Tributes for Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono after shock death after on-field accident

A cross with flowers has been placed inside the centre square at Gumeracha Oval in memory of the young country footballer who died after an on-field accident on Saturday night.

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono died after an on field collision at Gumeracha Oval. Picture: Supplied.

The Gumeracha Football Club has laid a heartbreaking tribute on the field where Antonio Loiacono suffered fatal injuries after an on-field collision on Saturday night.

A cross with flowers was placed inside the centre square at Gumeracha Oval in memory of the young country footballer.

“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.

A cross and flowers are laid on Gumeracha Oval to honour Antonio Loiacono. Picture: Facebook

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

Mr Loiacono, 20, died in hospital on Sunday night after suffering critical injuries during the club’s Hills Football League season-opening match against Gumeracha.

Mr Loiacono, a tradie, 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.

Antonio Loiacono was just 20 years old. Picture: Instagram

Antonio Loiacono and his mother. Picture: Instagram

“He was loved by so, so many people. He had such a close relationship with his family, his brother and his girlfriend.

“He was someone who was genuinely always a bright light in a room and was such a positive, strong willed person.”

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 family member said paramedics had revived Mr Loiacono but he was taken off life support about 24 hours after sustaining his injuries.

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono in action for Waikerie in the Riverland Football League. Picture: Supplied

Antonio Loiacono as a child. Picture: Supplied

He was surrounded by his parents, brother and girlfriend when he died.

Mr Loiacono’s younger brother Jack said his older brother was his “other half”.

“I’m a mess,” Jack told The Advertiser.

“He was just my other half, my guidance and my rock.

“He’d light up the room with his aura.”

Jack said the entire family was distraught at the loss.

“I’ve never seen my dad cry and he was hysterical.”

Jack also posted on Facebook that Antonio was “my other half, my best friend and the person I look up to most”.

“Words can’t describe the pain we all feel you’re loved by so many. You will always be in my heart and I’ll talk to you everyday,” he posted.

“Your aura was so special and would put a smile on anyone’s face around him. You are the most caring thoughtful person I’ve come across and always looked out for me, im so grateful for everything you’ve done and helped me through you’re my guidance and always will be. “Everything I do from this day forward is for you I love you so so much Tones, thinking about you.”

Friend Josh Vieira Lino Buck also paid tribute on Facebook, remembering Mr Loiacono as “a great teammate but an even better friend”.

“All of my memories with you are full of fun ones, we never had a dull moment,” he posted. “From the time we did the running man challenge in your backyard, to slap boxing in mine. My heart is truly broken and I can’t believe you’re not with us anymore.

“Everyone you’ve ever known are truly affected as you always managed to make us smile, your infectious character and laugh always stood out.

Mr Loiacono was flown to hospital after an on-field collision at Gumeracha Oval. Picture: 9 News

“You always had the time of day to talk to anyone and whenever I saw you I’d always be so happy. Our last match together we won a flag and I know you won’t stop winning them up there mate. I love you Tones keep kicking goals for us.”

The Birdwood Football Club paid tribute to its young player in a social media post.

“Antonio was only with our Club for a few months but his leadership and care for his new team will have a lasting impact,” it said.

The Great Southern Football League also offered its “sincere condolences to the family and friends” of Mr Loiacono.

“Community Football is what we live for and this is a truly sad time when a player is cut down by an unfortunate on field incident, no matter what level of the game,” the league shared in Facebook post.

Our collective thoughts are with his family and the Birdwood Football Club at this time of “unbelievable sadness.”

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono died after an on field collision at Gumeracha Oval. Picture: Supplied

Mr Loiacono played for Waikerie in the Riverland Football League last season and represented Norwood’s Under 18 side in 2019.

The result of Saturday’s match remains pending.

In a statement, the Hills Football League offered condolences to Mr Loiacono’s family.

“It is difficult to find the words that express the immense shock, sorrow and heartache that the Hills football community is feeling today,” the statement read.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Antonio’s family, the Birdwood and Gumeracha Football Clubs and extended communities.”

Port Adelaide Football Club also offered its condolences after Mr Loiacono’s death.

“Our thoughts are with the Birdwood Football Club and the Hills Football League community during this time of profound grief,” a statement posted to social media said.

It was echoed by the Crows.

“The Crows family sends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Hills footballer Antonio Loiacono following his sudden passing on the weekend. Our thoughts are with the Birdwood Football Club, the Hills Football League and Hills community.”

The SANFL said it was “offering the family and club all the support it can.”