Heartbroken father's moving tribute to son who died after a freak collision with a teammate during a footy match - as hundreds turn out for memorial

Published: 08:44, 11 July 2026 | Updated: 08:44, 11 July 2026 The father of footballer Nathan Fitzgerald, who suffered a fatal mid-match injury, has delivered a touching tribute, saying the loss is a reminder of how precious life is. The 27-year-old suffered head injuries while playing at Lalor Recreation Reserve, in Melbourne, on July 4 and died in hospital two days later.  The Epping Football Netball Club, where the popular high school teacher played, hosted a public memorial service at their home ground on Saturday afternoon. 'We haven't been blind to the fact so many people have been impacted by the event and the tragic death of Nathan last week,' Nathan's father, Gary Fitzgerald, told a crowd of several hundred gathered to pay their respects. 'In a football incident that ... from what I understand, hasn't happened before. 'And yet, it teaches us a lesson about life - how precious life is, because you just don't know.' Mr Fitzgerald expressed deep gratitude for the support he and his family had received, thanking the football club, medical staff and wider public. The father of footballer Nathan Fitzgerald who suffered a fatal mid-match injury has delivered a touching tribute, saying the loss is a reminder of how precious life is Mr Fitzgerald's family are seen at his memorial service on Saturday 'The generosity of those that have given - it's been a phenomenal response and quite overwhelming because of the nature that it has been so public,' he said. 'It's in that context that I'm here today to just give back a little bit to acknowledge how, as much as this has affected us as a family, we are strong in faith.' Mr Fitzgerald's No.34 jersey was also retired for Epping's seniors' match.  'Number 34 - forever Fitzy,' the club's chief executive, Luke De Vincentis who hosted the memorial said. Mr De Vincentis remembered Mr Fitzgerald for his courtesy, respect and enduring smile, saying he had something that made the community special. 'That smile that lights up an entire room, those chompers that you can see from a mile away,' Mr De Vincentis said. 'He always had that smile on his face and I think forever etched in our memories is that great Fitzy smile that's going to help us move forward beyond this dark time.' Nathan's reserve grade teammates opted to sit the weekend out, but were welcomed to the field during the service. Members of Mr Fitzgerald's football club are seen at the memorial Hundreds turned out to pay their respects Mourners are seen consoling each other in Melbourne 'We had two teams playing last week in the game,' Mr De Vincentis said. 'Two teams who didn't know what was going to happen, that they were about to encounter something that was life-changing. 'One thing that really stood out was how quickly our colours meant absolutely nothing, the teams that we played for meant absolutely nothing and the way everyone came together to support in that incredibly difficult moment was something to commemorate and highlight.' Other Victorian football clubs are expected to run through banners at matches this round to pay tribute to Mr Fitzgerald.  Players at all 18 AFL clubs will wear black armbands, while Melbourne and Mr Fitzgerald's beloved Richmond will hold a minute's silence before their game on Sunday.  Mr Fitzgerald suffered critical head injuries after knocking heads with a teammate while trying to make a tackle, players have recounted.  His head then clashed with a boot or a knee before he landed headfirst on a covered cricket pitch in the centre of the field. The tragic incident has raised safety concerns about playing on multi-use fields containing covered cricket pitches, with regulator WorkSafe investigating the incident.  Mr Fitzgerald suffered critical head injuries after knocking heads with a teammate while trying to make a tackle, players have recounted Mr Fitzgerald's condition quickly deteriorated in hospital and he was put into end-of-life care the day following the game. His life support was turned off the next day. A GoFundMe to support his family had raised more than $148,000.