Victoria’s police force is bracing for another weekend of violent protest action, with officer numbers set to be stretched to the limit as four separate groups of activists prepare for a showdown in Melbourne’s CBD.

Less than two weeks since flashpoints during a five-hour clash of protesters on city streets, police fear counter-protests this Saturday will be bigger and more violent than before.

“To be honest, Victoria Police have had enough of it. It’s gutless. It’s using the excuse of lawful protest as a reason to come together and be violent,” Superintendent Troy Papworth said.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Several far-right and far-left groups will gather, with police so concerned they’ll deploy more officers than two weeks ago, including some from regional areas, despite being stretched with their search for Dezi Freeman.

Police suspect the neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network will attend, though its leader Thomas Sewell won’t be there as he’s behind bars following his arrest over the previous protests.

“We’re also well aware of other people within that group who are willing to step up into that person’s shoes,” Superintendent Papworth warned.

The anti-government and anti-immigration protest is set for noon at State Parliament, while their opposition will gather at Flinders Street Station an hour earlier before attempting to confront the others and stop them from marching.

Police have tried to liaise with protest leaders with limited success. Organisers of the counter-rally have stated: “We call for no collaboration with the police. The police uphold the far-right and the white supremacist foundations of so-called Australia.”

“We have some groups who will not engage, who are intent on coming together and causing conflict,” Superintendent Papworth said.

The planned protests come after violent scenes two weeks ago when the March for Australia rally faced off against anti-racism and pro-Palestinian protesters across Melbourne’s CBD over five hours.

That day culminated in around 30 members of the National Socialist Network, armed with poles and pipes, attacking people at the sacred Indigenous burial ground Camp Sovereignty at Kings Domain. Two people were hospitalised and 20 have been arrested or charged over incidents from that day.

Police have advised visitors to “plan for extended delays and plan for extra time to get in and out of the city” but stopped short of recommending people stay away from Melbourne’s CBD entirely.