John Didulica - 'Without fear or favour'

"Unless you have a deeper sense of what sport can be, it’s impossible to navigate the ups and downs you face every day."

John Didulica grew up in football clubs forged by migrants, led by his grandfather, who arrived in Australia in the early 50s with very little, but with everything to give. Those clubs became sanctuaries of the willing — places where people felt safe enough to be who they are, and strong enough to carry what the game and life would ask of them.

These are the best stories. Told with love, humility, and deep insight. They lift you. They shift you. They challenge you.

For John, leadership is no bullshit — just the courage to show up, really show up. To lead without fear or favour is to create spaces where people can be themselves. To serve something larger than yourself. Not just what you bring to the team — what are you prepared to do for the team?

What we celebrate in sport is always built on what few get to see — the unseen heavy lifting of volunteers, families, and leaders who make it possible. This is where leadership lives.

Nowhere is this clearer than in John’s work with the Afghan women’s team — formed after players fled the Taliban. With courage and care, a team was built, and a place to belong was created. Every generation needs its own Afghan women’s team — a reminder that sport’s greatest calling is the transformation of lives.

Such is leadership. Such is John Didulica.

Notebook ready. Play on.