Matthew Fitzgerald spoke about the final precious moments he shared with his brother, Nathan Fitzgerald, just hours before the 27-year-old suffered fatal head injuries during an Australian rules football match. Nathan Fitzgerald died in hospital on Monday evening after being injured while playing for the Epping Football Netball Club at Lalor Recreation Reserve in Melbourne on Saturday.
Nathan Fitzgerald, a high school teacher, sustained a head clash and a blow to the head from a knee or boot before landing awkwardly on a covered cricket pitch while attempting a tackle. His younger brother, Matthew, described their last interaction as watching the World Cup match between Australia and Egypt on Saturday morning.
"I take comfort in the fact I've got a lot of memories with Nathan," Matthew told News Corp. "The last moment I had with him was when we watched the World Cup together that morning. That was a special morning and the memory will stay with me forever."
Matthew also noted that Nathan had been in excellent form in the weeks leading up to the accident, earning "best on ground" accolades and expressing pride in his recent performances. He remembered his brother as a "cheeky troublemaker" who "always made you smile" and was deeply passionate about his teaching career, often sharing stories about his students.
It was also revealed that Nathan Fitzgerald had recently become engaged to his partner, Hannah, who was with him and his family at Royal Melbourne Hospital when he passed away. The Fitzgerald family, described as religious, are finding solace in their faith during this difficult time.
Emergency services treated Mr Fitzgerald at the scene, and medical specialists and players rushed to his aid. The incident deeply affected the club, with approximately 120 people gathering on Sunday to show support for the injured player. A fundraising campaign established for the Fitzgerald family has raised over $80,000.
Mernda Central College, where Mr Fitzgerald taught, issued a statement calling him an "exceptional young man" who brought "warmth, energy, kindness and genuine care" to his work. The school community emphasized the profound impact he had on students, staff, and families.