By Luke Voogt
Police are hunting an arsonist who set fire to Richmond Tigers premiership player Nick Vlaustuin’s Torquay property on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final.
Detectives on Sunday released CCTV footage of a person appearing to use a jerry can of accelerant to start the suspicious fire.
Emergency services were called to the fire at an unoccupied house under construction on Grandview Road about 1.50am.
Crews quickly brought the blaze under control and only the front entrance and porch were damaged.
Torquay Crime Investigation Unit detectives on Sunday released photos taken from the CCTV footage of “a person they believe can assist with their enquiries”, Victoria Police spokesperson Leading Senior Constable Rohan Imms said.
“Police are yet to make any arrests and the investigation is ongoing.”
Police urged anyone who witnessed the incident or with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
The Tigers player also suffered a concussion in the big game on Saturday as Patrick Dangerfield punched a loose ball clear before his raised arm hit him in the head.
Match Review Officer Michael Christian examined the incident and cleared the Cats star of any wrongdoing over the collision.
But despite suffering a concussion and the house fire, the Richmond defender had plenty to celebrate after the Tigers beat the Cats by 31 points for the premiership.
