Police have upgraded an assault charge against Collingwood footballer Marley Williams to grievous bodily harm.

Mr Williams, 19, allegedly punched 29-year-old Bateman man Matthew Robertson in the face, breaking his jaw in two places during an altercation outside Albany nightclub Studio 146 in the early hours of December 27.

Mr Robertson was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment and required a steel plate to be placed in his jaw.

Mr Williams, originally from Albany, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning bodily harm in January and was scheduled to next appear in Albany Magistrates Court on March 21 to set a trial date.

But in court today, police confirmed the charge would be upgraded after reassessing the state of the victim’s injuries from medical reports.

Police advised Mr Williams’ lawyers on Tuesday that they would be upgrading the charge. The matter was adjourned until March 7.

Williams has been named to play for Collingwood in their NAB Cup match with West Coast at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.