Shock as footy player collapses mid-match

A country football club has thanked a team of people who rushed to help a player who collapsed mid-match and was later flown to hospital.

A Caramut Football Club player has been flown to hospital following a suspected heart attack.

A footballer is recovering in hospital after he suddenly collapsed on the quarter-time siren at a game in Victoria’s west.

The Mininera and District Football League reserves match between Caramut and Ararat Eagles was abandoned following the incident at the Caramut Recreation Reserve, about 55km from Hamilton, at 12.40pm.

MDFL president Dale Bruns confirmed a Caramut player collapsed and had suffered a suspected heart attack at the ground on William St.

Mr Bruns said club volunteers performed CPR and a defibrillator was also used before paramedics arrived within 20 minutes.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the man, believed to be in his 50s, was treated at the ground for “a medical condition” and was flown to Geelong Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said the man’s condition had improved to stable on Saturday night.

Hamilton highway patrol police officers also rushed to assist at the scene.

Earlier, Mr Bruns said the scene was being cleared and a seniors match between the two clubs would proceed in this afternoon.

“The players are certainly in shock, there’s no doubt about that, and as these incidents affect people in different ways, we will be supporting them in any way possible,” he said.

“We wish the player a full recovery and will offer support to his family as well as the club and volunteers.”

As a result of the incident, the decision was made for the teams involved to receive two points each.

In a social media post on Sunday afternoon, Caramut thanked people for their support.

It was also confirmed the club’s defibrillator was also tested.

“We thank everyone who was so quick to help and did such a brilliant job,” the post said.

“We also thank the emergency services for their quick response time.

“Thank you to the Ararat Eagles and the league for their support and also to all of our club members and supporters.”

Earlier this season, the Mininera and District competition made headlines after two senior teams were forced to forfeit as a result of Covid teams.

In that instance, the teams who could have played were awarded the win.