Police are investigating an assault allegation made against Collingwood AFL player Ryan Cook.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been accused of twice punching a man in the face at Sale, country Victoria, in the early hours of January 18.

It is claimed the man needed facial surgery as a result of the incident.

Cook was in Sale for the 21st birthday party of Magpies teammate Scott Pendlebury.

A police spokeswoman said the investigation was ongoing, with no arrests made yet.

The Magpies said Cook would cooperate fully with police, but they believed he had acted in self-defence.

"The Collingwood Football Club has been advised by Ryan Cook that he was involved in an incident outside a hotel in Sale," the club said in a statement.

"Ryan will be fully cooperating with police. Through the club's investigation it appears that Ryan acted entirely in self-defence and the club will not be taking any disciplinary action against the player.

"The club will be in regular contact with police as they conduct their investigation and will be advised of any new developments."

Cook has played 12 AFL games, including the Magpies' two finals last season.

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