Young Cats defender Tom Gillies has helped foil a hit - run accident this morning.

Gillies found himself in the midst of the difficult situation on the way to an ANZAC service. He witnessed the accident and chose to follow the assailants to a house and inform the police of their whereabouts.

A club spokesperson confirmed Gillies role in the incident.

“It seems Tom was waiting to go to the dawn service with a couple of team mates and saw the accident,” the spokesperson said.

“When he saw the people leave the scene he followed them and informed the police of what had happened and where they had gone.”

Joel Selwood was quick to praise Gillies on twitter, saying: "Young gun @tpgillies makes a citizens arrest 5am on his way out to Anzac service! 1 to the good guys!".