The Socceroos are gearing up for their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974, looking to shock the established once again.
Russia will be the setting this time, as Australia face France, Denmark and Peru in what shapes as a tough group.
Football within Australia has changed vastly in the last 20 years, helped by the A-League’s professionalism as well as the nation’s involvement in Asia, which has increased our reach and exposure.
The steps needed to grow the game though have long been discussed, with the late, great Johnny Warren perhaps the most significant of these voices, as he continually challenged football to grow and progress.
Warren’s vision was at times divisive, but always thought-provoking, as he believed the goal should not be to merely qualify for a World Cup but to win one.
His impact has continued well after his passing in 2004 as well – the Johnny Warren Football Foundation was set up just before his death, with the aim of using the game as a pathway for community engagement and enriching the nation through the global vehicle of football in promoting unity, excellence and inclusion.
What’s more, the A-League’s best player each season is awarded the Johnny Warren Medal.
Adrian Mierzejewski – the reigning Johnny Warren Medallist. (AAP Image/Brendan Esposito)
May 17, which would have been Warren’s 75th birthday, saw the annual Johnny Warren Golf day played for its 15th year at Jamberoo, and I was privileged to be invited to experience Warren’s ongoing legacy and impact.
There were 93 participants, with many of Warren’s 1974 World Cup teammates there to honour and reflect on the times spent with him, both on and off the football field.
One of Warren’s great qualities that was reiterated throughout the day was his ability to lead and inspire people. George Harris, who represented Australia on 28 occasions, described Warren as a “person who gave you encouragement”. Warren was also a fierce competitor who held himself and his teammates to the highest of standards.
After his retirement as a player, he became a leading media personality, most prominently through SBS. His passion and desire to see the round-ball game develop was especially evident in Warren’s interest in youth development.
The inspiration for this was Warren’s deep-rooted respect and love of Brazilian football – where he first visited in 1984. He was immediately influenced by the Brazilian players and the flair and creativity with which they played.
Ultimately, Johnny Warren was a man whose generous and kind spirit left a positive impact on everyone who was lucky enough to meet him, while his legacy has only become more important in these uncertain football times.
We must hold onto the spirit and passion that he exuded for the game he truly loved.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
What if we celebrated all of the achievements big and small, and weeded out those hell-bent on bringing down a game that is doing a hell of a lot right?
It's back, and it's better than ever. The Champions League is one of the great sporting competitions in the world, and if you want…
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The Mariners must deal with possibly their toughest challenge yet - Kyrgyzstan’s FK Abdysh-Ata Kant in the first leg of the semifinal.
Already four goals up before the 90-minute mark, Florian Wirtz scored to seal his hat-trick and staff couldn't keep the supporters from celebrating their…
With a certain inevitability, Manchester City are suddenly in charge of the Premier League title race. Arsenal and Liverpool both produced lethargic performances under…
