Essendon expect AFL utility Nathan Lovett-Murray to make a quick and full recovery after being stabbed.
The 30-year-old 143-game player was in Royal Melbourne Hospital on Wednesday receiving treatment to a right arm injury after Tuesday night’s incident.
Bombers chief executive Ian Robson said the club’s understanding was that the stabbing happened at the home of Lovett-Murray’s girlfriend and her ex-boyfriend was involved in the altercation.
“It involved an ex-boyfriend, who we understand has a restraining order against him,” Robson told reporters.
“Other than that, we’re not quite sure.
“Nathan was defending himself, we understand, but the precise sequence of events will now be a matter for the police investigation.”
Police said a 22-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were both arrested on Wednesday morning after a domestic altercation involving them and a 30-year-old man in Reservoir on Tuesday night.
They were released without charge, pending further investigation.
Robson was unsure if Lovett-Murray required surgery, but it was hoped he would be released from hospital later on Wednesday.
“We understand he’ll make a quick and full recovery,” he said.
“But at the moment all our thoughts are with him and his family and his immediate welfare.”
Robson said the incident would have hit Lovett-Murray’s teammates hard and also affected the club’s build-up to Saturday night’s indigenous-themed Dreamtime at the ‘G match against Richmond.
Lovett-Murray, who is indigenous, was to be part of the launch of Essendon’s Reconciliation Action Plan on Wednesday.
“Nathan would have been a big part of that and a big part of a whole range of activities today in the lead-up to what is a significant cultural event for us in the Dreamtime game, not least a real contender to be selected to play in the game,” Robson said.
“This sends a real shiver down everyone’s spine.
“Nathan is a much-loved and much-respected member, a real tribal elder in our dressing room.
“I know that our guys will be alarmed but we’re wanting to make sure they’re as comforted as we are that he’s in the best possible hands and will make a full recovery.”