Suburban footballer dies after suffering head injury during game

Melbourne footballer Nathan Fitzgerald dies after suffering head injury during game Mon 6 Jul 2026 at 9:13pm Suburban football player Nathan Fitzgerald has died after suffering critical head injuries during a reserves game in the city's north on the weekend. Just before 9pm on Monday night, Epping Football Netball Club posted "Rest in peace and love Fitzy. 34 - Forever Fitzy". The 27-year-old was also a high school teacher at Mernda Central College, with the school posting that it was "deeply saddened by the loss of our much-loved colleague". "Nathan was an exceptional young man who brought warmth, energy, kindness and genuine care to every part of his life," the school posted on social media. "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." Mr Fitzgerald was rushed to hospital in critical condition on the weekend, after suffering a head injury at Lalor Recreation Reserve about 1pm on Saturday. Epping Football Netball Club said Mr Fitzgerald was believed to have suffered three head knocks during a tackle. It said Mr Fitzgerald clashed heads with a fellow teammate then copped a knee or boot to the head before then hitting his head on the hard cricket pitch in the middle of the oval. Club president Luke De Vincentis, who tonight confirmed Mr Fitzgerald's death, earlier said the players continued to rally around each other during the difficult time. "There's heartbreak, but there's shock and confusion. It just doesn't feel real," Mr De Vincentis told 774 ABC Melbourne. As of 9pm on Monday, a GoFundMe set up to support Mr Fitzgerald's family had raised more than $70,000. Mernda Central College said it was supporting its staff and students as they processed the "heartbreaking" situation. The school has set up a memory box, with students, families and staff invited to leave a message, memory or tribute to "Mr Fitz". "Nathan was deeply loved, valued and respected by all of us at Mernda Central P-12 College, and our entire community is holding him and his family in our thoughts," the school said in its statement.