This statement has been prepared in consultation with the McQuillan family, the Albury Tigers Club, the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League, AFL North East Border and AFL Victoria.

Albury Tigers Club player James McQuillan remains in a critical condition at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne after being airlifted from the Albury Base Hospital last night.

Mr McQuillan is believed to have suffered spinal injuries after colliding with a Yarrawonga player during the second quarter of a match between the two clubs at the Albury Sportsground yesterday afternoon.

Further updates on his condition will be issued as they become available.

Mr McQuillan's family is with him in Melbourne and are being supported by Albury Tigers Club Vice President and Player Welfare Manager Paul Joss.

Jack and Jo McQuillan have issued this statement in regards to their son James.

"Our focus at present is solely on the health and well-being of our son James.

"We know that he is in the best hands possible with the expert medical team at the Austin Hospital. We want to sincerely thank everyone so far who has played a part in caring for James in Albury and Melbourne, and also the many well-wishers supporting us.

"We would greatly appreciate some privacy and understanding at this incredibly difficult time.

"Thank you."

Albury Tigers Club President Gavan Schultz said the club's immediate concern was for James and his family.

"We are hopeful and praying for good news but also understand the seriousness of James' injuries," Schultz said.

"We appreciate the interest in James' condition but we ask that the privacy of the McQuillan family and the members of the Albury Tigers Club are respected at this difficult time."

Schultz said the collision between Mr McQuillan and the Yarrawonga player involved no malice and was an innocent collision that occurs without injury every week during the football season.

He said the club would not be referring the matter to the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League for review.

Ovens and Murray Football Netball League General Manager Aaron McGlynn, who was in attendance at the match, is working with clubs involved to offer support where needed.

AFL North East Border General Manager John O'Donohue is currently coordinating support services, which will be offered at an appropriate time to all parties involved in the incident, including players from both the Albury and Yarrawonga football clubs, the trainers involved in treating James and of course the McQuillan family.

No further comments will be made until we have an update on the condition of Mr McQuillan.