An Australian rules player who died from head injuries following a “freak accident” had recently become engaged.

Nathan Fitzgerald was rushed to hospital after he suffered a series of blows to the head during a match between the Lalor and Epping reserves in Melbourne on the weekend.

His death was announced by Epping Football Netball Club on Monday night.

His brother Matthew Fitzgerald told The Herald Sun that Nathan recently proposed to his fiance Hannah.

She was by Nathan’s bedside with his family when he died.

“Nathan was a very infectious person, he loved everyone and family was the biggest thing to him,” Matthew said.

“We all cherish family, but Nathan really displayed it. It was his life.

“You only needed one interaction with Nathan to know what a gentle soul he was. There was nothing in his bones that wanted to hurt anyone.

“He wanted everyone to succeed and he always put everyone else before himself.

“He’d always tell me he was proud of me, proud of the man I was becoming.”

The high school teacher was remembered as a “deeply loved” and caring colleague by staff at Mernda Central P-12 College.

“Nathan was an exceptional young man who brought warmth, energy, kindness and genuine care to every part of his life,” a spokesperson for the college said in a statement posted to social media on Tuesday.

“He was a deeply valued member of our school community and had a profound impact on the students, staff and families who have had the privilege of knowing him.

“Nathan represented the very best of education. He cared deeply about young people, built strong and meaningful relationships, and made those around him feel seen, supported and valued.”

A memory box has been placed at the college for students, families and staff to leave a message, memory or tribute for “Mr Fitz”.

The touching move will be shared with Mr Fitzgerald’s family.

“We ask that Nathan’s family, friends, students and colleagues are given privacy and respect during this deeply difficult time,” the statement said.

“Nathan was deeply loved, valued and respected by all of us at Mernda Central P-12 College, and our entire community is holding him and his family in our thoughts.”

The “freak accident” unfolded at the Lalor Reserve at Sydney Crescent about 1pm on Saturday.

Mr Fitzgerald was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and was put in end-of-life care before his death.

Epping Football Netball Club president Luke De Vincentis earlier said Mr Fitzgerald had been knocked in the head during a tackle.

“There was a clash of heads at the beginning of the tackle and on the way down another knock to his head that could’ve been by a flailing leg or a knee,” he said.

“Then he hit his head on the ground, on the part that is harder than everywhere else where the cricket pitch is.

“I hope potentially the way cricket pitches are covered is absolutely something that can be looked at because it is a significant risk.

“The weekend has proved what dire outcomes there can be.”

A WorkSafe spokesperson said the watchdog had been notified of the incident and “inspectors will make inquiries to determine what further action may be required”.

Mr De Vincentis described Mr Fitzgerald as a “tenacious” and “fair” player who lit up every room he went into.

“Nathan is the most gentle, loving, humble soul. It was really funny how the Nathan on the field was the polar opposite to the Nathan off it,” he said.

“His teeth would light up a room from a mile away because he would always have a smile on his face and gave time to anyone.”