Tas man stabbed in Melbourne attack

A "top bloke" Tasmanian businessman who was stabbed in the head during Melbourne's Bourke Street terror attack is being praised for his heroism.

Rod Patterson, who remains in The Alfred hospital, was injured while trying to help others caught up in the random stabbing street attack on Friday.

He issued a statement on Saturday via the hospital.

"Whilst out with my wife Maree enjoying another great day in Melbourne, a city that we love, we were unfortunately caught up in the incident on Bourke Street," he said.

"I went to assist and whilst doing so received a knife wound to my head."

The South Launceston Football Club has praised the former president and life member.

"Patto was hurt trying to assist others which demonstrates his heroic nature, that we have come to know and love. Your 'SLFC family' is thinking of you Patto," the club posted.

Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman praised the "brave Tasmanian".

"A nicer bloke you wouldn't meet. It's not surprising he would step in to help others. We all wish him well," he posted on Twitter.

Corey Slade was among the many who wished Mr Patterson a speedy recovery.

"What a top bloke and Australian to help others in need," he also wrote.

Another person, Rosalie Saville, labelled it as a "beautiful selfless act".

The comments come after Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, who was known to authorities for his radical views, parked a four-wheel drive laden with gas cylinders on Bourke St on Friday and stabbed three men, killing one man.

Police said the Somalia-born Shire Ali, 30, had planned to cause an explosion.

Federal police said the attacker had his passport cancelled in 2015 amid fears he would go to Syria.