Sons of guns finding way
Calls for Cahill grow as Arnold observes
Times have changed but sons, and daughters of the Socceroos’ golden generation are emerging and writing their own stories — at home and abroad. Julian Schwarzer, 18, son of Mark, is at the Fulham Academy, and Tony Popovic’s eldest sons Kristian, 16, and Gabriel, 14 are Western Sydney Wanderers youth players. Josip Skoko, Paul Okon, Mile Sterjovski and Jason Culina are among those who have kids playing in the National Premier Leagues.
THE great outdoors, waves of European migration and a trailblazing national league all sensationally blended to produce the Socceroos’ golden generation.
Some were supported or cajoled by parents, uncles or grandparents., while others were driven to surpass older siblings. All were products of their environments.
Times have changed but sons, and daughters, of the golden generation are emerging and writing their own stories – at home and abroad.
Some have shown enough promise to be in “the system”, training with professional clubs as the first steps to potentially following in their dads’ footsteps.
Julian Schwarzer, 18, sone of Mark, is at the Fulham Academy, though looking to drop down a few divisions to gain first-team experience and Tony Popovic’s eldest sons Kristian, 16, and Gabriel, 14, are Western Sydney Wanderers youth players along with Oliver Kalac – the son of Zeljko.
Josip Skoko, Paul Okon, Mile Sterjovski and Jason Culina are among those who have kids playing in the National Premier Leagues, and while the young sons of Brett Emerton, Vince Grella and Olyroo turned Croatia international Joey Didulica have just started, Tim Cahill’s kids are now playing in the US.
To a man, the dads do not pressure their sons.
Socceroos legend Schwarzer offered a realistic assessment to son Julian, an outfield player at the Fulham Academy, when he dropped the bombshell that he might move into the goals.
“He was an outfield player and just decided at one stage, ‘Dad, I’ve always had this thing in mind about going in goals’,” Schwarzer recalled.
“I said ‘are you serious? You really want to do that?’ … It’s the best thing in the world if you play, make a career out of it. If you don’t there are other things you can do in life.”
The elder Popovic son was handed a debut in a pre-season friendly nine months ago, when dad Tony was still coach.
“It’s a unique situation. When Kristian had his debut in a friendly against Melbourne City, it was very interesting,’’ Popovic said.
“You can’t prepare for that. But I was proud because I know the boy deserves it.”
Some will make it, others will pursue different paths, – but either way, the golden generation’s fatherly love is unconditional.