Kangaroo soccer star Jack Ziebell is rushed to hospital after a group of men beat him in an unprovoked attack as he celebrated his retirement in Melbourne
- North Melbourne star, 32, with facial injuries
- Was attacked outside a bar in South Yarra, Melbourne
- Victoria Police have launched an investigation
North Melbourne prop Jack Ziebell suffered an unprovoked attack outside a bar just hours after retiring from the AFL amid emotional scenes at the MCG.
The 32-year-old spent the rest of the night in hospital with facial injuries after being attacked by a group of men outside a bar in South Yarra, the Kangaroos said.
After celebrating his 280th and final game at a club reception on Saturday night, Ziebell left with a group of his Kangaroos teammates and club staff.
Victoria Police attended the scene and are investigating.
“Officers have been advised that a 32 year old man was assaulted in what is believed to be an unprovoked incident outside a bar on Commercial Road on Sunday August 20 at around 1am,” said a Victoria Police spokesperson.
Ziebell (pictured with his daughter Pippa after the final siren of his last game) suffered facial injuries after being tackled at South Yarra
The assault left the 32-year-old (pictured with wife Shannie and daughter Pippa) in hospital overnight as Victoria Police launched an investigation
“It appears the victim was pushed down the road by the assailant, who was in the company of two other men, before being punched in the face and kicked when he fell to the ground.
“The trio then fled.
“The injured man was not seriously injured.
“Police are investigating whether the assault may have followed a reported fight inside the venue which resulted in the trio being kicked out of the venue.”
Ziebell made his debut for the Kangaroos in 2009 after being picked with pick nine in the 2008 draft.
He retired from the AFL on Saturday, with Richmond legends Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt also retiring in the same game as the Tigers won by 29 points.
His Kangaroos may have lost the clash against Richmond, but Ziebell scored the occasion with this flagship species against Liam Baker
The former skipper was prolific in his 280th and final AFL game, earning 23 eliminations and taking a huge hanger over Liam Baker to add one final clip to his set of career highlights.
“He’s been such a tough warrior for club football,” said North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson.
“Always the team first, always sacrificing his own game for the good of the team.
“It really is quite a special day – three stalwarts who have played 14-15 years of football are all retiring in one day.”
