Thousands of mourners gathered on Thursday to farewell teenage cricketer Ben Austin at Junction Oval in Melbourne.
Austin, 17, died three weeks ago after being struck by a cricket ball while warming up for a suburban T20 match with his team, Ferntree Gully.
The teenager was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but later passed away from his injuries.
A Final Farewell Filled With Love and Sport
In highly emotional scenes, Junction Oval was at capacity as close friends and family gathered to bid farewell to the beloved teenager.
Austin was a devoted Collingwood fan, and his passion for the club was evident in his final send-off. His coffin featured the Magpies logo and club colours.
A signed footy jersey, Collingwood's 2023 Premiership cup, an AFL Sherrin football inscribed with the words 'forever 17', and a portrait of the young man were placed on top of his casket.
Family and Friends Remember a Life Cut Short
Cricket was Austin's great passion, making the service at the traditional home of Victorian cricket a fitting tribute.
Austin's grandfather, David, was the first to speak, emotionally referring to his grandson as 'Benny my No.1 main man.'
His father, Jace, followed, telling the gathered crowd that his son 'lit up the world'. He expressed immense pride in his son and asked for his strength to move forward.
'The best goal you ever scored or the four you ever hit wasn't on the field, it was when your soul chose us as your family,' Jace said.
A tribute written by Austin's mother, Tracey, was read by the funeral director. 'How do I do life without you? This is just a bad dream I can't wake up from,' she wrote.
A Legacy of Kindness and Camaraderie
Friends also paid moving tributes, remembering Austin for his character and selflessness.
Friend Hudson Reid said the cricket fanatic always put others' interests above his own and would never be forgotten.
Mate Cooper Wood described him as more of a brother than a friend. 'Loyal, funny, caring and always there when you needed him, he had a way of making you feel like you mattered,' Wood said.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, echoing the 2014 death of Test cricketer Phillip Hughes, who was also struck by a cricket ball during a match.
