Osborne footballer Jed Griffin remembered for cheeky smile after quad bike death

A 25-year-old footballer who died in a quad bike accident at the Osborne Football Club's home ground is being remembered as a fierce competitor and much-loved teammate.

Jed Griffin died on Sunday afternoon after hitting a goalpost while being towed by an unregistered quad bike. A 20-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner and negligent driving occasioning death. He appeared in a brief hearing in the Wagga Wagga Local Court today, with his bail extended and the case adjourned until November.

The incident occurred one day after Mr Griffin played for the Osborne senior side in the Hume Football Netball League grand final against Henty, which Osborne lost by six points.

Mr Griffin's coach of three years, Myles Aalbers, described Jed as 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 said Mr Griffin was 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."

Mr Aalbers said Mr Griffin's commitment to Osborne was evident in his daily journey 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.

A floral tribute was left at the Osborne Recreation Ground.

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 against in his last match, said it sent love, care and condolences to his family and loved ones.

"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 Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club, where Mr Griffin played some junior and senior matches, said his 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.

"Vale Jed."