West Coast Eagle Isiah Winder faces assault charges but returns to AFL practice after ‘gaining confidence’

West Coast boy Isiah Winder has been charged with assault following an incident in Geelong in early December.

The Eagles confirmed the 20-year-old will face trial later this year over the incident, which took place at a party while he was in Geelong at a summit for the AFL’s indigenous and multicultural players.

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Winder was initially dropped from the club and relegated to the WAFL program, but after regaining the club’s trust, he was allowed to return to training with the AFL roster Monday.

“The club continued to support Isiah while he was ordered to train with the WAFL squad following an incident in Geelong at the end of a camp for the AFL’s indigenous and multicultural players,” the club said in a statement.

“He worked hard to regain the confidence of players and staff before returning to training with the AFL roster.

“As this matter is due to go to court later this year, the club are unable to comment further at this time.”

Winder was among the large group of AFL and AFLW players who attended the summit, which took place between November 30 and December 3.

7NEWS reporter Ryan Daniels said in early December, “It is alleged that Winder was involved in a physical altercation at a party while under the influence of alcohol.”

The 20-year-old’s last AFL game came in Round 12 last year. He was delisted by West Coast at the end of the 2022 season, but received a career lifeline when the Eagles put him on their rookie list.

Winder, drafted with pick 57 in 2020, has played seven AFL games for the West Coast.