{"id":250800,"date":"2025-10-30T11:35:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T11:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/250800\/"},"modified":"2025-10-30T11:35:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T11:35:12","slug":"ferntree-gully-and-waverley-park-mourn-young-sportsman-ben-austin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/250800\/","title":{"rendered":"Ferntree Gully and Waverley Park mourn young sportsman Ben Austin"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Earlier this year, Ben Austin led the FTGDCA Under-16s Keith MacKay representative team to a Grand Final victory over the undefeated DVCA side at Diamond Creek. He was the tournament\u2019s third-highest wicket taker with 17 wickets at an average of 10.88, and in the final claimed 3 for 13 off 7 overs while adding 18 runs with the bat. A talented young cricketer remembered for his skill, composure, and leadership on the field. Photo\/Ferntree Gully Cricket Club<\/p>\n

Two Melbourne sporting clubs are mourning the loss of 17-year-old Ben Austin, a talented cricketer and footballer who died this week after being struck during cricket training at Ferntree Gully.<\/p>\n

Ben was critically injured while batting in the nets at Wally Tew Reserve on Tuesday afternoon. Despite the efforts of emergency responders and doctors at Monash Children\u2019s Hospital, he passed away on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed his death in a statement, describing the club as \u201cabsolutely devastated\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,\u201d the club said. \u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with his family\u2014Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, his friends and all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Ben Austin played more than 100 games for the Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where he was admired for his sportsmanship, kindness and loyalty. In 2025, he was named Runner Up Best and Fairest and Best Finals Player, a reflection of his dedication to the game and the respect he earned from teammates, coaches and parents alike.
Photo via Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s parents thanked emergency services for their care and efforts. \u201cJace and Tracey would like to thank Ambulance Vic, the Police, the Monash Children\u2019s Hospital and those people who assisted on Tuesday,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n

The Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where Ben played more than 100 games, also paid tribute. \u201cBen was a kind, respectful, popular and much loved player at our club,\u201d it said. \u201cHe supported his team mates and was a support to all of the kids that he played with. He had a wide network of great friends who will miss him dearly.\u201d<\/p>\n

The club said Ben\u2019s loyalty and dedication shone through in every season. \u201cBen loved the Hawks and played over 100 games for our club, he was a true Hawks man who was universally loved by the players, coaches and parents. This culminated in him winning the Runner Up Best and Fairest and Best Finals Player in 2025,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n

The Hawks described him as \u201ca truly great young person who was developing into a fine young adult,\u201d saying his loss \u201cwill be felt keenly by our club for many years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben\u2019s talent extended beyond football. He was an accomplished cricketer, representing both the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and the Rowville Sports Academy. Earlier this year, he captained the FTGDCA Under-16s Keith MacKay representative team to a Grand Final victory over the undefeated DVCA side, taking 3 for 13 and scoring 18 runs. He finished the tournament as the third-highest wicket taker with 17 wickets at an average of 10.88.<\/p>\n

The Waverley Park Hawks said counselling support was available to players and families through the club\u2019s Child Support Officer Kristine and Incident Officer Amy, who also works with headspace.<\/p>\n

Both clubs have asked for privacy for Ben\u2019s family as the community grieves. Funeral details and information on how Ben will be remembered are expected to be shared in the coming days.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay Ben Rest in Peace,\u201d the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club wrote.<\/p>\n

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