Hundreds gather at funeral of footballer Dallas Keogh-Frankling

A “kind hearted” teenager with an “infectious smile” has been farewelled at a tear-filled funeral after he died suddenly at the end of a country footy game.

A “kind hearted” soul with an “infectious smile” has been farewelled at a tear-filled funeral.

Hundreds of mourners filled the St Mary’s Catholic Church and its adjoining hall in Castlemaine to celebrate the life of Dallas Keogh-Frankling, who died after collapsing at the end of a football match at Kyneton.

Echoing an interview dad Mark gave with the Herald Sun just days after his death, priest Wahid Riad has said the 17-year-old died “doing what he loved” and he would want others to continue playing.

“Dallas would not want anybody to be afraid to play the game,” he said.

The Essendon Football Club, the Castlemaine Football and Netball Club  and many other local footy teams had provided support to his family in wake of his passing.

Castlemaine Football player Dallas Keogh-Frankling.

Pallbearers carry the coffin of Dallas Keogh-Frankling from St Mary's Catholic Church in Castlemaine. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

He was laid to rest in a casket of Essendon’s colours, with a pair of footy boots on top and the Bombers logo on the side.

Mourners were told that Dallas had grown up loving sports, excelling at tennis, cricket and football.

His father Mark said he had once promised Dallas that if he could beat his own personal record, he would owe him a new bat. Mark recalled having to buy it for him.

Joking about his son, Mark remembered his “clomping around the house”.

“Please Dal walk a bit softer - you are wrecking the house,” he would say.

The teenager excelled at many sports, besting his dad at cricket.

Priest Wahid Riad speaks at the funeral of Dallas Keogh-Frankling. The under-18 footballer lost his life after an away game at Kyneton in May. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

“I am the proudest Dad in the world and I miss you so much,” Mark said.

Dallas’ mother Regina gave a bible reading and paid tribute to her son from the pulpit.

She said he “had never hurt anybody” and she loved him.

Uncle Keith McLean said the teen had a “kind heart and beautiful soul”.

“He made others feel seen, heard and valued,” he said.

“He touched the lives of many”.

Mourners were also reminded of a kind hearted soul who was quick to make others smile, even when he himself was having a difficult time.

Father Riad comforted mourners, saying “we will see him again when our time on this earth ends”..

“Life has not ended for Dallas, it has changed,” he said.

Friends of Dallas Keogh-Frankling speak at his funeral. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

His three best friends — Archie, Calllum and Curtis — took turns making short eulogies, paying tribute to relationships which spanned from early childhood.

One described how Dallas had “hated a year nine camp” but had still buoyed the spirits of his friends with his commentary on the situation. “He hated it but I had a good time because of him,” the teen said.

Another spoke of his “infectious smile”.

“As we bid farewell let us all remember to carry his infectious smile and love in our hearts,” he said.

“Though your life was short, it had a profound impact.”

Dallas Keogh-Frankling's girlfriend D’Elle Edmunds struggled to get through her eulogy. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

Girlfriend of seven months D’Elle Edmunds said she fell in love with Dallas “the first time (she) saw him on the train”.

“I love and miss you endlessly,” she said.

The Essendon Footy Club, Castlemaine and other clubs have reached out to offer support to the family of the teen who wanted to be an electrician.

The under-18 footballer lost his life after an away game at Kyneton in May.

After being tackled, he got up but later collapsed in the change rooms and died.

Mourners prayed for the doctors and nurses at the hospital who worked on Dallas but were ultimately unable to save him.

Teammates form a guard of honour at the funeral of Dallas Keogh-Frankling. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

As they watched a slideshow of photos of the teen, the church was filled with the melody of Youth Group’s Forever Young.

At the end of the service, an honour guard was formed that stretched through the streets, and his hearse — led by a lone bagpiper and two priests — was driven to Heathcote Cemetery.

Mum Regina farewells her son Dallas Keogh-Frankling before his coffin is driven away. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

Family and friends threw long stemmed red roses on top of his coffin as it was lowered in the newly blessed earth with his footy boots sitting on top.

It was overcast outside the church but as the hearse drove away, a gentle breeze blew and sunshine broke through the clouds.

Dallas has left behind his dad Mark, mum Regina and brother Ashton.

*The Herald Sun was invited to attend and report Dallas’s funeral.