The family of an Adelaide SANFL women's league player have thanked those who cared for the talented footballer in her final days after she was critically injured on the field.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following story contains names and images of people who have died.

Key points: The family of Maggie Varcoe have thanked the public for their outpouring of love

The family of Maggie Varcoe have thanked the public for their outpouring of love The talented footballer died on Thursday after an on-field injury in a grand final on Sunday

The talented footballer died on Thursday after an on-field injury in a grand final on Sunday The football community has rallied around the family to offer support

In a statement, Maggie Varcoe's family said the past week had been "an incredibly emotional time, only made bearable by the messages of support we have received".

"On behalf of the entire Varcoe family, we wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the football and wider community for the outpouring of love for our beautiful Maggie," the statement said.

"We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in Maggie's care over the past week, in particular the staff at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

"She has been in the very best hands throughout."

Varcoe died in hospital after being critically injured on the field. ( North Adelaide Football Club )

The family said their thoughts were with Maggie's young teammate who was involved in the incident on Sunday, and wished her a speedy recovery.

The "close and private" family has asked for privacy to grieve in peace.

Varcoe's family has granted permission for her name and image to be used.

The 27-year-old, who is the sister of Collingwood midfielder Travis Varcoe, died on Thursday after an accidental clash with one of her teammates on Sunday.

She was playing in a grand final for Angle Vale Football Club in the SA Women's Football League when the clash occurred.

After leaving the field, Varcoe was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

"Everyone's thoughts are clearly with the family," AFL chief executive officer Gillon McLachlan said.

"It's an extraordinarily distressing piece of news, it's just a terrible incident.

"I reached out to the CEO of the SANFL and we'll do anything we can to help, but it's … just an extraordinarily difficult and terrible time."

Collingwood Football Club president and Channel Nine Footy Show host Eddie McGuire told the show late on Thursday night that he had been in contact with Travis Varcoe via text message.

"Unfortunately earlier tonight she passed away at 27 years of age," he said.

"Her family, including Trav, are by her side.

"On behalf of the football world, and certainly all of your friends at the Collingwood Football Club, we stand side by side with you and your family and [send] everybody at the Angle Vale Football Club in Adelaide our deepest sympathies."

Varcoe played for Angle Vale in the SANFL women's league. ( North Adelaide Football Club )

Tributes flow from football clubs

In a statement released earlier in the week, the Adelaide Footy League said Maggie Varcoe had been conscious and able to leave the field, but collapsed in the changerooms where she received immediate treatment before an ambulance arrived.

The other 19-year-old Angle Vale player in the collision suffered a broken cheekbone.

In a Facebook post, the Angle Vale Football Club gave its "sincere condolences to the Varcoe family".

"You were a much loved member of our women's team who all idolised you both on and off the field," it said.

"Your infectious smile and kind nature will be truly missed around the club you chose to call home."

The woman was playing with Angle Vale Football Club.

SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson said the league was "shocked and devastated", describing Varcoe as someone who "still had so much to give, both on and off the football field".

"An unerringly modest personality with silky skills, she went quietly about her football and was enormously respected and admired by teammates and opponents alike," he said.

"With a smile on her face and kindness in her heart, Maggie brought light to those around her."

Friday morning, Collingwood Football Club said: "The thoughts and love of all at the club are with Travis in this most difficult time.

"Collingwood will continue to support Travis and his family in any way it can and allow him as much time as he, and they, require to decide upon a return to the club."

Varcoe's sister also played for North Adelaide in the SANFL women's competition.

"Margaret was an outstanding member of our Statewide Super SANFL Women's League playing group, a leader both on and off the field, and an inspirational figure for young players at our club," the club said on its website.

"We are devastated to have lost Maggie and, on behalf of everyone connected with North Adelaide, our hearts go out to the entire Varcoe family."