South Australian footballer dies after horror on-field footy collision

A young footballer has died in hospital after an on-field collision during a weekend A-grade game.

His Instagram page was filled with photos from concerts and music festivals. Picture: Instagram

A young footballer has died after a horror on-field collision during a South Australian A-grade Australian rules football game.

Birdwood Football Club utility Antonio Loiacono, 20, suffered critical injuries in a collision in the final quarter of a match against Gumeracha at Gumeracha Oval in the Adelaide Hills about 8pm on Saturday night.

He was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Royal Adelaide Hospital.

A family member of Mr Loiacono told The Advertiser the footballer had died on Sunday night.

The family member, who wished not to be named, said Mr Loiacono was knocked out cold in an on-field collision, causing his heart to stop for about 30 minutes before he was revived and eventually died.

Antonio Loiacono was critically injured during an on field collision at Gumeracha Oval. Pic: Instagram

Antonio Loiacono and his mother. Picture: Instagram

They said Mr Loiacono had a history of “too many” concussions and should not have been playing football.

Paramedics had revived Mr Loiacono, but he was taken off life support about 24 hours after sustaining his injuries, surrounded by his parents, brother and girlfriend when he died, according to the family member.

The A-grade player was playing for Birdwood against Gumeracha in the Hills Football League - the result of that match remains pending.

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

Loiacono was a star country footballer and had previously represented Norwood’s Under 18 side in 2019.

He also also played for Waikerie in the Riverland Football League last season.

Loiacono was critically injured in a football match at Gumeracha Oval. Picture: 9 News

Loiacono was airlifted to hospital. Picture: 9News

Mr Loiacono’s brother Jack Loiacono shared touching memories on Facebook, saying words can’t describe the pain he feels.

“(Antonio) was my other half, my best friend and the person I look up to most,” Jack said.

“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 every day.

“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, I’m 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 much Tones, thinking about you.”

His Instagram page was filled with photos from concerts and music festivals. Picture: Instagram

Antonio's brother Jack shared memories of the two together. Picture: Facebook

Antonio's brother Jack shared memories of the two together. Picture: Facebook

In a tribute to the young player, the Great Southern Football League 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.”

Adelaide Hills Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom said her thoughts were “with Antonio’s family and friends today after the incident at Gumeracha Oval on Saturday”.

“Our thoughts also go out to the Birdwood Football Club community who will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event,” she said.