Birdwood Football Club forfeits games against Gumeracha after Antonio Loiacono passing

A Hills club has chosen to forfeit its senior games this Saturday as it continues to come to terms with the tragic passing of a senior player after an on-field collision.

A Hills Football League club has forfeited its two senior games ahead of this Saturday as players continue to come to terms with the tragic passing of a senior teammate two months ago.

Birdwood’s Antonio Loiacono, aged 20, tragically died during round six of the 2023 season after suffering fatal injuries playing against Country Division leader Gumeracha.

Mr Loiacono, who was playing his first season with the Roosters, suffered cardiac arrest when he collided with an opposition player late in the game.

He was treated on the field by paramedics before being flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where he later died.

The one-minute silence at the Birdwood v Macclesfield A Grade game following Loiacono's tragic death. Pictured on 6th May 2023. Picture: Ben Clark

The star utility’s passing sparked a tributes from the SA community and his funeral was held in early May.

Club president Brendan Loechel said both the A and B Grade sides had decided not to go ahead with their games against Gumeracha this weekend as they continued to deal with Mr Loiacono’s passing.

“It’s a moving beast which rears its head every so often and the boys made a pact that if it was still impacting part of the squad then the rest of the squad would stick by them,” Loechel said.

“We’ve been led by the lads here as well as the coaching staff and decided that it was the best call to make at the moment.”

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono in action for Waikerie. Picture: Supplied

Birdwood Football and Netball Club president Brendan Loechel with Jack Loiacono, Antonio’s brother. Picture: Ben Clark

Loechel said the club had been in discussion with the Hills Football League and Gumeracha ahead of making the decision.

“We’ve had ongoing discussions with them.

“Each club is feeling their way through it all as best they can but as long as we’ve got individuals who are still processing it we’re going to respect that.

“I think everyone recognises what the club is going through and we’re going to stick by our players and staff.”

Birdwood is set to face Meadows next week, while Gumeracha will clash with Kangarilla.