The Castlemaine footballer who died during an under-18s game on Saturday has been identified as Dallas Keogh-Frankling.
The boy collapsed and was unresponsive during an away game at the Kyneton Showgrounds about 12.20pm on Saturday.
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He was taken to Kyneton Hospital in a critical condition where he later died before he could be airlifted to Melbourne.
Keogh-Frankling was named as one of the best players on the ground just minutes before he collapsed in the rooms.
The 17-year-old was injured in a tackle but played out the rest of the game against Kyneton, even running off the field after the final siren.
His father Mark initially thought Dallas had broken ribs, but he was quickly proven wrong.
“His eyes rolled in the back of his head, I yelled for the ambulance,” Mark told the Herald Sun.
“I held his hand and it felt cold. After an hour-and-a-half, they couldn’t bring him back.
“I was such a proud father. He was just growing up so well, he loved his footy.
“It’s still hard to comprehend I won’t be driving him to footy.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews passed on his condolences to the friends and family of the youngster on Sunday.
“This will be an incredibly difficult time for those families, friends, and people who love those who have been caught up (in this), so we send our best wishes on what will be a challenging time,” he said.
A later Bendigo league game between the Castlemaine and Kyneton senior teams was abandoned while Kyneton cancelled Rural Round celebrations taking place at the Showgrounds.
Both clubs have arranged grief counselling for everyone involved.
The Bendigo Football Netball League is yet to announce when games will resume.
“The club and league’s first priority is providing and facilitating support for the family, friends, teammates and coaches of the player,” it said in a statement.
Victoria Police said on Saturday that an investigation on the incident was incomplete.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be determined but the matter is not being treated as suspicious,” Victoria Police said.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Castlemaine extended an invite for members to come together at their home ground, providing “a safe space to be together at this difficult time”.
Kyneton was also quick to release a statement.
“The Kyneton Football and Netball Club are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of an under-18 player from the Castlemaine Football and Netball Club,” the club wrote.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the players, family, friends, and teammates and we ask that you please respect their privacy at this time.”
Support flowed in for Castlemaine as the community reckoned with the tragedy.
“Incredibly saddening and devastating,” Greater Bendigo councillor Matthew Evans said.
“My sincerest of condolences and prayers to the family and the entire Castlemaine FNC. Thoughts with the Kyneton FNC as well.”
Kyneton Fire Brigade said: “Condolences and our deepest sympathies to the entire football community from us all.”
One woman wrote: “Hard to believe something like this can happen in junior football. My heart goes out to all. My son plays for U18 as well and I can’t even begin to imagine how hard this would be.”
Another mother said: “Our deepest sympathy and thoughts go out to the family, players, coaches, umpires, officials, supporters and community – from an U18 Golden Square player’s mum.”
Bendigo league rivals Golden Square were joined by Victorian clubs North Geelong and St Arnaud Football Club in reaching out to Castlemaine.
“Deepest condolences to the family and friends, the Castlemaine Football Netball Club, players, committee and community our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time,” Golden Square said.
“From one community club to another, our thoughts are with your club and wider community at this tragic time,” North Geelong added.
St Arnaud said: “We’re thinking of you all. Condolences to the family, friends, and entire Castlemaine Football Netball Club and wider community.”
The boy’s death comes just weeks after 20-year-old footballer Antonio Loiacono died after an on-field collision in a South Australian football game.
– With Glenn Valencich and Rochelle Brown