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Thousands Gather at Junction Oval to Farewell Teen Cricketer Ben Austin

Family tributes celebrated his life, urging teammates to keep playing the game he loved.

Overview

  • The 11am public service at Junction Oval filled the grandstand as close friends and family sat on the turf before a private burial.
  • Collingwood memorabilia adorned his casket, a lap of the ground followed, and a guard of honour was formed by his junior football club.
  • Austin, 17, died after being struck in the neck by a ball during nets at Ferntree Gully on October 30 despite immediate help from teammates and paramedics.
  • His father called it a freak accident and encouraged people to keep playing, while his grandfather said there was no one to blame.
  • Cricket-wide tributes included bats laid out and minutes of silence, donations have surpassed $180,000, and a friend told AAP he wore a helmet and a plastic “wanger” was used.