A suburban football player is receiving end-of-life care after suffering devastating head injuries during a weekend AFL game.

The Epping Football Netball Club confirmed that school teacher Nathan Fitzgerald’s condition had deteriorated after Saturday’s match.

The 27-year-old reserve grade player reportedly suffered head injuries during a tackle with a teammate while playing for Epping reserves against Lalor at Lalor Reserve.

The ABC reports that he clashed heads with a teammate during the tackle. News Corp reports that he hit his head on the cricket pitch.

Club trainers and ambulance staff reportedly performed CPR and defibrillation for almost an hour before he was transported to The Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Fitzgerald is understood to have undergone emergency brain surgery on Saturday night.

But on Sunday night his family was holding a vigil by his bedside as his condition deteriorated.

Nathan Fitzgerald had been with Epping for a number of years. Photo: Supplied

“The Epping Football Netball Club is devastated to share that our much-loved teammate & clubman, Nathan Fitzgerald’s condition deteriorated overnight and is now receiving end-of-life care,” the club posted on Facebook.

“The entire Fitzgerald family is in our thoughts during this horrible situation and we ask that you respect their privacy.

“Please take a moment to hug & kiss your loved ones; life is precious.”

The club signed off “34 — Forever Fitzy”, in reference to his playing number.

Epping Football Netball Club president Luke De Vincentis told the ABC Fitzgerald appeared to knock his head multiple times.

“[There were] two to three significant knocks in the one motion,” he said.

“The extent of what happened is completely rare and was really foreign territory for everyone to navigate.”

He told the ABC Fitzgerald had been a part of the Epping club for several years and was loved by all.

“He’s a really softly spoken, gentle young man who loves the club and loves his teammates,” De Vincentis said.

“And it’s a mutual feeling, so that makes it all the more difficult to deal with.

“The club, both Epping and Lalor, really wrapped their arms around each other at the game, and the support by both clubs was really heartwarming.”

Tributes inundated social media from football clubs and supporters.

Mernda Football Club said that although teams were rivals on the field they were “one community”.

“In moments like these, the game takes a back seat as we come together to support one another,” the club posted.

“To the Fitzgerald family, we send our deepest condolences, strength, and love. To everyone at Epping Football Club, please know that the entire Mernda Football Club stands beside you. Our thoughts are with you all today and in the days and weeks ahead.”

Aadesh Narayan commented on Facebook that he was “absolutely devastated”.

“Nathan Fitzgerald was one of the most down to earth and genuine blokes I’ve ever met. I worked with him at Woolworths Plenty Valley for many years.

“He radiated good energy that was contagious. Always had a smile on his face. When I ran into him a couple of months ago, we had a good chat and he was still radiating that pure and wholesome energy.

“A hard working man with so much ahead of him. I am truly heartbroken hearing this news.”