Fresh concerns raised over sports ground safety as local AFL player receives end of life care after head knock: ‘An accident waiting to happen’

The president of an AFL club whose player is receiving end of life care after a horror head knock during a game has warned many football grounds are a minefield for injuries due to sharing the turf with cricket pitches.

Nathan Fitzgerald had been playing for Epping Football Netball Club against Lalor in a Northern Football Netball League reserves game when tragedy struck.

The 27-year-old collided with a teammate where they clashed heads, Fitzgerald’s head then hit the ground on a synthetic cricket pitch.

He was rushed to hospital in critical condition after receiving CPR by both clubs medical teams.

Since being admitted to hospital, Fitzgerald’s condition has tragically deteriorated.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Epping Football Netball Club to help the family with financial support in what is no doubt a distressing time.

‘The Epping Football Netball Club is rallying behind one of our own, Nathan Fitzgerald, following a devastating on-field football accident,’ the club wrote on the page.

‘Nathan sustained a serious brain injury while playing the game he loves, and he is currently receiving end of life care. 

‘As his family remains by his side during this incredibly difficult time, we want to do everything we can to help ease the financial pressures they are facing.

‘If you are in a position to help, no matter how big or small, your donation will make a genuine difference.

‘If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would mean the world.

‘The entire Epping Football Netball Club community stands united with Nathan and his family.

‘Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.

‘Every donation helps. Every share matters. #34ForeverFitzy.’

Epping club president Luke De Vicentis, spoke of the concerns around the synthetic cricket patch that sits in the middle of the oval.

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

De Vicentis also said that he could not recall any serious injuries arising from contact with the surfaces.

But he did go on to say that cuts, grazes, and rolled ankles were commonplace on the square.

After he injury suffered by Fitzgerald, the club chairman said he hoped the incident would encourage a rethink. 

‘It’s probably been an accident waiting to happen,’ he said.

‘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 anymore.’ 

The City of Whittlesea, which manages the reserve, said the pitch covering met the relevant safety standards and it was commonly used nationwide.

‘The synthetic cricket wicket at Lalor Recreation Reserve was covered with a purpose-designed, multi-layered synthetic surface in accordance with applicable AFL/Cricket Australia performance standards for shared-use sporting grounds,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Covered cricket wicket systems of this type are commonly used on shared-use sporting grounds across Australia.’

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

Mr De Vincentis praised their efforts, adding the young player’s condition might have deteriorated sooner had he not been treated immediately.

‘Emergency services have told us that if it wasn’t for their work, there was every chance he could have died on the spot,’ he said.

‘They were fantastic in dealing with a situation that not many football trainers would have had to have ever dealt with in the history of our game.’