Former AFL star Shannon Grant has been granted bail while he appeals against a six-month jail sentence for assaulting his former partner.

The 41-year-old North Melbourne premiership player faced the Moorabbin Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to seven charges, including unlawful assault and recklessly causing injury.

He admitted to assaulting his former partner on several occasions between June and December last year, including stomping on her foot at a Victorian resort in December.

Magistrate Thomas Barrett sentenced Grant to six months in jail but his lawyers filed an urgent appeal against the ruling.

He was granted bail and will reappear in August.

Earlier during the sentencing hearing, defence lawyer Nicole Spicer had argued against a jail sentence, saying Grant had taken significant steps to address the causes of his behaviour.

She said he had suffered greatly as a result of his wrongdoing and had lost his job as the coach of St Kevins Old Boys' Football Club.

"He is deeply ashamed of his actions, he regrets them," Ms Spicer told the court.

"He's also had to actively confront the issue of his alcohol use and misuse."

Ms Spicer said Grant had used alcohol to cope with emotional problems, but had remained sober since March this year.

The court heard Grant attended an alcohol rehabilitation program, participated in a men's behavioural change group and had started seeing a psychologist.

In a written victim impact statement, Mr Grant's former partner detailed the physical and psychological impact of the assaults.

She said she had been unable to work after developing post-traumatic stress disorder and suffered from recurring nightmares and insomnia.

The statement also described her physical injuries, such as concussion, nerve pain, bruising and ongoing issues with her left foot, including scarring and an inability to wear closed-toe shoes.

Grant played 301 games for North Melbourne and Sydney between 1995 and 2008.

He was part of the Kangaroos' 1999 premiership team, winning the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground.