THE AFL community has passed on its condolences to the family of former Hawthorn rookie Shaun Bergin, who died after being injured while playing for Balwyn Football Club earlier this month.

A former rookie listed player with the Hawks, Bergin was knocked unconscious during an Eastern Football League match against Blackburn on September 4.

He had been in the Alfred Hospital since he was injured but died early on Tuesday after his family made the decision to turn off his life support. Bergin was 26.

Tributes flowed for the popular footballer, with current Hawthorn player Jordan Lewis shocked at his passing.

"I wasn't at the club when Shaun Bergin was here, but speaking to the other guys, Rick Ladson was pretty close to him, and it's obviously a devastating thing to happen, especially on a football field," he said.

"You don't wish that upon anyone.

"Being part of the Hawthorn family for a year, a few of the guys were pretty close to him, and it's a sad thing.

"Our thoughts … certainly go out to his family and friends in this time of need."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou also offered his condolences.

"On behalf of the AFL, I want to extend my sympathies to Shaun’s family, his friends and everyone associated with the Balwyn Football Club during this very sad time," Demetriou said.

The AFL Players' Association said: "On behalf of all current and past AFL players, the AFL Players’ Association would like to offer its condolences following the passing of Shaun Bergin."

Bergin was a member of the association in 2004 and 2005 while on Hawthorn’s rookie list.

He was also a teammate of the association's general manager of player relations, Ian Prendergast, at Balwyn.

Prendergast said teammates and former colleagues alike were devastated at the loss.

"Shaun was a true gentleman in every sense of the word," Prendergast said.

"His caring nature and incredible courage will always be remembered by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

"Our hearts go out to Shaun’s family, friends and especially his wife Jess who Shaun recently married."

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs