'My role model': Brother remembers footy player fatally injured in on-field tragedy

The brother of an amateur Aussie rules player who died after a “freak” on-field accident in Melbourne over the weekend has remembered the 27-year-old as a “generous, wonderful soul”.

Epping Football Netball Club confirmed the news of 27-year-old Nathan Fitzgerald’s death on Monday night with a short tribute post on Facebook.

“Rest in Peace & Love, Fitzy,” the club said, along with dove emojis

“34 - Forever Fitzy.”

The small defender and midfielder was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after what club president Luke De Vincentis described as “literally just a freak accident” during the reserves match against Lalor at Lalor Reserve.

He underwent surgery for a bleed on the brain but his condition worsened and on Sunday night the “devastated” club confirmed he had been placed in end-of-life care.

Nathan’s brother Matthew said the family was finding comfort in God following their tragic loss.

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“We’ve got one another as a family, we are strong in faith,” he said.

“He is a pillar for us in the family so he will help us get through it.”

The 27-year-old “cherished family” and always finished his conversations with ‘I love you’, his younger brother said.

“Whether it was something small like ‘what are we having for dinner tonight?‘, trying to figure it out, he’d say ‘I love you’,” Matthew said.

“Love your family, that’s what Nathan did. He lived and breathe it. He was always with family.

“He was my role model. He paved the way for me, I learnt so much.”

The morning before Nathan was fatally injured in the on-field incident, he watched the Socceroos’ World Cup match against Egypt with his family.

“That’s the last thing we did together… me, Nathan and my Dad,” Matthew said.

“So that’s the last proper moment I had with him in terms of him being conscious.

“It’s a special, special moment, and that’s a moment I am never going to forget.

“We can all learn something, and that is that life is short.”

News of the incident rocked Melbourne’s community football community, sparking countless messages of support from other clubs, including rivals.

Floral tribute grows at “much-loved” teacher’s school

Flowers have been laid at Mernda Central College, where Fitzgerald worked as a maths and science teacher.

The school said it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of a “much-loved” colleague and wellbeing services were being made available to students and staff.

“Nathan was an exceptional young man who brought warmth, energy, kindness and genuine care to every part of his life,” the school said, on Monday night.

“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.”

Students, families and staff were invited to leave a message, memory or tribute to “Mr Fitz” in a memory box.

An online fundraiser set up by the club to support Fitzgerald’s family and grieving fiancée had raised more than $100,000 by Tuesday afternoon.

“The outpouring of emotion & support for Nathan and his family has been overwhelming; they are incredibly grateful,” the club said in a post on Facebook.

“For those in a position to, a donation to help alleviate any financial stress the family may encounter will go a very long way and will be greatly appreciated.

“From the bottom of our broken hearts, thank you.”

De Vincentis said Fitzgerald clashed with his own teammate during a tackle before his head then struck another player’s leg and then hit the cricket pitch in the centre of the ground.

The strip of concrete was covered by artificial turf, which had been inspected by umpires ahead of the game.

Speaking to ABC radio on Monday, the president said the tragic incident should prompt an investigation into the practice of covering pitches on multi-use sports fields.

His brother Matthew also welcomed an investigation, despite noting it was “the least of [the family’s] worries”.

“I do think we should look into it regardless. Are we doing everything in our power for the health and safety of our players?” he said.

“We all know a football pitch and a cricket pitch don’t belong together.”

The Northern Football Netball League said there was “no suggestion that what took place was anything other than a football accident”.

AFL players to wear black armband tribute, minute’s silence

The Epping Football Netball Club will meet tonight to decide if they’ll play this weekend. It says Fitzgerald’s number 34 will be retired in his honour.

AFL players across the 18 professional teams will wear black armbands this weekend in tribute to the 27-year-old.

A minute’s silence will be held before Melbourne’s match against Richmond, who Fitzgerald was a diehard supporter of.

“Nathan’s passing has deeply saddened everyone in the football community,” AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him, and with the many people across local football who have been affected by this tragic loss.

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“At times like these, football is about much more than the game itself. It is about coming together to support one another, with the team at AFL Victoria working closely with those affected and continuing to provide wellbeing support to Nathan’s family, his club and everyone impacted across the days and weeks ahead.

“The AFL will also communicate to all community football leagues and clubs around the country and encourage all players to wear black armbands during this weekend’s matches.”

AFL legend Kevin Sheedy said “the whole of AFL Australia [is] in a grievance” in response to the tragedy.

“I think a lot of people in footy around Australia will be really feeling for the family,” Sheedy said.

“It’s very sad to see wonderful young Australian people die so young in incredibly unfortunate accident in sport.”

AFL legend Mick Malthouse said the tragedy was “sickening”.

De Vincentis described Fitzgerald as “tenacious as anything” and “courage personified” on the field but the complete opposite off it.

“He’s the nicest, loveliest, most gentle person,” he said, on Saturday.

“Which is one of the reasons why it’s really hard as well, because he’s a really loved club character, club person, but you know, on field just as tough as they come.”

City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox said the council is “deeply saddened” by the incident during Saturday’s game.