AFL club West Coast donate $5000 to Cassius Turvey’s family after Collingwood does the same

Two major AFL clubs have made massive donations to Cassius Turvey’s family this week, as the nation continues to mourn the teenager’s alleged murder.

Candlelight vigils were held for Cassius around the nation. Picture: Dan Peled / Getty Images

The West Coast Eagles have made a massive donation to Cassius Turvey’s family, as the nation continues to mourn the footy-loving teenager’s alleged murder.

The AFL club donated $5000 to the GoFundMe page, which has now hit more than $660,000 from more than 15,000 individual donations.

In a statement on Thursday, the club said their “hearts and thoughts” were with the community and family.

“The West Coast Eagles support the Turvey family after their tragic loss of Cassius,” the club wrote on social media.

“Our hearts and thoughts extend to the Noongar and Yamatji communities.”

❤️https://t.co/liTA8Nmp0Wpic.twitter.com/N707TEkSLk

— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) November 3, 2022

The 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy was allegedly bashed with a metal pole while walking home from school in the Perth suburb of Middle Swan on October 13.

He suffered severe brain injuries and died in hospital 10 days later.

Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, has been charged with murdering Cassius.

Mr Brearley has also been charged with aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and stealing linked to a 13-year-old boy who was with Cassius at the time.

Police allege Mr Brearley struck the boy with a pole, believed to be a shopping trolley handle, then stole the boy’s walking crutches and cap.

Mr Brearley and will next face court on November 9. He is yet to enter a plea to the charges.

Cassius Turvey died in hospital from his severe head injuries.

West Coast’s donation matched that of Collingwood’s earlier in the week.

The Magpies’ social media post included words from former premiership player Andrew Krakouer.

“My love, thoughts and prayers go out to Cassius, his family and loved ones,” the post read.

“Rest easy in the Dreamtime, Cassius Turvey.”

Krakouer also played WAFL football at Swan Districts, where Cassius was part of the club’s Elevate program.

The AFL club also said: “Our thoughts remain with the Turvey family, friends and the wider Noongar community. Collingwood stands firmly alongside all First Nations people across the country.”

Mechelle Turvey, mother of Cassius Turvey, embraces Emily Farmer during a rally for her son on Wednesday. Picture: Matt Jelonek / Getty Images

The Swan Districts posted their own message of support days earlier, saying they were saddened by Cassius’ death.

“Cassius was a much loved and valued member of the Swans Elevate program, showing enormous kindness and empathy that put smiles on many faces,” they said.

“His pathway for the future looked bright, his engaging personality, together with strong values, made it easy for anyone to connect with him; something that has been overwhelmingly obvious among the words shared this week by many.”

Dozens of peaceful rallies were held across Australia and overseas this week demanding justice for Cassius.

“I don’t want an ymore violence. I’m the only person who can get justice for my son,” his mother Mechelle Turvey said.

“I need to call out for calm. I am angry, Cassius’ friends and family are angry, but I don’t want any form of violence at any of these rallies in the name of my child.

“Violence breeds more violence.”

Television host and journalist Narelda Jacobs, who is related to the Turvey family, spoke during a vigil at Town Hall in Sydney. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams / Getty Images

Tributes have continued to pour in for the boy, while many people have also praised his mother for how she has handled the tragedy.

“I think Mechelle is a most amazing woman. We need more people in the world like her,” one person wrote alongside their donation.

Another person wrote: “This beautiful boy held such promise for the future. You can see the kindness and laughter in his face. His mum must be pretty wonderful, too. It’s way past time we came together in this country.”

A person in Canada also donated to the Turvey family.

“Your story touched my heart. I live in Canada and I saw a beautiful tribute to Cassius on an Aboriginal Instagram post,” they wrote.

“I decided to Google his name and was heartbroken as a fellow Indigenous mother. I am so very sorry for your loss and I will keep you guys in my prayers.”