Richmond Tigers’ star’s home is set on fire days before the AFL Grand Final and police say the terrifying blaze WAS suspicious
- Police are investigating a ‘suspicious’ fire at Nick Vlastuin’s Surf Coast home
- The star Richmond Tigers’ defender is set to play in Saturday’s AFL Grand Final
- The 26-year-old lived in the beach getaway when the season was suspended
A ‘suspicious’ blaze at the Surf Coast home of a Richmond Tigers star will be investigated by police – as the defender prepares for the AFL Grand Final.
Nick Vlastuin is currently in Queensland ahead of his team’s clash with Geelong Cats at The Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday.
The 26-year-old lived in his ocean-side getaway in Torquay, south-west of Melbourne, from March to June when the season was shut down due to the coronavirus crisis.
Police are investigating a ‘suspicious’ fire at Nick Vlastuin’s surf coast home, just one day before he’s set to play in the AFL Grand Final (pictured with partner Georgia Kelly)
Vlastuin lived in his ocean-side getaway in Torquay from March-June when the season was shut down due to the coronavirus crisis
‘Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a suspicious fire which occurred in Torquay early Friday morning,’ Victoria Police said in a statement to AFL.com.au.
‘Crews quickly brought the blaze under control and only the front entrance and porch were damaged.’
At this stage no arrests have been made and police say investigations are ongoing.
Richmond said in a statement they have been contacted by police about fire.
‘The property suffered minor fire damage to the front entrance, and there were no occupants in the home at the time,’ the Tigers said.
‘As Victoria Police are investigating the matter, the club will make no further comment.’
At this stage no arrests have been made and police say investigations are ongoing (Vlastuin is pictured with partner Georgia Kelly)
Vlastuin is vying for his third premiership flag in just four seasons on Saturday after playing a pivotal role for the Tigers again this year.
But the house fire is not the only off field drama the Vlaustin has had to contend with this year.
Back in August he caused controversy after appearing to grope a team mate during post match celebrations.
Bizarre locker room footage captured Vlaustin and Jayden Short touching Mabior Chol’s crotch on several separate occasions.
The South Sudanese-born forward can be seen becoming visually upset and angry at the pair.
The strange incident drew outrage online and from various commentators and Vlastuin quickly apologised.
‘It was a stupid action and I am deeply embarrassed. I’ve apologised to Mabior,’ Vlastuin said.
The property suffered minor fire damage to the front entrance, and there were no occupants in the home at the time (Vlastuin is pictured together with partner Georgia Kelly)
The Richmond Tiger’s defender is currently in Queensland as his team prepares to take on the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on Saturday