Power star Brandon Zerk-Thatcher forced to ‘run for his life’ after suspicious Glenelg fire

A home and an Audi have been completely destroyed in a huge suspicious fire – described as a “fireball” – which forced a Port Adelaide AFL star to flee to safety. Video: 7NEWS

A Glenelg East townhouse and an Audi have been completely destroyed in a suspicious fire, forcing a Port Adelaide AFL star to flee for his life.

Police and fire crews were called to Brighton Rd at Glenelg East just after 2am on Thursday, following reports of a car on fire in a driveway.

On arrival, patrols found the Audi sedan was fully alight with the fire having spread to a nearby home.

7NEWS Adelaide reporter Peter Caldicott told ABC Radio the Audi car was a “total fireball” when emergency services arrived.

Power star Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has told of the terrifying moment he was forced to evacuate his house with his partner and two cats after an arson attack at Glenelg East. Detectives are on the scene investigating. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/Hyo7WbIZDq

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) July 3, 2025

It’s been reported the neighbour of the destroyed home was Port Adelaide player Brandon Zerk Thatcher. Picture: File

“The flames were spreading up into the townhouse where it was parked and completely destroyed it.”

He said the neighbours of the destroyed home were Port Adelaide player Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and his partner, who were forced to flee.

“Him and his girlfriend Abby were just very, very lucky to get out safely, they grabbed their two cats Pickles and Olive … and ran for their lives,” he said.

Police said the fire was being treated as suspicious after witnesses reported seeing people running from the scene shortly after the fire started.

Crime scene investigators and detectives have gone to the scene as inquiries continue.

Originally published as Power star Brandon Zerk-Thatcher forced to ‘run for his life’ after suspicious Glenelg fire