Antonio Loiacono’s family leaves heartfelt tribute for late footballer

The family of Antonio Loiacono has left a heartfelt tribute for the late popular footballer and thanked the wider community for its support.

The family of late Birdwood Football Club player Antonio Loiacono has left a heartfelt tribute for the 20-year-old, describing him as “a larrikin who had a gift for bringing people together”.

Loiacono – who previously played for Waikerie in the Riverland Football League and for Norwood’s U18s – was knocked unconscious in a tackle during the final quarter of Birdwood’s Saturday Hills Football League game against Gumeracha.

He was treated by specialist paramedics at Gumeracha Oval before being flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he later died.

The rising star utility’s death has sent shockwaves through the football community and the country and sparked overwhelming support for the family and clubs involved.

In a statement, Loiacono’s family reflected on their son’s life and thanked the community for its support.

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono died on Sunday night after an on-field collision during an Adelaide Hills Football League match. Picture: Supplied

“We would like to thank the community for the overwhelming support we’ve received – not just from friends and family, but from people across the state and even around the world,” the Loiacono family said.

“Antonio loved football – the camaraderie of the players, their families, and the local country teams.

“Antonio started playing Auskick when he was just four years old, and we are so thankful for the love and support we‘ve received from the football community over the past few days.

“Antonio was a larrikin who had a gift for bringing people together, young and old, and brought light and life into every room. We feel so blessed that his spirit continues to unite the community, as he always did in life.

“It was Antonio‘s wish for his organs to be donated and we take comfort in knowing that in his death, others have been given the gift of life.

“On behalf of Antonio’s family, we’d like to thank everyone who has sent us messages of love and support.

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono (pictured for Waikerie) died on Sunday night after an on-field collision during an Adelaide Hills Football League match. Picture: Supplied

“We humbly request privacy for the family as we make arrangements for Antonio’s funeral, where we will celebrate his life and the life he gave to others.”

After his death, Mr Loiacono‘s younger brother Jack Loiacano raised concerns about previous concussions his brother had suffered playing football.

“There must have been an underlying issue,” Jack, 19, told The Advertiser.

He called for more to be done by football clubs to manage players with a history of concussion.

“They need to nip it in the bud,” he said.

Revelations of Mr Loicaono‘s previous concussions sparked calls from veteran AFL player agent Peter Jess for the implementation of a “concussion passport” that would help track players’ history of concussion and serious head injury if they moved clubs or leagues.

The register was backed by Adelaide Footy League chief executive John Kernahan and Australian Medical Association SA branch president Michelle Atchison.

“The suggestion of a concussion passport has a high level of merit,” Mr Kernahan said.