Castlemaine Football Netball Club is mourning the sudden death of Under 18s footballer Dallas Keogh-Frankling on Saturday afternoon.
The 17-year-old collapsed after playing in a match at Kyneton and was rushed to hospital but could not be revived.
An outpouring of condolences and support has flowed to the club, Dallas’s family and the wider community, including messages from the Bendigo Football Netball League, other clubs and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
In a statement posted to the league’s website, the league said both it and the club were devastated.
“The club and league’s first priority is providing and facilitating support for the family, friends, teammates, and coaches of the player,” the statement read.
“The club and league will continue to work together closely and kindly request that the privacy of family, friends and teammates be respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Premier Andrews said on behalf of all Victorians he wanted to extend his deepest sympathy to Dallas’s family.
“My prayers and best wishes to the family of the young footballer … this will be an incredibly difficult time for his family and friends, and we send our best wishes.”
In a statement released on Sunday evening, CFNC extended heartfelt sympathies to Dallas’s family.
“In particular his parents Mark and Regina, his brother Ashton, and extended family who are a significant part of our club and its history,” club officials said.
“Our club community has understandably been rocked by this tragedy and have spent time together over the past two days supporting each other, and will continue to do so over the coming weeks and months.
“Dallas loved his football, he loved his club, and he loved his teammates. It is unfathomable to us that he is gone.
“At the behest of his family, training will continue to be offered this week to honour the fact that he would never want his death to dampen our love of the game.
“Our club would like to commend the quick-thinking and thoughtful actions of the Kyneton Football Netball Club who rallied around our playing group and continue to provide their support.
“We would also like to thank the club trainers and spectators who were on the scene to assist Dallas in the change rooms, and paramedics who took over in Dallas’s care.
“Thank you also to AFL Central Victoria and the Bendigo Football Netball League who have allowed us to lean on them during this difficult time, and have gone above and beyond to provide assistance.
“To our wider football and netball community who have provided condolences, sent personal messages and posted tributes – we feel your support.
“Our focus is now on Dallas’s family, his teammates, friends and our wider club community as we process his loss and come to terms with our collective grief.”