A GoFundMe page has been established to support the family of Nathan Fitzgerald, a 27-year-old Northern Football Netball League player who is receiving end-of-life care after a severe on-field injury. Fitzgerald was playing for Epping against Lalor when he collided with a teammate, subsequently hitting his head on a synthetic cricket pitch. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
The Epping Football Netball Club initiated the fundraiser to alleviate financial burdens on Fitzgerald's family during this distressing period. "Nathan sustained a serious brain injury while playing the game he loves, and he is currently receiving end of life care," the club stated on the GoFundMe page. "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."
The incident has brought to light safety concerns regarding the synthetic cricket pitch at Lalor Recreation Reserve, which is located in the middle of the oval. Epping club president Luke De Vicentis expressed his concerns, noting that players often comment about the surface. "Everyone always makes comments about not wanting to get tackled on the cricket pitch," De Vicentis told AAP, adding that while he couldn't recall serious injuries from contact with the surface before, cuts, grazes, and rolled ankles were common.
He suggested that the incident was "an accident waiting to happen" and hoped it would prompt a review of how cricket pitches are covered. "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," he said.
Emergency services treated Fitzgerald at the scene. De Vincentis praised the quick response of medical teams and players, stating that their immediate intervention likely prevented a more immediate deterioration of the player's condition. "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.
A spokesperson for the City of Whittlesea, the local council managing the reserve, stated that the pitch covering complies with relevant safety standards and is commonly used across Australia. "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," the spokesperson said. "Covered cricket wicket systems of this type are commonly used on shared-use sporting grounds across Australia."