Retired Essendon footballer Nathan Lovett-Murray has tweeted pictures of himself in Aboriginal tribal paint, promising "payback" for a relative who was allegedly killed at a Heywood football match on the weekend.

Mr Lovett-Murray posted the image to Twitter and Instagram at 4.15am on Thursday with the caption: "Payback will be delivered Unc". understood to be a reference to Heywood man Darren Bell, who died after an alleged assault on Saturday.

Steven Saunders, charged with the manslaughter of Darren Bell, leaves Melbourne Magistrates Court on bail. Credit:Justin McManus

Mr Bell was believed to be the uncle and mentor of Mr Lovett-Murray, who affectionately referred to him as "Unc Bushy" and "Uncle Bushrat".

"Going to miss you Unc Bushy taken too soon but I know your (sic) in a better place in the dreamtime with your big brother. Payback will be served !!!" Mr Lovett Murray also wrote on social media.