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.
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’s Hospital, he passed away on Wednesday.
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed his death in a statement, describing the club as “absolutely devastated”.
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” the club said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family—Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, his friends and all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.”
Photo via Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club
Ben’s parents thanked emergency services for their care and efforts. “Jace and Tracey would like to thank Ambulance Vic, the Police, the Monash Children’s Hospital and those people who assisted on Tuesday,” the statement said.
The Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where Ben played more than 100 games, also paid tribute. “Ben was a kind, respectful, popular and much loved player at our club,” it said. “He 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.”
The club said Ben’s loyalty and dedication shone through in every season. “Ben 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,” the statement read.
The Hawks described him as “a truly great young person who was developing into a fine young adult,” saying his loss “will be felt keenly by our club for many years to come.”
Ben’s 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.
The Waverley Park Hawks said counselling support was available to players and families through the club’s Child Support Officer Kristine and Incident Officer Amy, who also works with headspace.
Both clubs have asked for privacy for Ben’s family as the community grieves. Funeral details and information on how Ben will be remembered are expected to be shared in the coming days.
“May Ben Rest in Peace,” the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club wrote.
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