An Indian student killed on his way to work in Melbourne's west earlier this year, was threatened and chased on at least two other occasions before his death, a court has been told.

Nitin Garg, 21, was stabbed to death in January on his way to work at Hungry Jack's in Yarraville.

Police believe Mr Garg was attacked in nearby Cruikshank Park before staggering to the restaurant.

He died later in hospital.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in a Melbourne children's court this morning charged with one count of murder.

The boy's defence lawyer told the court the charges will be contested at a committal hearing early next year.

The prosecutor said one of Mr Garg's workmates told police about an incident early last year in which the student was threatened and pursued by a stranger.

He said the stranger had gone to the restaurant in April or May looking for Mr Garg.

The defence lawyer said the first assault in 2009 had involved a knife, and the stranger's return to the restaurant some months later was relevant to the case.

The prosecution opposed the cross-examination of that witness, saying the evidence could be covered by other witnesses and the police informant.

The magistrate said she would be unable to make a decision today on which witnesses would be compelled to testify and adjourned the case until next week.