AFL announces special tributes after tragic passing of community footballer

The AFL announced special tributes after the death of community footballer Nathan Fitzgerald. All 18 clubs in AFL round 18 will wear black armbands this weekend in his honor following his death on Monday, aged 27. Fitzgerald suffered critical head injuries during a game at Lalor Recreation Reserve in Melbourne’s north over the weekend, and died in hospital on Monday night. Ahead of the Sunday match at the MCG between Melbourne and Richmond—teams Fitzgerald supported—there will be a minute’s silence. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon also encouraged community players at all levels to wear black armbands. The AFL said it is working with AFL Victoria to provide wellbeing support to Fitzgerald’s family and clubs. The article describes Fitzgerald clashing heads with a teammate while attempting to tackle an opponent on Saturday, followed by additional contact including a knee or boot to the head and a head-first landing on a covered cricket pitch.