North Melbourne veteran Jack Ziebell has spent the night in hospital following an unprovoked attack on Saturday night in South Yarra.
In the wake of the side's 101-72 defeat at the hands of Richmond, Ziebell attended a club function before moving on to a licensed venue with teammates and staff.
In a statement released on Sunday morning, North confirmed the 32-year-old had been attacked whilst leaving the bar and suffered injuries to his face and head.
"North Melbourne is aware of an incident involving Jack Ziebell at a South Yarra bar overnight," the statement said.
"Ziebell had been celebrating his final match at a club function earlier in the evening and headed to the venue with a group of teammates and some staff following the event.
"He later exited the venue and was immediately 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.
"Victoria Police attended the incident."
Ziebell is likely to miss the side's final game of the season against Gold Coast next Saturday, with the former captain expected to undergo facial surgery.
Retired North Melbourne great Jack Ziebell was involved in an incident last night outside The Osborne Bar in South Yarra.
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) August 19, 2023
He was coward punched in an unprovoked attack and is currently in hospital. He will likely need facial surgery. Details on #CrunchTime at 11am. @1116sen
In response to a inquiries by @7NewsMelbourne earlier, police have confirmed Ziebell’s assault.
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) August 19, 2023
‘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.’
At this stage, it is uncertain whether the group of men have been charged by police.
More to come...
