FOOTBALL legend Ron Barassi wants to meet the thugs that attacked him after he rushed to the aid of a woman on New Year's Day.

Barassi, 72, tackled one of several men attacking mother-of-three Tess Green on Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, about 12.30am (AEDT) on New Year's Day.

The group turned on him, punching and kicking him while he was on the ground.

Barassi said if security footage of the incident led to the capture of the attackers he'd like to confront them.

"I'd like to talk to them ... I'd like have a chat to them, just see why this sort of thing happens," he told Fairfax Radio Network on Monday.

Ms Green said she feared for her life until Mr Barassi acted.

"I'd like to thank Mr Barassi for daring to help," Ms Green told the Herald Sun newspaper.

"He's a very brave man. A good man. There's not many of them around any more.

"I think if he hadn't jumped in it would have been worse for me."

Mr Barassi said he felt humbled by Ms Green's comments.

"Well, that's a nice thing to say. But it's a bit embarrassing for me.

"I just did what I hope anyone under pressure would do."

Mr Barassi suffered facial bruising, sore ribs and an arm injury in the attack.

Ms Green has a suspected fractured eye socket and a numb lip and will see a specialist at The Alfred Hospital later on Monday.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said detectives were still investigating the incident.