A South Australian country footballer has died after an on-field collision during his club’s first match of the season with tributes flowing for the much-loved player.
Antonio Loiacono died in hospital on Sunday night after the incident on Saturday while playing for the Birdwood Football Club in the A-grade match against Gumeracha in the Hills Football League.
In a tribute on Monday, the league’s president Joanne Purdie said it was difficult to find the words that expressed the “immense shock, sorrow and heartache” felt today.
“On behalf of the Hills Football League board of directors, we express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Antonio Loiacono who passed away on Sunday evening,” Ms Purdie said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Antonio’s family, the Birdwood and Gumeracha Football Clubs and extended communities.”
Reports suggested the 20-year-old had been knocked out in the collision during the final quarter of the twilight game at the Gumeracha Oval.
He was taken to hospital for treatment but his life support was turned off about 24 hours later.
The young man’s brother Jack said his sibling was loved by so many.
“You will always be in my heart and I’ll talk to you everyday. Your aura was so special and would put a smile on anyone’s face,” Mr Loiacono said in a Facebook post on Monday.
“You are the most caring thoughtful person I’ve come across and always looked out for me.
“I”m so grateful for everything you’ve done and helped me through you’re my guidance and always will be. Everything I do from this day forward is for you. I love you so so much Tones, thinking about you.”
In other tributes, the Great Southern Football League in SA said its collective thoughts were with the dead man’s family and the Birdwood Football Club.
“Community Football is what we live for and this is a truly sad time when a player is cut down by an unfortunate on-field incident, no matter what level of the game,” the league said.
– AAP
