Former pro-footballer says she went into 'flight or fight mode' during attempted Brisbane carjacking

A former Australian football player went into "fight or flight" mode when she fell victim to an attempted carjacking at knifepoint during a live radio interview.

Elissia Carnavas, an ex-Young Matilda, was being interviewed live by Simon Hill for SEN radio's The Global Game shortly around 10.30pm on Tuesday when she suddenly started screaming.

Hill had no idea Carnavas' car had been surrounded, with one person producing a knife and demanding she give up the car.

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"I have no idea what has gone on there, I really hope Elissia is okay," Hill said.

Carnavas explained that she'd pulled over as she didn't want to wake her kids while doing the interview and that she "thought nothing of it" when the car first pulled up, thinking the occupants were lost.

"It was all very, very quick," she told SEN, explaining she was in her "own world" as she gave her football analysis.

"The most harrowing thing was (having) people right at the window, wanting to get in and take your vehicle.

"(I went into) flight or fight mode, I put the car into drive and got out of there as quickly as I could.

"My first reaction was to call my husband - he didn't answer - so then the police."

Carnavas said she is doing okay, despite the "scary experience".

"It was a bit of shock to be honest - a little bit of wrong place, wrong time," she said.

"But I'm feeling okay given the circumstances.

"When you're so close to home I guess you don't really think that someone will ambush your car."

Police said a group of "at least" five men pulled up alongside the footballer's car in a VW Passat in Coorparoo.

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"The males attempted to open the door, with one of them producing a knife and yelling at the woman through the closed driver's side window," a statement said.

"They were unable to gain entry as the vehicle was locked and returned back to the VW Passat before leaving onto Bennetts Road."

An investigation into the incident has been launched.

Later that evening Hill took to Twitter to assure listeners Carnavas was okay.

"Shout out to @elissiacar who had an awful experience tonight live on @GlobalGameSEN as thieves attempted to hijack her car," he wrote.

"Thankfully, she got out of that situation and is fine.

"The most terrifying moment of my career that's for sure, and we're just relieved she's okay."

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SEN also released a statement after the interview.

"To all who heard Elissia Carnavas on air, she is okay," a spokesman said.

"A scary situation which she has managed to get herself out of.

"We thank everyone for their concern".

Carnavas made history when she became the first African-born woman to feature for an Australian national team.

She helped drive a 2021 independent review of the team amid allegations of bullying, intimidation and inappropriate behaviour.