“He has left a massive hole in our community and we hope that his family can take comfort in the legacy he has gifted our club,” Mr Murphy said.

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“At the young age of 25, Lachie had created a life based on mateship, generosity and his passion for all things, especially his family and friends.

“Lachie was a young, fit healthy man that was loved by all that came into contact with him, leaving a lasting impression to all.”

Mr Murphy said Lachie was a much-loved son, brother, grandson and friend.

“Lachie was taken too soon but he was doing what he loved, for a club he loved with the teammates he loved.”

Dunnstown coach Justin Abrams described the devastation at losing one of the club’s beloved figures.

“We lost a great footballer but more importantly we have lost a fantastic, popular, irreplaceable friend to everyone at the club,” Abrams said.

“He was one of those people that everyone loved.

“... it’s either going to devastate the group - which it has at the moment - or galvanise us to stick the year out.

“Football is irrelevant to us at the moment.”

Onlookers at the game spoke of the shock and tears that flowed at the Learmonth football ground where the incident occurred.

“The Dunnstown supporters, players and club officials were devastated. They had kept vigil hoping that the young man would survive,” said The Courier football writer John McGregor, who was at the ground to cover the scheduled Learmonth v Dunnstown matches.

“Tears flowed. Disbelief that a player and friend was gone. It's a tragedy that is felt by and deeply moves the greater football family.”

The Central Highlands Football League released a statement on its website following the tragedy.

“The Central Highlands FL and its members are shocked at the tragic death of a Dunnstown reserves player today at the Learmonth Oval,” it read.

“He collapsed at the end of the reserves game and despite the best efforts of club staff and paramedics he was not able to be saved.

“The CHFL will work with both clubs and their members over coming weeks to support them through this heartbreaking incident.

“There was nothing which occurred within the match which led to the player's collapse.”