A SPLIT-SECOND THAT ENDED IN TRAGEDY 💥 DEVASTATED CLUB DEMANDS ANSWERS AS PRESIDENT CLAIMS CRICKET PITCH MAY HAVE TURNED FOOTY OVAL INTO A DE-ATH TRAP
A Melbourne sports club president has called for an investigation after one of the club’s amateur Aussie rules players suffered a likely fatal injury in an incident that involved contact with a portion of the field that is used as a cricket pitch in summer.
Epping Football Netball Club player Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, was rushed to hospital after the accident in a reserves clash with Lalor on Saturday and underwent surgery for a bleed on the brain.
Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, was injured in what was described as a tackle gone wrong. Epping Football Netball Club/Facebook
Emergency services rushed to Lalor Reserve just before 1pm on Saturday following what club president Luke De Vincentis described as “literally just a freak accident”.
He said Fitzgerald and a second Epping player clashed heads while trying to tackle a Lalor player, before the 27-year-old hit his head on the synthetic turf covering the cricket pitch.
Just after 5pm on Sunday the club shared the heartbreaking news that his condition had worsened.
“The Epping Football Netball Club is devastated to share that our much loved teammate & clubman, Nathan Fitzgerald’s condition deteriorated overnight and is now receiving end-of-life care,” the club said in a Facebook post.
“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.
“’34 – Forever Fitzy’.”
De Vincentis spoke to ABC radio on Monday morning and said the tragic incident should prompt an investigation into the practice of covering pitches on multi-use sports fields.
“Unfortunately, because we’re just local amateur sports, we have to be able to use these facilities for multiple purposes, but the risk does come that there is quite a hard strip of surface in the middle of the ground where there’s a high-velocity, high-contact sport played on,” he said.
“I do hope this is explored and potentially the way that cricket pitches are covered moving forward is something that can absolutely be looked at because it is a significant risk and I think the weekend has proved what a dire outcome can be from that.”
Club president Luke De Vincentis described Fitzgerald on Saturday as “tenacious as anything” and “courage personified” . Supplied
‘Courage personified’
De Vincentis described Fitzgerald on Saturday 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.
“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.”
The small defender and midfielder was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. The game and the following senior clash were both abandoned.
His teammates gathered at the football club on Monday, wrapping their arms around each other.
Those attached to the club were being praised for how quickly they reacted.
“I’d really love to highlight just how incredible the first responders were,” De Vicentis said.
“The medical team from Epping and Lalor, essentially their intervention has, from what we’ve been told by emergency services, actually saved his life.”
While this was a freak accident, it has sparked concerns about the safety of covered cricket pitches in the middle of Aussie rules ovals.
“Councils do what they need to do to try to mitigate that risk, but there will always remain a risk,” De Vicentis said.
Council offers condolences, denies parking fines were issued
City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox said the council is “deeply saddened” by the incident during Saturday’s game.
“On behalf of council, I would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to Nathan, his family, friends, teammates and everyone at Epping Football Netball Club,” Cox said.
“We also acknowledge the impact this tragic incident has had on Lalor Football Club, match officials, volunteers, spectators and the broader football community, as well as the incredible efforts of first responders, medical personnel and everyone who provided assistance at the scene under such difficult circumstances.
“Nathan is a valued member of our local community whose impact extends far beyond football.
“Our thoughts are with Nathan, his family, friends, teammates, and all those who know him during this incredibly difficult time.”
Earlier, it was claimed that parking inspectors were seen outside Epping Football Club where Fitzgerald’s teammates, friends and supporters had gathered on Sunday.
The City of Whittlesea council said no infringement notices were issued.
“Council officers were present in the area as part of their normal duties; however, they did not issue any fines during the course of the day,” it said in a statement.
SOURCE: https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/vic/melbourne-footy-player-in-end-of-life-care-after-freak-accident-20260705-p60crw.html
