A DAD has revealed the harrowing last moments of his footballer son after he collapsed and died following a tackle in an Aussie Rules match.
Dallas Keogh-Frankling, 17, was injured during the away game before he lost consciousness in the changing rooms in Victoria, Australia.
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The Castlemaine Football player had been in the under-18s Bendigo League match against the Kyneton Tigers when tragedy struck on Saturday.
His heartbroken father, Mark Frankling, told The Herald Sun: “Late in the last quarter he was tackled on the boundary line by two people.
“His arms were pinned and he landed on the ball next to the gates where people come onto the field.”
Dallas “sprang up straight away” but was left clutching his stomach and took a breather on the bench before finishing the game.
The devastated dad said he checked how his son was feeling and initially suspected he may have broken ribs.
But the teen’s condition took a dark turn after the match ended and his team entered the changing rooms.
“I looked over and saw his face was in a bit of pain, and I asked him if he was all right,” the devasted dad recalled, noting the teen’s face had turned “grey.”
“His eyes rolled in the back of his head, I yelled for the ambulance.”
Dallas was rushed to Kyneton Hospital while paramedics desperately tried to resuscitate him.
“They worked again on bringing him back,” Mark continued.
“I held his hand and it felt cold. After an hour-and-a-half, they couldn’t bring him back.”
Dallas’ family called on the coroner to provide answers about the youngster’s sudden death, as he was perfectly healthy and had no pre-existing medical conditions.
Mark added: “I told them I want to find out what happened because I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.
“I don’t want this to happen to any other kid, I don’t think Dallas would want this either. I want only good things to come from this.”
Mark said he was a “proud father” and vowed that his son would want his teammates to continue enjoying the sport.
Grief counselling has been made available for everyone involved.
One of Dallas’ friends wrote on social media: “Still hard to believe this is real. We all love ya mate, fly high king.”
Another wrote: “Fly high Dally, love you always.”
Victorian premier Dan Andrews paid tribute to Dallas, saying: “On behalf of all Victorians I want to extend my deepest sympathies.
“And people should be assured there will be a full investigation so we can try to understand what’s happened here.'”
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.”
Victorian club North Geelong added: “From one community club to another, our thoughts are with your club and wider community at this tragic time.”
Victoria Police said an investigation into the incident remains ongoing. They are not treating the death as suspicious.
A spokesman for the force said: “Emergency services were called to reports of an unresponsive boy at a football field on Mollison Street, Kyneton, about 12.20pm.
“A 17-year-old boy from Castlemaine was taken to hospital where he later died.”
The Castlemaine club held a community gathering on Sunday to remember Dallas.
