A local footballer has entered end of life care following a tragic incident during a game in Melbourne’s north.
Nathan Fitzgerald had been playing for Epping against Lalor in a Northern Football Netball League reserves game when tragedy struck.
The 27-year-old collided with a teammate where they clashed heads, Fitzgerald’s head then hit the ground on a synthetic cricket pitch.
He was rushed to hospital in critical condition after receiving CPR by both clubs medical teams.
Since being admitted to hospital, Fitzgerald’s condition has tragically deteriorated.
‘We are devastated to share that our much loved teammate (and) clubman, Nathan Fitzgerald’s condition deteriorated overnight and is now receiving end-of-life care,’ the Epping Football Netball Club said.
Nathan Fitzgerald has tragically entered end of life care after an on-field incident during a game for Epping
‘The entire Fitzgerald family is in our thoughts during this horrible situation, and we ask that you respect their privacy. Please take a moment to hug & kiss your loved ones; life is precious.’
Epping president Luke de Vincentis told ABC that Fitzgerald appeared to have suffered several hits to the head during the incident.
‘Two to three significant knocks in the one motion,’ he said.
‘The extent of what happened is completely rare and was really foreign territory for everyone to navigate.’
Fitzgerald’s head also collided with a cricket pitch due to the field being shared across multiple sports.
‘We don’t have the luxury of having dedicated cricket ovals, and AFL ovals or soccer pitches, so we have to make use with the facilities we have,’ De Vincentis said.
‘Cricket pitches in the middle of an oval, particularly where Aussie Rules is played, do pose a significant risk.
‘Hopefully it’s something (improved facilities) that can be explored, and there can be a better outcome in terms of how it’s facilitated moving forward.’
Following the incident in the third quarter the game was abandoned, Epping’s senior game was also called off.
Victoria Police said there was no ‘evidence of criminality during the incident.’
