Burwood, Australia — The Burwood and wider Victorian football community woke up to heartbreaking news this weekend. Josh Davis, a promising young Australian Football League player and dedicated Caulfield Grammar School student, has died following a sudden accident that shocked friends, teammates and the broader sporting world. The news has left local clubs and classmates deeply saddened by the loss of one whose potential was as high off the field as it was on it.
Josh was more than just a gifted athlete — he was a fixture of the Caulfield Grammarians Football Club, where his energy, skill and genuine passion for the game made him a leader in every sense. Those who played alongside him say he brought a positive mood to every training session and match. His teammates remember him as someone who gave his all — not just in performance but in encouragement and kindness.
Off the field, Josh was known for his quiet strength and generosity. Classmates and friends painted him as someone you could always go to — ready with a smile, a helpful word, or support when it was needed. Balancing academic life at Caulfield Grammar with his commitments to football, he earned respect from teachers and peers alike. His warm personality and humble nature made him beloved across school halls and sports fields.
The Caulfield Grammarians Football Club released a heartfelt message announcing his passing, expressing profound sorrow and extending condolences to Josh’s family. In their statement, club officials spoke of the impact he had on the team’s spirit, how his presence uplifted those around him and the deep sense of loss felt by everyone who knew him. Messages of support have poured in from coaches, classmates and members of the larger football community.
Josh’s life will be celebrated at a public service scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, at Bunurong Memorial Park in Dandenong South. The location at 790 Frankston‑Dandenong Road will open its doors to all who wish to honour his memory. For those unable to attend physically, the service will be streamed live so supporters near and far can pay their respects.
In a move that reflects the kind of spirit Josh carried every day, his family has asked mourners not to wear black or bring flowers. Instead, they’re encouraging donations to mental health charities Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute — causes close to the heart of many in his community and ones that will carry forward his legacy of caring and service to others.
Friends, teammates and teachers alike are left remembering a young man who lived with integrity, warmth and hope. In every smile he shared, every game he played and every challenge he faced with quiet courage, Josh made an impression that will last long after this loss. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the community that now mourns him.
