WHITTLESEA: Epping’s tribute to player Nathan Fitzgerald
Hundreds of supporters gathered at Epping Football Ground last Saturday (July 17) to salute the life of Nathan Fitzgerald, who died the previous week after an accident in a Reserves game the previous weekend at Lalor.
The 27-year-old teacher at Mernda Central College died after a head injury.
Last Saturday’s Reserves match between Epping and Heidelberg in the Northern Football Netball League’s Division 3 was cancelled, and the comemorative event was held instead.
Nathan’s jumper, number 34, has been permanently retired.
Nathan’s father, Gary, led the tributes at the event: “It teaches us a lesson about life, how precious it is.”
Reserves Assistant Coach Jacon D’Angelis said team members had met nightly since the accident to grieve their loss. Nathan was described as the “ultimate clubman”.
Nationally, black armbands were worn by players from all 18 AFL teams, and a minute’s silence was observed at the Melbourne-Richmond game.