Patrick Cronin's older brother has told hundreds of mourners at the 19-year-old's funeral he'll forever remember playing football alongside his sibling for the first time just hours before the Eltham teen was allegedly punched outside a Melbourne pub.
Lucas Cronin farewelled Patrick on Wednesday at his former school, Whitefriars College, in Donvale.
The 19-year-old died on Monday, April 18, two days after he was struck at a Diamond Creek pub.
Earlier that Saturday Patrick and Lucas had played in the same Lower Plenty Bears football side for the first time ever.
"Not many siblings get to experience the connection you do as teammates, and I can sure as hell say to you all that playing with Pat was the biggest motivation in me striving to play senior football," Lucas said on Wednesday.
"(Playing together) was my final memory with Pat, and a fitting one at that."
Lucas noted Patrick was often mistaken for a girl because of his long hair, while sister Emma told the mourners the 19-year-old had always "had a thing for his hair".
"Looking back over the last week there have been many styles and cuts involved from his childhood bowl cut to the long flowing hair that he became so known for in the last few years," Emma said.
Patrick was remembered by high school friend Nick Eggleston as a fan of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings - as well as being a huge supporter of Richmond Football Club like the rest of the Cronin family.
He was a high achiever at school who received a scholarship to attend La Trobe University.
"I'll take him with me through the rest of my life and cherish having been friends with such a kind, funny and gentle person," Mr Eggleton said.
Andrew William Lee, 33, has been charged with Patrick Cronin's murder.
Lee's brother Brendan Lee, 37, has been charged with threatening a witness, and both have been remanded in custody.
Police say the 19-year-old was acting as a mediator during a brawl outside the Windy Mile pub when he was hit and suffered the fatal head injuries.
