Hills footy teams in beautiful tribute for Birdwood player Antonio Loiacono, who died in sickening on-field collision

Hills footy players have lined up in a touching tribute to Birdwood’s Antonio Loiacono, who died in sickening on-field collision.

Adelaide Hills footy players have paused to pay their respects to Antonio Loiacono, who died after a sickening on-field clash on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Birdwood football player suffered fatal injuries during the club’s Hills Football League season-opening match against Gumeracha.

The players lined up on Tuesday to pay their respects to Mr Loiacono, as flowers and tributes for the young man grow at Gumeracha Oval, where the collision took place.

The Gumeracha Footy Club placed flowers and crosses and a Birdwood Roosters footy jumper laid by inside the centre square at Gumeracha Oval in memory of the young country footballer.

Adelaide Hills footballers have worn two black armbands to mark Anzac Day and in memory of Birdwood player Antonio Loiacono who died after an on-field clash. Tributes in 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm | https://t.co/8ftPfGh39Y#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/csXbmJVVDk

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) April 25, 2023

Hills players pause to give a touching tribute to Antonio Loiacono.
The 20 yr old Birdwood football player died after an on-field clash on [e-mail]/38OgtZyFTh

— Hannah Foord (@HannahFoord7) April 25, 2023

“The BFNC would like to thank the Gumeracha RSL and the Gumeracha Football Club for donating a cross and laying it on the Gumeracha oval in memory of Antonio,” the Birdwood Football Club posted to Facebook.

Tributes left for Antonio Loiacono at Gumeracha Oval. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono. Picture: Supplied

“If anyone would like to lay flowers or similar at the cross please feel welcome to do so.”

Mr Loiacono died in hospital on Sunday night after suffering critical injuries during the match.

Mr Loiacono was injured in the final quarter of his side’s A-grade match and was treated at the scene before speciality paramedics were called to the Gumeracha Oval and was flown to Royal Adelaide Hospital just before 8pm Saturday.

“The whole family are a bit in shock at the moment,” a family member, who asked not to be named said.

The family member said Mr Loiacono was knocked out cold during an on-field collision, which caused his heart to stop for about 30 minutes before he was revived and eventually died.

They said Mr Loiacono had suffered “too many” concussions and should not have been playing football because of his previous injuries.

The tradie’s friends have since set up a GoFundMe fundraiser, to support his family.

In fewer than 24 hours, the fundraiser created on Tuesday had raised $7600 out of its $10,000 goal from 120 donors.

Mr Nelson said the fundraiser was in a bid to “support Tone’s (Antonio) family at this time”.

“Antonio (Tones) was in his first season at the club since transferring from Waikerie Football Club. This incident has greatly impacted many football communities,” the page says.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.