A well-known swimming instructor lay injured for 16 hours after a violent home invasion at Lugarno.
Rose Agius, 74, suffered facial injuries during the attack in the bedroom of her Woodlands Avenue home.
Detectives later arrested a man, 34, in Forest Road at Peakhurst.
Detective Chief Inspector Robert Allison said the motive for the attack appeared to be robbery.
"A large amount of money had been stolen," he said.
The alleged attacker was believed to be a former employee of the swimming instructor, the Sydney Morning Herald reported
Oatley MP Mark Coure told Seven News he had known the victim "for years" and that she had taught both himself, his younger brothers and his children to swim.
"She's a local champion in our local community," he said. "This attack is just disgusting."
Emergency services were called to Ms Agius's home after she was found injured in her bedroom about 9am on Thursday.
She was taken to St George Hospital where she was treated for head injuries.
"Officers from St George Police Area Command have been told the woman was allegedly assaulted after she found a man in her bedroom about 5pm on Wednesday," a police spokesman said.
"Police will allege the man punched her to the ground before kicking her until she lost consciousness.
"It’s believed she lay injured for 16 hours before being found.
"Detectives initiated inquiries and about midday arrested a 34-year-old man on Forest Road at Peakhurst.
"He was taken to Kogarah Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence inflicting actual bodily harm.
"He has been bail refused to appear in Sutherland Local Court on Friday.
"Officers have executed a search warrant at a Peakhurst home and have seized a number of items for forensic examination.
"Inquiries are continuing."
