Julian Pearce becomes next Hockey Australia Legend

The esteemed Hockey Australia Legends club has a new member with Julian Pearce elevated to Legend status.

The Hockey Australia Board ratified Julian’s inclusion as a Legend to an exclusive group that comprises Ric Charlesworth, Rechelle Hawkes and Alyson Annan.

All are icons of Australian hockey and now Julian joins that illustrious company after being one of the inaugural individuals inducted into the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame in 2008.

Legend is the highest honour bestowed on an individual by Hockey Australia. Gaining induction transcends performance and considers character, sportsmanship and extraordinary reputation world-wide.

Born in India in April 1937, Julian is the youngest of five Pearce brothers who all played hockey for Australia.

Often referred to as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of this famous hockey family, Julian was an exceptional talent and competed for Australia at three Olympics (1960, 1964, 1968).

He is regarded by many hockey players and coaches as one of the greats of Australian hockey.

“Julian’s story and that of the Pearce family is a remarkable one and this accolade adds another chapter to it,” said HA President Ross Sudano.

“Julian played in a period when international teams were lucky to participate in a handful of games per year, so for him to dominate and perform as well as he did across three Olympics highlights what an exceptional talent he was.”

“He became revered around the hockey world, not only for his tremendous ability with a hockey stick in his hand but through his team first ethos and the way he played the game and conducted himself.”

Widely acclaimed for his silky skills, Julian was pivotal as Australia won its first Olympic medal (Bronze) in men’s hockey in 1964 and when the Kookaburras went on to claim silver in 1968.

Despite Australia losing to Pakistan 2-1 in the gold medal match, Julian starred in the 1968 Olympic Final, a match that is regarded as one of the best Olympic Finals of all time.

“Legend status recognises and salutes the enduring contribution of people whose names will always be synonymous with the highest level of hockey,” said HA Hall of Fame Committee Chair, Richard Aggiss.

“Julian’s elevation to Legend status in the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame will be widely applauded by all who saw him play.”

“He dominated his position at centre half or left half at three Olympics and turned out one brilliant performance after another, particularly in Tokyo in 1964.”

“On the pitch he was balanced, rarely rushed and like all champions seemed to have time and space to execute these skills.

“His ability to read the game made it look like he was cruising. To complement that he was a wonderful team man.”

Julian was the 170th player capped for the Kookaburras and played 59 international matches between 1960 and 1970.

In 1999 he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.