Forever Fitzy: safety in focus as footballer remembered

A young footballer killed in an on-field incident is being mourned by his club and local community as experts demand a safety review of multi-purpose sporting fields.

Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, died in hospital on Monday evening after suffering an injury while playing for Epping Football Netball Club at Lalor Recreation Reserve, in Melbourne’s north, on Saturday.

The high school teacher incurred a head clash and a knee or boot to the head before landing head-first on a covered cricket pitch after trying to make a tackle.

Local players said the pitch, covered with a multi-layered synthetic surface during football games, was harder and less forgiving than the surrounding oval.

The City of Whittlesea, which manages the facility, said the pitch covering met safety standards and was commonly used across Australia.

Swinburne University neurophysiologist Alan Pearce called for steps to be taken to protect players from brain injury risks on multi-sport ovals.

“It’s rare, and it’s a freak accident, but it could happen again, and that’s what worries me,” Dr Pearce said.

“We should have prevented this in the first place, but let’s not make the same mistake again.”

The club’s president Luke De Vincentis described the surface as a likely “accident waiting to happen”.

“Everyone always makes comments about not wanting to get tackled on the cricket pitch,” he told AAP.

“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 any more.”

Emergency services treated Mr Fitzgerald at the scene after medical specialists and players rushed to his aid.

The incident rocked the club, which came together on Sunday with about 120 people showing support for the injured player.

Local junior Jax Collins, who wore a jersey to the event in honour of Mr Fitzgerald, said it was terrible.

“I felt pretty upset,” he said. 

“No one really wants that to happen to someone when they’re playing footy.”

Following Mr Fitzgerald’s death, the club posted a tribute on social media: “Rest in Peace & Love, Fitzy.”

Mernda Central College, where Mr Fitzgerald taught, also paid tribute, calling him 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.”

A fundraising campaign for Mr Fitzgerald’s family raised more than $80,000.