A former AFL player charged with drug possession has been unable to face an online court hearing after suffering a stroke.
Ron De Iulio, 49, who played 104 matches for Carlton during the 1990s, is charged with possessing ice and $4350 in cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime, in June 2021.
His lawyer Zoe Davis on Wednesday told Melbourne Magistrates Court her client could not face an online hearing after suffering a stroke in early October.
Ms Davis also applied to have De Iulio's charges withheld from the media, arguing that he was in a vulnerable state that could be exacerbated by further attention from the press.
"His physical health has drastically reduced and his psychological health has drastically reduced," Ms Davis said.
"He is required to not be in a position of excess stress."
Ms Davis said De Iulio could have died during the "neurological event" before referring to "potential prejudice".
However, magistrate Jason Ong rejected the lawyer's request for an interim suppression order, citing the importance of open justice and accurate reporting.
De Iulio is expected to face court on December 8.
