Footballer who died after hitting goalpost remembered for cheeky smile

A 25-year-old footballer who died after hitting a goalpost while being towed by a quad bike is being remembered as a fierce competitor and much-loved teammate. 

Jed Griffin died at the Osborne Football Club's home ground south-west of Wagga Wagga on Sunday afternoon.

A 20-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner and negligent driving occasioning death. 

He was scheduled to face the Wagga Wagga Local Court today. 

The incident happened one day after Mr Griffin took to the field for the Osborne senior side's game against Henty in the Hume Football Netball League grand final. 

Osborne lost the grand final by six points. 

Mr Griffin’s coach of three years, Myles Aalbers, said Jed was a determined athlete with a cheeky demeanour and a quick-witted sense of humour. 

“Every time I would see him, he would just have that cheeky smile … I’ll never forget that about Jed,” Mr Aalbers said. 

"He loved his mates, he loved his outdoor fishing and hunting, and the people close to him."

Mr Aalbers described Mr Griffin as one of the best footballers he had seen and an all-round great person. 

“He was one of the fiercest competitors I’ve coached with in my time in football,” he said. 

"Just, with his stature, some of the contest he went into — I was amazed he came out the other end of it with no injuries.” 

Griffin committed to Osborne 

Mr Aalbers said Mr Griffin’s commitment to Osborne was evident in the literal journey he made to play and train, driving past several other clubs between his home and the ground. 

"That speaks volumes itself. [It's the] same with his family, Terry, Nicole and Darby. They're a big part of our football club,"

he said.

He described the Osborne community as a “big family”, and said the loss reverberated well beyond the playing group. 

“This has obviously impacted a lot of people’s lives, and we will aim to get through it together,” Mr Aalbers said. 

“It is obviously very difficult circumstances. As a playing group we are just trying to rally around each other and stick together as tight as we can. 

“We don’t know what the steps forward are, but we are just trying to keep the group together and be there for each other.” 

The club has received support from the wider community, with counselling services offered to players and others affected by Mr Griffin’s death. 

'Two teams, one league, one united community'

The Hume Football Netball League has been showing its support for the Osborne Football Netball Club, paying tribute to Mr Griffin in online posts.

The Henty Football Netball Club — the team Mr Griffin played his last match against — said it sent love, care and condolences to the 25-year-old's family and loved ones.

It described his death as a "tragic and heartbreaking loss".

"We further extend our arms to the entire Osborne Football Netball Club and all other families impacted by this sad moment in time," the club said.

"Two teams, one league, one united community of people. We are here for you all."

The Coreen Daysdale Hopefield Buraja Football Netball Club said it was "deeply saddened by the loss of a really great young man".

"There are simply no words big enough for what you are facing right now,"

the club said.

"Please know you are not facing it alone. We are right beside you, wrapping our arms around you and sending every bit of love, strength and support we possibly can."

The club said country sporting clubs were "so much more than football and netball".

"They are family. They are where we grow up, where lifelong friendships are formed, where families come together and where we stand beside one another through the very best and the very hardest of times."

The Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club, where Mr Griffin played some junior and senior matches, said his's death would leave an enormous hole in the hearts of those who knew him. 

"Today, we want to acknowledge the life of Jed — a spirited young man who was loved by so many," the statement read.