Adelaide Plains FL chief reveals incident which hospitalised 17-year-old Henry Nau

The father of a Adelaide Plains Football teen player placed in an induced coma has shared a positive update on his son.

New details have emerged around the mysterious incident which led to a 17-year-old country footballer being airlifted to hospital and placed in an induced coma during a local grand final, as a concerned dad shares an update on his son’s condition.

Angle Vale player Henry Nau was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and placed in an induced coma during the Adelaide Plains Football League U17s grand final between Angle Vale and Two Wells at Hamley Bridge on Saturday and has since regained consciousness.

On Wednesday, Henry’s father, Gary Nau, told the Advertiser that his son was “doing better” but still “remained in hospital”. Mr Nau added the family was waiting for a “certain piece of information” before commenting. League chief Michael Vigor said the league’s “thoughts and prayers are with Henry and his family” and revealed details around the aerial contest which led to his injury.

“Henry was involved in a contest with a Two Wells player where both were going for the ball,” Vigor said.

17-year old Angle Vale footballer Henry Nau (middle) was placed in an induced coma on Saturday. Picture: MG Slattery Photography

“Both players launched themselves at the ball and the Two Wells player swung his arm while trying to punch the ball towards goals and made contact with Henry and knocked him to the ground.

“He was helped to his feet by a teammate and awarded a free for high contact, which he took.”

Vigor told The Advertiser Nau then left the ground during the first quarter break and received attention for a blood nose on the bench before his condition began to deteriorate.

“He took himself to the bench to get attention for a blood nose and they were struggling with it before he started getting a bit dizzy,” he said.

17-year old footballer Henry Nau (left) remains in hospital. Picture: MG Slattery Photography

“He was taken to the St John’s ambulance and he started to lose consciousness so an ambulance and paramedics were then called during the game.

“The game finished and we were in the middle of presentations when he continued to deteriorate and he was then airlifted to the RAH.”

The game has been described as violent by some spectators, with a melee breaking out during the closing minutes.

This resulted in multiple cards being shown to those involved.

“There was a melee right at the end on the final siren,” Vigor said.

Henry Nau being airlifted to hospital. Picture: NINE NEWS

“The umpire sent off two Two Wells players and red carded a couple Angle Vale players.

“Both teams played the game hard throughout the four quarters but it wasn’t some massive violent brawling spectacle.”

The MRO is conducting an investigation into the melee, which was unrelated to Nau’s injury, as well as the incident involving Nau to determine whether he was intentionally or accidentally hit.

“The real issue at hand is there is a 17-year-old laying in a hospital bed,” Vigor said.

“His parents have gone through all the distress and worry and we are thinking of all of them.”

Henry remains in ICU and his family said he had “woken up and started responding” on Monday and that “initial scans were positive”.