Mick Malthouse has been left with minor injuries after a terrifying attempted burglary at his Melbourne apartment in the early hours of Thursday. The 72-year-old confronted three men armed with weapons, chasing them into a nearby laneway where he was assaulted.
Police confirmed officers were called to the scene around 12.30 am following reports of men trying to force entry.
MORE: In-doubt Collingwood forward named to face Adelaide
“A resident of the property chased the offenders to a nearby laneway, where he was assaulted. The offenders fled on foot,” a statement read.
‘One tried to stab me in the chest’
Speaking to the Herald Sun, the former Collingwood and West Coast coach revealed he had been struck by a screwdriver but managed to fend off the attackers with an old exercise bar.
“There were three blokes on the other side (of our door) with a bit of weaponry,” Malthouse said.
MORE: AFL clubs keen on Collingwood star Bobby Hill - AFL trade news
“I was able to get through and force them down the stairs with a little bit of interest on the way down. There was a fair bit of action. One tried to jab me (with the screwdriver) and only partially succeeded. He tried to stab me in the chest, so I’ve got a mark on my chest, and they whacked my arm a couple of times.”
Malthouse declined medical treatment but admitted the ordeal had rattled his family. “Nanette is doing it pretty hard, it’s taken its toll,” he said of his wife.
Police investigations are ongoing.