Players Kelly Henderson and Daniel Eyles, on behalf of their seven other team-mates who intervened, were invited to the bank on lower Beach St on Thursday to be thanked in person by bank manager Fiona McLister and Otago-Southland area manager Ken Cochrane.
Mr Henderson said the team was in ''the right place at the right time'' and ''felt we had a responsibility to help'' when they heard the glass smash and saw the alleged offender run away.
The players had just left the nearby Flame Bar and Grill restaurant on Monday about 10pm.
Team members gave chase but lost the alleged offender, and returned to the group standing guard outside the compromised bank.
As the players were describing the man to police, all were surprised to see the alleged offender casually return to the scene of the crime, where he was pointed out to police and arrested.
A 25-year-old Australian man has been charged with intentional damage and is expected to appear in the Queenstown District Court on September 9.
Ms McLister said the effect of the vandalism was huge, with several staff, security and a glazier called at night to secure the bank, sort through paperwork and repair the glass door as quickly as possible.
Mr Cochrane said the Arrowtown players were having a night out and did not have to get involved, but it was good to see there were still people who would step in.
