Mitch Duke is a family man first, a footballer second.
His love for Central Coast Mariners and his appreciation for the ongoing love he receives on and off the pitch from both the CCM supporters and Shimizu S-Pulse supporters is well known.
I go one on one with one of the most talented players to grace the A-League.
“There’s a lot more to the game than just the physical ability, quoting Andre Pirlo – The legs are just your tools but football is played with the brain”
Mitch had a talent for many sports ranging from cricket to tennis. But just like everything there comes a time when you have to sit back and analyse which road do you want take. Playing football since the young age of four years old, Mitch in his teens decided that football would be his chosen sport. Let me just say we are lucky he chose football over the other codes.
On January 24th 2012 Mitch Duke, 21-year-old from Liverpool Sydney signed his first senior contract for A-League Side Central Coast Mariners and the rest is history.
His love for the club is stronger than ever and the same could be said about the fans. He is one of the most loved footballers to have graced the A-League. He is the favourite son of Central Coast Mariners. Many wouldn’t disagree with that statement. The moment he put on that jersey he was in his element. Playing football not far from his hometown and who could resist the roar of those fans when his name is announced over that PA system.
Graham Arnold impacted Mitch’s career in more ways than one. He wasn’t just his coach but he mentored him throughout his first year with Central Coast.
“Graham taught me that I needed to use my strengths to the best of my ability out on the pitch but to never forget to work on those weaknesses”
In 2013, Mitch was called up for international duty, to represent his country for the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup.
Mitch Duke a young footballer trying to live the dream playing the game he loves. That passion grew immensely when he made his senior debut for the Socceroos.
“Representing your country is the highest honour, I hope to one day soon to get that call up again and do my very best to make Australia proud”
“One of the other biggest accomplishments for me was winning the A-League championship with the Mariners. This is something I will cherish for the rest of my life”
In 2015 Mitch announced that he was leaving his beloved Central Coast and was making his way to Japan to join Shimizu S-Pulse. Hearts all across Central Coast broke. Their beloved Mitch was leaving the A-League. Playing in an unknown position as a left wing back, Mitch made an immediate impact at the club playing 36 games and scoring two goals in his first season with the club.
“It was a hard decision leaving CCM, they were my first senior club but I knew in order to move forward and grow as footballer this was the right decision”
Since playing in Japan Mitch’s technical ability skyrocketed, playing in a country where the players are all technically so advanced, sharp and so unbelievable with ball he knew that was something he needed to work on if he were to succeed. He did exactly that he bought knowledge of the game and a physical presence on the pitch which is something that some players lack in the J-League.
“J-League is quite different to the A-League, you beat a player and he has already caught up to you that you need to beat 2,3 more times before you’re in the clear”
2016, the news no player ever wants to hear, out with what was predicted to be a season-ending injury, suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
No less than six months was the time he was given before he could get back on that pitch again.
Mitch isn’t one to back down from a challenge and after speaking with him I noticed he most definitely has a never die attitude.
The injury did not hold him back. He was back a month before the six-month expectation, got the best rehabilitation both in Japan and in Australia and was back on that pitch playing club football for S-Pulse.
As a player in any code when injury strikes you to start to second guess your ability to return to your best.
“Don’t ever lose your love for the game, because when you do its no longer passion it’s just a job “
“I’m feeling better that ever; I know that might sound crazy to some but I’m at the lowest weight I have ever been, my pace is faster than ever. In a nutshell, I feel fitter than ever”
One thing that stood out to me was the passion Mitch had for the game, for the fans and most of all the appreciation he has for his family. Mitch and his fiancé Charlotte welcomed a beautiful little boy Jaxson into the world.
“My goal is to set up my family for the future financially. Since having my little boy that has definitely changed and set my priorities straight. But my dream of playing European football isn’t over. I see the likes of Aaron Mooy and Massimo Lungo playing over in England and I think for me personally it would suit my type of playing style perfectly”
When speaking with Mitch I asked him a vital question, where does he draw his inspiration from, the person who motivated him the most growing up was a very talented footballer who goes by the name of Thierry Henry.
And of course, his family. Growing up one of nine kids you could imagine what sacrifices his parents made in order to make sure he succeeded. Family plays a pivotal role in everyone’s lives.
“I want to be able to look after my parents financially as well. No words will ever be enough to thank them for all the sacrifices they have made to allow me to be the best footballer I can be. I know how proud they are of me and I hope to continue to make them proud”
I draw focus onto the A-League and it’s always delightful to hear what past players have to say about the league. Since being in Japan, Mitch’s love for the A-League continued to grow, he follows the league quite closely and of course his love for Central Coast never faded.
“I truly believe that Paul Okon will be very successful at the club. Continue to believe, let the game speak for itself. The players need to believe in what they’re doing, what the coach says, what the club as a whole is trying to implement but more importantly they really need to pay back the fans, for their loyal support. Being an ex-player of the club I know how passionate the fans are”
Mitch had a message to all the loyal Central Coast fans.
“To the fans, the way you continue to believe in me and my journey, I ask you to continue to believe in the club we all have grown to love. I thank you for continuing to support me and I hope to one day be back in Australia and have you all there rallying behind me”
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