Jack Ziebell attacked outside bar in South Yarra

Retiring North Melbourne great Jack Ziebell spent Saturday night in hospital after being attacked outside a bar in Melbourne following his farewell game against Richmond.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 19: Jack Ziebell of the Kangaroos runs out with his daughter during the round 23 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 19, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

North Melbourne great Jack Ziebell may need facial surgery after he was set upon in an “unprovoked” attack by three men as he was celebrating his retirement.

According to a statement from the club, Ziebell was attacked by the men outside The Osborne, a popular bar on Commercial Rd, South Yarra, about 1am on Sunday.

The 32-year-old could be facing surgery on his nose and has been bruised around his face but is otherwise well.

The retiring Roo had been at a club function in Richmond on Saturday night before heading out with a group of friends, teammates and North Melbourne staff.

The beloved veteran was celebrating after he played the last of his 280 AFL games on Saturday against Richmond.

It is understood the men were waiting out the front of the bar after they were told to leave following a potential scuffle inside the venue and when Ziebell stepped outside he was attacked.

Jack Ziebell played his final game on Saturday. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Police attended the scene after the incident and are investigating whether the earlier push and shove was related to the attack on Ziebell.

A police statement said it “appears the victim was pushed onto the road by the offender, who was in the company of two other men, before he was punched to the face and kicked when he fell to the ground”.

The three men then fled the scene, while Ziebell was taken to hospital where he spent the night.

A North Melbourne statement said Ziebell was “set upon by a group of men in an unprovoked attack”.

“He suffered injuries to his face and head and needed to spend the night in hospital,” the statement read.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.