Tracey Field said Russell Berry, 41, who is in the Royal Melbourne Hospital with critical head injuries, was an “awesome bloke’. 

“It should never have happened,” she said of Saturday morning’s violent altercation. 

“He wouldn’t harm anyone. 

“I’m still in shock I think.

“He’s not well, hopefully he will pull through. 

“We’re crossing our fingers but it doesn’t sound good.

“Our prayers are with his family.” 

Mr Berry had been having some quiet drinks with friends at a White Street unit before the attack. 

Homicide detectives and local investigators have doorknocked homes and taken statements from witnesses. 

No-one had been charged as of Sunday night. 

A hospital spokesman confirmed Mr Berry remained in a critical condition. 

Those involved in the fight all knew each other.