The family of a man who died after an assault in Melbourne's CBD have remembered him as "a vibrant, independent, courageous man", as police continue to search for his alleged attacker.
Seddon man Andrew Truman, 44, was hit over the head while walking on Elizabeth Street from Flinders Street last Wednesday.
On social media his father Geoff Truman said his son had suffered an "unsurvivable brain injury".
Andrew Truman died in hospital over the weekend.
In a statement, his family said they were still in shock at the loss of a man who was "unafraid to be himself in any context".
"He was a marvellous and fierce supporter of the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man," the family said.
"He didn't hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or in singing karaoke.
"May we all have at least an ounce of his flavour."
A popular sportsman nicknamed 'Chewie'
Mr Truman was a passionate Western Bulldogs supporter and played AFL for the Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club.
Known as "Chewie" at the club, he was a five-time premiership player and life member.
"His love for football was huge, when not playing he was always at Werribee VFL games or at Western Bulldogs games," club president Paul Barrett said in a statement.
"He never let his disability get in the road of what he wanted to do."
His former club, Williamstown Seagulls FIDA FC, paid tribute online.
"His enthusiasm for football, and especially the Western Bulldogs, was infectious," the club said.
"He was always ready for a friendly chat."
Police release name and photo of man of interest
In their statement, Mr Truman's family thanked anyone who had stopped to help as well as police, paramedics and medical staff at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he was treated.
In a statement on Saturday night, a Victoria Police spokesperson said officers were searching for a man identified as Todd Menegaldo.
Homicide Squad detectives have conducted a significant search since the attack, but have so far been unable to locate Mr Menegaldo.
He is known by the nickname "Rooster" and has a black and white crossbreed Staffordshire terrier, they said.
Police are urging anyone who sees him not to approach him but to contact triple-0.