Carlton forward Mia Austin honored her late cousin Ben Austin with a heartfelt celebration after scoring a goal during the Blues’ decisive victory over West Coast on Saturday.
The Blues defeated the Eagles by 41 points, securing their spot in the semi-finals. However, the match is remembered most for Austin's goal at the three-quarter time siren.
Austin, who was absent from last week's win against West Coast, took a strong mark and kicked the goal, immediately surrounded by teammates. She was visibly emotional and shed a tear in memory of her cousin Ben.
"Your heart breaks with this vision doesn’t it?" Abbey Holmes said on Channel 7. "You can see how much this means to Mia Austin ... just the teammates, it gives me goosebumps looking at that vision, just the love and support that has been shown there."
Alister Nicholson remarked, "A moment of great poignancy on the three-quarter time siren. It has been such a challenging time for the Austin family following the tragic passing of young Ben in the cricket training accident."
Ben Austin, aged 17, died last week after being struck by a cricket ball while warming up for a T20 match, deeply affecting his family and friends.
Author’s summary: Mia Austin’s emotional goal celebration powerfully honors her late cousin Ben, highlighting the profound impact of his tragic passing on her family and teammates.