THE ESSENDON District Football League (EDFL) is in mourning after one of its players collapsed and died during a match on Saturday.

Northern Saints reserves captain Mohamed Ali Jamil Allouche went into cardiac arrest soon after kicking a goal against Avondale Heights in Fawkner in Melbourne's north.

Trainers from both clubs tried desperately to revive the 22-year-old with a defibrillator before paramedics arrived, but Allouche died at the Alfred Hospital hours later.

"The EDFL board, staff and club community sends its deepest condolences to the man's family, his teammates and club, and all those affected," the EDFL said in a statement on Saturday night.

The Northern Saints released a heartfelt message on Sunday morning, describing Allouche as a person "that commanded respect from people young and old".

"Our hearts are heavy, our eyes welling with tears, our sympathies go out to Moe's mother, father and siblings. We will never forget the inconsolable scenes we witnessed yesterday," the club said on its Facebook page.

The match between the two teams was promptly abandoned, and three Sunday fixtures involving the Northern Saints have been postponed until further notice.

Counselling has been offered to players and spectators of both clubs who witnessed the tragedy.