Margaret Varcoe dies after on-field head injury

MARGARET Varcoe, sister of AFL star Travis Varcoe, has died after sustaining a devastating head injury while playing Aussie Rules.

Travis Varcoe’s sister has tragically died after sustaining a head injury during a game. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

MARGARET Varcoe, sister of Collingwood star Travis Varcoe, has tragically died after sustaining a head injury while playing in a women’s grand final in an Adelaide Football League.

Varcoe, playing for club Angle Vale, walked off the field after the devastating collision but later collapsed in the team’s dressing room. The 27-year-old was rushed to hospital immediately.

She was in a coma at Royal Adelaide Hospital all week before news broke of her death on Thursday night.

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She reportedly spent her final days surrounded by loved ones.

Travis, a key member of Collingwood’s side to play West Coast in an AFL qualifying final on September 8, gathered teammates to address them at training on Wednesday.

“He feels comfortable (at the club) and wants to be around his other family and that’s us at the footy club,” Collingwood vice captain Steele Sidebottom said at the time. “It’s a really difficult time for Trav and his family ... his two kids and his wife Kim.

“Wherever Trav thinks he needs to be, whether that’s at the club or with his family ... we’ll support him.” Maggie’s club, Angle Vale, said its “love and prayers go out to the Varcoe family.”

Leo Sloane. Maggie Varcoe. What a horrible few days for the football fraternity. My heart breaks for both families. As a community, let’s wrap our collective arms around them. #RIPLeo #RIPMaggie

— Alex Oates (@AlexJOates11) August 30, 2018

A horrid day today. RIP Maggie Varcoe. Thoughts with her family and the North Adelaide and Angle Vale Football Clubs.

— Jack Hudson (@jhudson_10) August 30, 2018

The Angle Vale Football Club posted a message on its Facebook page last night saying: “Maggie you were a much loved member of our women’s team who all idolised you both on and off the field. Your infectious smile and kind nature will be truly missed around the club you chose to call home. We will do whatever we can to support the Varcoe family and the AVFC family who are all deeply saddened by this tragedy.”

Travis Varcoe is a veteran Collingwood star.

— with AAP