Nau family speaks on teenage Angle Vale footballer placed in coma after wild APFL grand final

The family of a teenage footballer who remains in ICU after a horror incident during a “violent” Adelaide league Grand Final match has spoken out.

The family of a teenage footballer placed in an induced coma after being struck in a grand final on Saturday say the 17-year-old had “woken up and started responding’’ but remained in intensive care.

Angle Vale player Henry Nau was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Saturday after being hit during the game against Two Wells at Hamley Bridge oval, about 65km north of Adelaide.

The game has been generally described as violent by spectators with multiple yellow and red cards issued during the match.

In a separate incident a brawl broke out between the teams.

His father, Garry Nau, said the family was waiting on further information from doctors.

“While his initial scans were positive, Henry is still in ICU at the RAH,’’ Mr Nau said.

He said the family was grateful for the support since the incident occurred.

“At this point we are waiting on what the doctors will tell us next,” he wrote in a social media post.

“Thanks again for all the kind words and wishes. We will try to update as we know more.

Our priority is his health and hopefully speedy recovery.”

Angle Park player Henry Nau, 17, who was placed in an induced coma after an incident during a football match between Two Wells Football team. Picture: MG Slattery

17-year old footballer Henry Nau flown to hospital and now in coma. Picture: 9 NEWS

An SA Health spokeswoman confirmed he was in a stable condition on Sunday evening.

SA Police said on Sunday afternoon it had investigated the incident.

“Police have liaised with match officials and both clubs involved in yesterday’s incident,’’ police said.

“We have reviewed CCTV and video filmed during the game and have established that no criminal offences have occurred.’’

Adelaide Plains Football League president Michael Vigor said the league was investigating whether Mr Nau was intentionally or accidentally hit, however he has clarified that he was not king hit.

The family of Henry Nau say the 17-year-old had “woken up and started responding’’ but remained in intensive care. Picture: MG Slattery Photography

“Our concerns are with the player and hope he makes a full recovery. We hope the best outcomes can be achieved,” Mr Vigor told The Advertiser.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this moment.”

Mr Vigor said Nau was attempting to catch the football from the air, when he sustained an injury to the head from an incident late in the first quarter.

He also clarified that Nau was not involved in any physical altercation with other players, during or after the match against Two Wells Football Club.

The league’s MRO — Football Operations Coordinator — has commenced their investigation into the incident and the findings are yet to be determined.

Statement released by the Angle Vale Football Club after one of its players was put in an induced coma. Picture: Angle Vale Football Club

In a statement issued by Angle Vale Football & Netball Club’s president Simon Selley on Sunday, the club said Mr Nau was “responding to treatment” while receiving “the best medical care”.

“Yesterday’s Grand Final Day was unfortunately marred by careless acts of violence,” he wrote in the social media post, referring to the other incidents in the match.

“We wish him the speediest of recovery’s”.

“Angle Vale Football & Netball Club does not condone this behaviour and will be seeking answers on how this is continuously allowed to occur in Junior Football. This matter is being reviewed by SAPOL (SA Police).”

Two Wells Football Club also took to social media to issue a statement about the incident.

“Please be assured the club will be working through the appropriate channels to investigate and address the situation,” it wrote.

“We urge everyone to be mindful of the information shared on social media — It is crucial to avoid spreading unverified details or speculation.

“Our primary concern remains the wellbeing of the child and his family.”

Originally published as Nau family speaks on teenage Angle Vale footballer placed in coma after wild APFL grand final