Nathan Fitzgerald has died after suffering critical head injuries during a reserves game in Melbourne’s north.
The 27-year-old had been receiving end of life care after a collision with a teammate saw him suffer a number of knocks to the head.
He received CPR on site from both teams medical departments before being rushed to hospital where his condition deteroriated over night.
Just before 9pm on Monday, Epping Football Netball Club announced Fitzgerald had died from the injuries he sustained during the game.
On the club’s social media, they wrote, ‘Rest in peace and love Fitzy. 34 – Forever Fitzy.’
Club president Luke De Vincentis echoed their tribute, commenting ’34 – Forever Fitzy’ accompanied by blue and white hearts.
Fitzgerald was also a high school teacher at Mernda Central College with the school posting that it was ‘deeply saddened by the loss of our much loved colleague,’ the school posted on social media
Nathan Fitzgerald has died after suffering critical head injuries during a local AFL game at the weekend
The 27-year-old was also a teacher at Mernda Central College
The school posted a heartfelt tribute to Fitzgerald following his death
‘Nathan was an exceptional young man who brought warmth, energy, kindness, and genuine care to every part of his life.
‘He was a deeply valued member of our school community and had a profound impact on the students, staff and families who have had the privilege of knowing him.
‘Nathan represented the very best of education. He cared deeply about young people, built strong and meaningful relationships, and made those around him feel seen, supported and valued.
‘This is an incredibly difficult and distressing time for Nathan’s family, friends, teammates, colleagues, students and all who love him. Our thoughts are very much with Nathan and his family.’
Many members of the school community have also shared their love of ‘Mr Fitz’, with one person describing him as ‘the best and sweetest teacher ever’.
It is believed that Fitzgerald suffered three separate knocks to his head in the tragic in-game incident.
Initially he clashed heads with his teammate, then he caught a knee or a boot and eventually fell to the ground where he hit his head on a synthetic cricket patch.
The heartbreaking incident has led to serious concerns being rasied around the playing surfaces used by local and amateur teams.
‘It’s probably been an accident waiting to happen,’ president De Vincentis said.
‘I really hope there is quite a bit more exploration to how cricket pitches are covered and understanding that that synthetic strip of turf just probably isn’t enough anymore.’
The City of Whittlesea, which manages the reserve, said the pitch covering met the relevant safety standards and it was commonly used nationwide.
‘The synthetic cricket wicket at Lalor Recreation Reserve was covered with a purpose-designed, multi-layered synthetic surface in accordance with applicable AFL/Cricket Australia performance standards for shared-use sporting grounds,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Covered cricket wicket systems of this type are commonly used on shared-use sporting grounds across Australia.’
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help give financial support to Fitzgerald’s family at this distressing time and had reached over $80,000 at the time of writing.
Mernda Central College has also confirmed they are supporting staff and students as they process the tragic incident.
