‘Knocked him to the ground’: Horrific blow left 17yo footy player in coma

The nightmare incident that left a teenage football star in a coma has been revealed after he was airlifted to hospital on the weekend.

Adelaide Plains Football League boss Michael Vigor has revealed the incident that saw 17-year-old Angle Vale player Henry Nau airlifted to hospital and placed in an induced coma.

The nightmare scenario unfolded during the under-17s grand final between Angle Vale and Two Wells at the Hamley Bridge Oval, which saw a violent brawl.

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Just before halftime, the match got out of control, with players engaging in the fisticuffs on the field, which led to several red and yellow cards.

“It was pretty aggressive,” spectator Jack Martin told 9News. “A lot of push and shove, a couple of punches thrown from what I seen.”

However, Vigor said the incident which left Nau injured had happened much earlier and came from an aerial contest.

“Henry was involved in a contest with a Two Wells player where both were going for the ball,” Vigor told the Adelaide Advertiser.

“Both players launched themselves at the ball and the Two Wells player swung his arm while trying to punch the ball towards goals and made contact with Henry and knocked him to the ground.

“He was helped to his feet by a teammate and awarded a free for high contact, which he took.”

17-year old footballer Henry Nau was left in a coma. Picture: MG Slattery Photography

Vigor revealed that Nau left the ground during the first-quarter break and was given medical attention for a broken nose.

However, his condition deteriorated as he started to get dizzy.

“He was taken to the St John’s ambulance and he started to lose consciousness so an ambulance and paramedics were then called during the game,” Vigor said.

“The game finished and we were in the middle of presentations when he continued to deteriorate and he was then airlifted to the RAH.”

He added the violent finish to the match also happened right at the final siren but it hadn’t been a free-for-all throughout the game.

Nau was placed in an induced coma after the incident.

Nau was left in serious condition. Picture: NINE NEWS

Nau chasing the ball. Picture: MG Slattery Photography

However, his family revealed that Nau had woken up and was responsive.

Nau’s father Garry wrote: “Thanks for the support everyone is giving Henry and us as parents.

“Henry remained overnight in an induced coma. He was woken up this morning and started responding.

“At this point, we are waiting on what the doctors will tell us next.

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

“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.”

SA Police said on Sunday afternoon it had investigated the incident, News Corp first reported.

“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 said an investigation would be conducted after Angle Vale lodged an official report.

Originally published as ‘Knocked him to the ground’: Horrific blow left 17yo footy player in coma