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Seventeen-year-old Ben Austin tragically passed away in the hospital just days after a cricket ball struck him in the head and neck during a training session in Ferntree Gully on October 29.
Today, the Shane Warne Stand was filled with 1,100 attendees, including friends, family, and members of the community, all gathered to honor the young athlete.
Mourners were invited to wear their cricket club jerseys, scarves, or add a touch of color to their attire as a tribute.
In the center of the grounds, Ben’s closest family and friends were seated around his coffin, which was decorated with symbols of the Collingwood Football Club.
At the heart of the ceremony was the Magpies’ 2023 premiership cup, accompanied by a framed photograph of Ben, a Sherrin football with his name, and a cricket bat marked with his Ferntree Gully Cricket Club cap number, 512.
His father Jace – wearing Ben’s number 512 cricket cap – his cricket coach and other family members were among those to eulogise the talented young sportsman.
“Ben Andrew Austin, 17 years, 19 days, five hours, you lit up the world. Your mum and I have never been prouder,” Mr Austin said.
“The best goal you ever scored or four you ever hit wasn’t on the field, but it was when your soul chose us as your family.
“Our first achievement and greatest love.”
Mr Austin said the family found peace knowing Ben would join his cousins and nana on the other side.
“But mostly playing cricket with Warnie and Phil Hughes will be high on the list,” Jace said.
Ferntree Gully Cricket Club coach Josh Henry remembered Ben as ”the perfect young man”.
“Only the other week, a new left-handed batsman turned up to training without gear,” Henry said.
“I asked Benny if the kid could borrow his. Without hesitation – yes.
“Not only did he lend it, he helped the boy pad up, doing the straps, fitting the gloves, making sure he was ready, that’s who Benny was.
“Anything, for anyone, anytime. A heart of gold.”
Ben’s coffin was carried from the ground by Ben’s friends and teammates into a hearse which performed a lap of honour around the ground at the end of the service.