AFL player Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and girlfriend run for life after suspicious fire nearly traps them in South Australia home

A frightening sight all around them, Port Adelaide AFL player Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and his girlfriend woke up around 2am on Thursday, July 3, 2025 in Glenelg East, South Australia to loud bangs, heavy smoke and large flames when a car nearby caught fire in what quickly became a spreading vehicle fire.

The couple didn't waste time. They rescued their two kittens and ran to safety. But now people are asking how did this fire start?Was it premeditated or inadvertent? Police continue to investigate what transpired.

What happened to Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and his girlfriend that made them run from their home in the middle of night

Sleeping at Glenelg East was Port Adelaide player Brandon Zerk-Thatcher. After loud noises and her nearby car alarm woke up his girlfriend, they went to look outside, and saw the neighbour's Audi was on fire.

The flames were spreading quickly and getting close to their home, close to Brighton Road.

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher told 7NEWS, “My girlfriend woke me up. There were loud bangs. When I looked out the window, I saw the car on fire.” He continued, “By the time we opened the door, the fire was already close. We quickly got our cats and ran. We were lucky we got out in time.”He also stated he saw a fuel can, which prompted him to question whether the fire could not have been an accident.“It

was scary,” he said. “You don’t think something like this would happen near your home.”

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher says they were lucky to escape the fast-growing fire

Emergency crews were on the scene as soon as the fire started. The Audi car was fully engulfed in flames, and the fire was spreading to a house nearby, but no one was injured. The fire caused big damage, though.

Peter Caldicott from 7NEWS Adelaide said the car was a “total fireball.” He claimed they were very fortunate to exit with their kittens, Pickles and Olive. The South Australia Police say they are treating the fire as suspicious. According to eyewitness reports local to police, a pair of people were seen fleeing the fire scene. Currently investigating to find out what has happened are police.Also Read: Gerry Philbin, Ex-DE For New York Jets And Super Bowl III Champion Passes Away At The Age Of 83 Due To Dementia