Suburban football player Nathan Fitzgerald has died after suffering critical head injuries during a reserves game in the city's north on the weekend.Just before 9pm on Monday night, Epping Football Netball Club posted "Rest in peace and love Fitzy 34 — Forever Fitzy".A sea of blue and white hearts, representing the team's colours, flooded in on social media as fellow club members paid tribute to Mr Fitzgerald.The 27-year-old was also a high school teacher at Mernda Central College, with the school posting that it was "deeply saddened by the loss of our much-loved colleague"."Nathan was an exceptional young man who brought warmth, energy, kindness and genuine care to every part of his life," the school posted on social media."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