKay and Jayden Shaw faced a committal mention via video link at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Thursday over the December incident.

Police allege two teenage boys, one aged 15, were at the Doug Dean Recreational Reserve on Greenhalghs Road about 7am on December 31 when a light-coloured sedan approached them.

Three men were inside the sedan. One of the men allegedly demanded the victims hand over their personal belongings, while producing a firearm.

The teenagers handed over several of their items before running from the scene. Police believe several shots were then discharged from the firearm, however the victims were not injured.

Before the alleged armed robbery, the three men allegedly targeted a runner at Mount Pleasant and demanded he hand over his mobile phone.

About a week after the alleged incidents, 25-year-old Shaw, of Black Hill, was arrested at Delacombe and 29-year-old Murray, of Clunes, was arrested at Bakery Hill.

Police allege a firearm was located in Murray's vehicle. At the time, police continued to search for McKay, 20.

Crown prosecutor Ashleigh Harrold told the court DNA evidence, ballistics evidence and fingerprint evidence may take six months, possibly due to the coronarvirus pandemic.

A contested committal hearing, where a magistrate will decide whether there is enough evidence for an accused to stand trial, will be held for Murray and McKay on December 9.

The pair will claim identification is an issue with the prosecution case. Up to five people are expected to give evidence, including the three victims and two police officers. Shaw will return to court on October 15 for a special mention. The three men, who remain in custody, have been charged with armed robbery.

During McKay's court appearance on Thursday, he pleaded guilty to more than 15 charges unrelated to the alleged armed robbery, including fraudulently using a credit card, refusing to undergo a drug-driving test, riding a motorbike while unlicensed and breaching a community corrections order.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Steve Kent said after McKay's employment of six months ended, he fraudulently used his employers business credit card to purchase power tools from Sebastopol's G Gay and Co hardware store.

On four occasions in March, McKay forged an former co-worker's signature to purchase the items which totaled more than $1000.

On September 2, McKay stole a tub of tools and an antique typewriter from a Ballarat Storage King storage unit while he went there with two associates, telling them he had to collect his father's belongings.

He was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, reckoned as already served, fined $1627.40 including court costs and banned from driving for two years.

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