Teammates to sit out footy match after much-loved teacher's on-field death

Teammates of a teacher who died after suffering head injuries during a local Aussie rules match over the weekend will sit out this weekend’s game, as the club organises a heartfelt memorial for the 27-year-old.

Nathan Fitzgerald died in hospital two days after sustaining critical head injuries during a reserves match between Epping and Lalor football clubs at Lalor Reserve in Melbourne’s north.

The small defender and midfielder clashed with his own teammate during a tackle before his head then struck another player’s leg and then hit the concrete cricket pitch in the centre of the ground, Epping Football Netball Club president Luke De Vincentis said.

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

Fitzgerald was rushed to hospital, where he underwent surgery for a brain bleed, but sadly his conditioned deteriorated and he was placed on end-of-life care on Sunday Night.

Fitzgerald’s club on Tuesday night decided to continue with matches for the club’s under 19.5s and seniors, but the reserves team Fitzgerald played in would sit out this round as they continue to come to grips with the loss.

The club is also organising for a commemorative service to take place at the oval on Saturday.

Fitzgerald’s guernsey number, 34, will be retired by Epping in his honour.

The community has rallied around Fitzgerald’s family, including his fiancee, football club and Mernda Central College, where he worked as a “much-loved” teacher, in the days since the tragedy.

A fundraiser set up by the football club to help support Fitzgerald’s family had raised close to $130,000 by Wednesday afternoon.

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

“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.”

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.

‘Really loved club character’

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.

“There was a chance that Nathan was about to receive a double payment for a senior game because we didn’t realise that we’d already paid him and most players would take that money and run and not say a word.

“Whereas Nathan, as soon as he was about to receive that payment, he said ‘no, no, no, no, I’ve already been paid. I don’t need any extra money’.

“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.”

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.

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