Heath John Goodman, 42, of Rashleigh Street, Digby, has pleaded not guilty in the Warrnambool County Court to three assault-related offences.

At about 4.30pm on November 25, 2012, landlord Ian Douglas and tenant Ronald Ross were loading a dismantled shed onto a trailer while Heath Goodman and his father John were moving sheep down a road and an incident unfolded.

In closing addresses crown prosecutor Kevin Doyle said there was no doubt Mr Ross was rude, angry, a loner who kept to himself and who had a troubled background.

He said the case had been characterised as a good bloke versus a bad bloke, but the evidence of Mr Douglas supported Mr Ross and there was no doubt Mr Ross had been punched, knocked to the ground and taken to hospital.

The prosecutor said when called a liar in court Mr Ross was angry and "did overdo it" but that didn't mean he was not telling the truth.

Mr Doyle said no one was allowed to go on to someone's property and thump another person. 

Legal counsel for Mr Goodman, Paul Scanlon, QC, said his client had acted in self-defence when he punched Mr Ross.

He said Heath Goodman thought his father was in danger as he was being approached by Mr Ross carrying a large piece of wood, that Mr Ross was out of control and he was telling John Goodman he was going to beat the crap out of him.

Mr Scanlon said Heath Goodman struck Mr Ross but that was perfectly legal and justifiable to protect himself and his father.