A man fatally stabbed after attempting to protect a teenage boy at a Melbourne train station has been remembered as a keen footballer whose impact "reached far beyond the game".
Aidan Becker, 22, was among a group of passersby who tried to intervene to save a 14-year-old from a group of four alleged teenage attackers at Mernda Railway Station on Friday evening.
Becker attempted to leave the scene with the boy when he was allegedly set upon in a "savage" assault where he was punched, kicked and attacked with blades, Homicide Squad inspector Nigel L'Estrange said on Saturday.
The off-duty security guard was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.
Four male teenagers aged between 16 and 18 were arrested at the scene, three of whom had since been charged with murder and armed robbery.
A 17-year-old was in hospital and had not been charged at this stage.
"This is just a tragic situation where our victim here is just a good Samaritan who was trying to do the right thing," L'Estrange said.
"He's intervened, tried to protect this 14-year-old schoolboy, hasn't been aggressive at all, tried to remove him from the scene, and as a result of his interaction, he's now lost his life."
'His impact reached far beyond the game'
The oldest of the group, 18-year-old Mike Pikos, appeared in court on Sunday as Becker — a keen footballer — was remembered by his former team as "the kind of teammate every club hopes for — selfless, team first and always willing to put others before himself".
"Aidan brought people together and represented everything that our club stands for — effort, attitude, respect," the Yarrambat Junior Football Club said.
"Many of our players, families and supporters at YJFC and his previous club Preston Bullants JFC, had the privilege of sharing the field, the rooms and so many memories with Aidan. His impact reached far beyond the game and the sadness of his loss is being felt deeply across the entire community.
"We send our love and heartfelt condolences to Aidan’s family, friends and all who knew him. Our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time."
The Australian Security Industry Association also extended its "heartfelt condolences" to Becker's loved ones.
"Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."
At 8pm on Friday, a candlelight vigil would be held at Mernda Railway Station for the community to "remember and honour" Becker's life.
"Our community has lost a beautiful soul, and our hearts are heavy," a post announcing the vigil read.
The event's organiser said Becker, a local, was an animal lover who enjoyed travelling and making music.
Pikos was remanded in custody before his next court appearance on June 24.
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