17-year-old footy player dies after collapsing in game

The footy world is in mourning on Saturday night after a 17-year-old collapsed and died during an under-18s game in Victoria.

The football world is in shock. Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos/Getty Images

The AFL world has been left in shock after the death of a 17-year-old footballer during an under-18s game in the town of Kyneton in Victoria.

The player from the Castlemaine Football Netball Club collapsed during an away game at the Kyneton Showgrounds just after midday on Saturday.

He was taken to Kyneton Hospital in a critical condition and was waiting to be flown to Melbourne for further treatment but died before being transferred.

Victoria Police said the matter was “not being treated as suspicious”.

“Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a teenager in Kyneton on Saturday, May 27,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“Emergency services were called to reports of an unresponsive boy at a football field on Mollison Street, about 12.20pm.

“A 17-year-old boy from Castlemaine was taken to hospital where he later died.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be determined but the matter is not being treated as suspicious.”

The club shared a post on Facebook calling for the community to come together.

“We will be gathering as a community from 4.30pm at social rooms at Camp Reserve, Castlemaine to provide a safe space to be together at this difficult time,” the post read.

Castlemaine Football Netball Club players during a game between Castlemaine and Golden Square. Source: Facebook

A later game between Castlemaine and Kyneton’s senior teams was abandoned.

It sparked an outpouring of grief from across the football world.

The teenager was remembered as a “nice kid” according to messages on the club’s social media channels.

Tragedy at a country Club/18’s football match - The Challenge Cup between the Kyneton Tigers and Castlemaine has been called off after the death of a Castlemaine player - kind thoughts to my local community @3AW693@9NewsMelb@theage

— Brian Wilson (@ietsystems) May 27, 2023

Kyneton’s Fire Brigade wrote: “Condolences and our deepest sympathies to the entire football community from us all.”

Greater Bendigo councillor Matthew Evans said: “Incredibly saddening and devastating.

“My sincerest of condolences and prayers to the family and the entire Castlemaine FNC. Thoughts with the Kyneton FNC as well.”

North Geelong Junior Football Netball Club posted: “From one community club to another, our thoughts are with your club and wider community at this tragic time.”

The parent of another under-18s player 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.”