Teenage Angle Vale footballer in coma after grand final incident

A 17-year-old footballer is in an induced coma after reports he was allegedly hit at a grand final with anti-violence advocates saying it is unacceptable.

A teenage footballer was placed into an induced coma after at a grand final match on the city’s northern fringe.

17-year-old Angle Vale player Henry Nau was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital after being hit while coming off the ground at Hamley Bridge oval, about 65km north of Adelaide.

He remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Mr Nau was reportedly hit just before the quarter time break during the Under 17 Senior Colts grand final game. He did not return to the field.

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

“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.

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 Photography

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 Photography

The other player involved who has since been identified.

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

Nau’s father, Garry Nau said the family is grateful for the support since the incident occured, while Nau remained in an induced coma overnight and is still in the Intensive Care Unit.

“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.”

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.

“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).”

Sammy D Foundation founder Neil Davis said his thoughts were with Mr Nau’s family following the shocking incident.

“We were shocked to hear about yesterday’s violent incident during what should have been a fun, enjoyable sporting occasion for young people, which has left a 17-year old young man – Henry Nau – in an induced coma,” he said.

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

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 Photography

“Incidents such as this highlight the importance of the work the Sammy D Foundation do educating junior players about the potential serious impact of their actions — Violence is never an appropriate response. One punch can kill.

“Sadly, my family know more than most that violent actions can and do have serious repercussions that can lead to a lifetime of regret and pain.”

The match was put on hold for almost an hour as an ambulance crew was called, then specialist paramedics, then a MedSTAR emergency medical retrieval helicopter.

Witnesses told 9News that the player was hit behind the play but a league official said it was uncertain whether it was a hit or an accident.

Family members said his CAT scans were looking positive.

Multiple yellow and red cards were issued during the match, over an incident that was unrelated to Mr Nau injury.

Originally published as Teenage Angle Vale footballer in coma after grand final incident