Family's tribute to young larrikin killed playing footy

A young footballer who died after an on-field collision was a larrikin who had a gift for bringing people together, his family say.

Antonio Loiacono, 20, died in hospital on Sunday night after being knocked out on Saturday while playing for the Birdwood Football Club in the A-grade match against Gumeracha in the Hills Football League in South Australia.

In a statement on Thursday, his family said they had received overwhelming support not just from friends and family, but from people across the state and around the world.

"Antonio loved football - the camaraderie of the players, their families and the local country teams," the family said.

"Antonio started playing Auskick when he was just four years old and we are so thankful for the love and support we've received from the football community over the past few days.

"Antonio was a larrikin who had a gift for bringing people together, young and old, and brought light and life into every room. We feel so blessed that his spirit continues to unite the community, as he always did in life."

The family said it had been Antonio's wish for his organs to be donated and they took comfort in knowing that in his death, others had been given the gift of life.

In earlier tributes, Hills Football League president Joanne Purdie said it was difficult to find the words to express the "immense shock, sorrow and heartache" felt by all.

"On behalf of the Hills Football League board of directors, we express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Antonio Loiacono who passed away on Sunday evening," Ms Purdie said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Antonio's family, the Birdwood and Gumeracha football clubs and extended communities."

The incident on Saturday happened during the final quarter of the twilight game at the Gumeracha Oval.

Mr Loiacono was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to hospital but his life support was turned off about 24 hours later.

The young man's brother Jack said his sibling was loved by so many.

"You will always be in my heart and I'll talk to you every day. Your aura was so special and would put a smile on anyone's face," Jack said in a Facebook post.

"You are the most caring thoughtful person I've come across and always looked out for me.

"I"m so grateful for everything you've done and helped me through, you're my guidance and always will be. Everything I do from this day forward is for you. I love you so so much Tones, thinking about you."