The penalties continue to mount for Essendon's rising AFL star Michael Hurley after his assault of a Melbourne taxi driver.

The Bombers had already suspended the 19-year-old for all their pre-season games and now he is sidelined until round four of the premiership season as well.

Essendon have also told Hurley to complete an alcohol counselling course and to do at least 20 extra hours of community service work.

They announced the added sanctions on Friday, soon after Hurley appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court.

Hurley had an eye-catching debut season for Essendon last year, playing 10 senior games and earning a Rising Star award nomination.

The No.5 pick in the 2008 national draft is an outstanding prospect as a tall utility.

Police picked up Hurley on September 25 last year after he was involved in a dispute over an unpaid $13.80 fare, during which an Indian taxi driver was punched and kicked in Hoddle Street, Richmond, early in the morning.

Hurley had been drinking at a party after the grand final edition of Channel Nine's The Footy Show earlier that evening.

He has faced five charges in relation to the incident, including recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault.

Hurley's bid to avoid conviction suffered a setback during Friday's court appearance.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Dan Muling said the circumstances of the assault were too serious for Hurley to be considered for a diversion program.

A diversion program allows first time offenders to avoid a criminal record by undertaking conditions that will benefit them, the victim and the community.

Mr Muling adjourned his decision on the application for diversion until June 11 so the victim, who is currently overseas, can be contacted.

"But I'm not sure what that's going to achieve in the scheme of things," Mr Muling told the court.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP