A grandfather who was viciously punched and kicked during a Melbourne pub brawl says his brother saved his life by shielding him from the violent attackers.

Tony McDonald, 55, had been having dinner at the Union Hotel in Ascot Vale when he was set upon in August last year.

'I was at the bar and some guy was mouthing at me and pointing his finger at me,' the father-of-three and grandfather-of-one told the Herald Sun.

Tony McDonald, 55, had been having dinner at the Union Hotel in Ascot Vale when he was set upon in August last year, leaving him with shocking head and facial injuries

'That's the last thing I can remember before being completely belted by these guys. I can't remember a god damn thing. That's how badly attacked I was.'

Mr McDonald's jaw was shattered in three places and he also suffered a broken thumb which kept him out of work for two months.

'My brother was protecting me when I was on the ground but they were still coming for me... If it wasn't for him I would be dead,' he said.

Mr McDonald said he was left traumatised by the attack and was still seeing a psychologist.

Police have released CCTV vision and images of a group of men they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries

He has pleaded with his attackers to hand themselves into police.

Investigations are continuing and police have released CCTV vision and images of a group of men they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.