More than $30,000 donated to injured North East footballer Ben Duffield

Ben Duffield remains in hospital in Melbourne after being flown from Sunday's Ovens and King reserves grade final at North Wangaratta.

His partner, Katie, told The Border Mail the 35-year-old had awoken from an induced coma.

"Benny is breathing, he is responsive, he is here," she said on Tuesday.

"A long road to recovery but very lucky and very deserving of this miracle."

She was by his bedside on Tuesday. .

He had been placed into the coma following the incident and was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

A GoFundMe page for the Greta player and his family had generated $36,500 to 4pm.

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A further fundraiser will be held during the Ovens and King grand final on September 17, with a donation blanket to be taken around the ground at half time during the seniors game.

GoFundMe Organiser Beau Dew said things were looking positive for Mr Duffield, with the fundraiser to assist his partner and their two kids.

"We have since heard he has thankfully woken however, his road to recovery is still unknown," Mr Dew wrote on the website.

"Close friends have come together to support Ben, Katie, Ivy & Flo during this stressful period.

"Any support you can offer to help take the financial stress away for Katie and Ben while he recovers would be greatly appreciated - no matter how big or small the donation."

Mr Duffield suffered a broken sternum during the game - an injury usually seen in car crashes - which led to a collapsed lung and cardiac issues.

The 35-year-old had been in a critical condition after the incident but his condition improved on Monday.

His club released a statement urging people to support the fundraiser.

"The support and care the community has given over the past 24 hours has been amazing," a spokesman said on social media.

"We will keep you updated as the journey to recovery begins."

Click here to access the GoFundMe page

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