MELBOURNE footballer Jeff Garlett has failed to front court on a drink-driving charge, claiming he was at training and oblivious to the hearing.



But Magistrate Luisa Bazzani rejected his excuse and warned the court would show the AFL player no further leniency.



Garlett is accused of driving along busy Brunswick thoroughfare Sydney Road while unlicensed and more than double the legal blood alcohol limit last July.



His lawyer told Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday the 25-year-old was at training with Melbourne and was unaware of the court date due to recently moving house.



Ms Bazzani said the Demons forward therefore failed the requirement to register his new address with licensing authority VicRoads.



"I don't accept his reason for not being here," she said.



His lawyer said Garlett intended to plead guilty to both driving unlicensed and with a blood alcohol level of .115 at the next scheduled hearing in March.



"There will be no further excuses for Mr Garlett," Ms Bazzani warned.

Melbourne said in a statement that Garlett also failed to inform the club about the incident and that was "extremely disappointing".



Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said: "This is a clear setback in terms of the way the club became aware of the issue and ultimately Jeff is extremely embarrassed about these actions.



"The club will continue to gather additional information before deciding on the appropriate course of action."



Garlett will also return to court next month to face an affray charge over a separate incident.



The alleged offending saw Garlett knocked unconscious during an early morning street brawl in Melbourne's CBD last August.



Garlett kicked 183 goals in 107 games for Carlton before the club traded him to Melbourne at the end of the 2014 AFL season.