Harry
Many have stated we will never see another player like Harry Kewell for at least another generation in this country, others say never again. I say we have thousands of Harry Kewell’s at parks around the country, being inspired by our greatest Socceroos of all time. Sure they may not have the talent, drive or ability as Kewell but they like many of you reading this have been inspired by the man we have simply known as ‘Harry’ for the last 20 years.
My first real memory of Kewell was watching him in black and white against Iran in the 1997 World Cup qualifier. Playing in the cauldron of Tehran in front of 90,000 passionate locals Harry single handedly kept the Australians in the contest and helped us bring a 1-1 result back to Melbourne. Sadly the rest is history, but once again Harry found himself on the scoresheet. From that moment on he became a superstar and would be watched and admired throughout Australia and England.
At his peak Kewell was one of the best left sided players in the world taking take Leeds United to a Champions league semi final along the way. A few seasons later Harry made a dream move to Liverpool where he would win both a Champions league and a FA Cup. Injury would cruel Harry’s Liverpool days and in both major finals Harry was substituted through injury. Hard work and persistence would finally get Harry back on the pitch at Anfield, but unfortunately for the passionate Liverpool fans Harry would never be the same player.
Turkey would be the next destination for Harry, where he said her rediscovered his love for the game. Kewell would not only discover that, but his ability to find the back of the net, scoring better than a goal every three games. After three years Harry signed a controversial deal to come ‘home’ and play with A-League giants Melbourne Victory. The deal was soured when family commitments forced Harry to return to be with his wife Sheree Murphy and her sick mother.
Kewell would play in two World cups, the first one in 2006 his far more memorable than his horror 2010 campaign. Whilst only scoring seventeen goals for his nation Harry will forever be remembered as a Socceroos great. His efforts in the 2011 Asian Cup and his goal against Croatia in the 2006 World Cup probably his most memorable in the green and gold.
Kewell ends his career at Melbourne Heart on the 12th April, against his ‘home’ team Western Sydney. A fairytale World Cup just wasn’t meant to be for Harry but he leaves the game in great shape. I like so many others have witnessed moments of greatness from Harry, whether it be live at the stadium or through blurry eyes at 3am watching him ply his trade throughout Europe.
There will only be one Harry Kewell, take a moment over the next few weeks to really let that sink in. Thankfully the future generations will always have YouTube.
Thank you Harry, you were an absolute champion.
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