Indigenous football player passes away after grand final head injury

The sporting community has paid tribute to the woman who died after suffering a head injury during an Adelaide women's league grand final.

Players on the field

She suffered the injury in Sunday's grand final game. Source: Hannah Rexx

An Indigenous player has died following a head injury sustained during a suburban football game in Adelaide.

The woman collided with a teammate while playing for Angle Vale football club during the Adelaide Football League women’s grand final.

The league said the amateur player walked off the field but collapsed in the change rooms and was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital on Sunday. 

She is the sister of Collingwood midfielder Travis Varcoe.

She died on Thursday night surrounded by her family, including her brother who had rushed to the hospital from Melbourne.
The Angle Vale Football Club confirmed the death on Thursday night in a post on its Facebook page.

"On behalf of everyone at the Angle Vale Football Club our sincere condolences to the Varcoe family," the post said.

Adelaide Football League’s chief, John Kernahan, told South Australian newspaper The Advertiser he was shocked by the news.

“She was a talented, spirited and passionate young woman who absolutely loved her footy,” he said.

“I know I speak for the entire football community when I say that she was very much loved in return.

“The Football Community is a strong one and we will wrap our arms around those needing some care.”


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2 min read
Published 31 August 2018 2:46pm
Updated 31 August 2018 2:48pm
By NITV Staff Writer


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