Witnesses thought the 24-year-old was winded, but he collapsed to the ground and began convulsing.

He had left the ground with a blood nose in the second quarter.

Trainers from both Lorne and Otway Districts rushed to his aid and started CPR.

It is believed Mahoney was revived twice in a 40-minute period before paramedics arrived about 2.55pm.

The paramedics continued CPR, but Mahoney died at scene.

The Colac and District Football League (CDFL) match was abandoned after the tragedy.

Mahoney leaves behind two young children.

The talented footballer played at Otway Districts with his brothers, Dean and Leigh, both of whom were listed to play in Saturday’s match.

He won the club’s best and fairest last year and was recently named in the CDFL interleague side.

Players from both teams were said to be “absolutely devastated” by the tragedy.

A witness said spectators at the country oval — Otway Districts’ home ground — were “hysterical” in the wake of the incident.

AFL Barwon chief executive Lee Hartman said he understood members of Mahoney’s family were at the game.

He described the tackle as “fair and above the board”.

“But his heart stopped,” he said.

“It’s an unfortunate and sad accident that has occurred.

“It’s hard to believe. He was only a young fellow.

“He was in the CDFL interleague side and I believe he was coach of their under-17 side as well. So he’s obviously a great club person.”

Mr Hartman said registered nurses, qualified trainers and a defibrillator were on hand at the ground.

“Sometimes when you hear about these country clubs people think help wasn’t there and it could have influenced the outcome, but it wasn’t the case in this instance,” he said.

Counselling has been offered to players and officials from both clubs, as well as the officiating umpires and spectators.

AFL Victoria has offered its “deepest sympathies” to Mahoney’s family, his club and the local football community.

“We will be endeavouring to support them in any way possible,” it said in a statement.

AFL Victoria confirmed the Otways District player died after collapsing on the field: “the player was unable to be revived despite the best efforts of club trainers and support staff.”

Police were called the oval on Football Rd — 25km south of Colac — at 3.30pm.

They are investigating the incident and will prepare a report for the coroner.

The oval of the country club backs on to a gravel road with the goal posts bordering the car park.

The lights were on in the clubhouse Saturday night but only a few people were inside and declined to comment on the tragic death of their captain.

The local pub was quiet with teammates and friends gathered privately at homes.

The Otway Districts Football Club directed all comment to AFL Barwon on Saturday afternoon.

Lorne Football Club president Ken Hosking said he understood the man died as a result of an “innocuous tackle”.

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