A man in his 30s is fighting for life after an incident at a football match in north-east Victoria yesterday.
The man was involved in a clash with another player during a finals game between Greta and Milawa reserves in Wangaratta.
Ovens and King Football Netball League president Cam Green said neither player did anything wrong.
"It was just two blokes going after the footy," he said.
"The player has come off the ground and said 'I just got a good one, I'll be right soon'.
"He's gone into the rooms for treatment and that's when things escalated."
The man's condition deteriorated and by halfway through the seniors' match between Greta and Bonnie Doon, an air ambulance was called.
The helicopter landed on the ground and took the man to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
Game ends early
A decision was made to call off the senior's final as a result.
"It was a tough decision but it was the correct decision," Mr Green said.
"I think both clubs acted really professionally and with a lot of compassion for each other."
The league is offering support to the players and other members affected.
It will hold a board meeting tonight to determine how it proceeds with the final series.
"I don't think anyone's seen an incident like this for a number of years," Mr Green said.
"Greta is very much a family-orientated club.
"This rocked them."
The club has thanked its trainers, support staff and medical staff present at the game.
