Campbelltown’s custodian Nick Harpas details the heartbreak and pride which has spurred him on throughout the 2016 season.

Earlier this year, Nick lost his father, Panayiotis, or Peter - a man who never once missed his son play a match from his junior day’s right up until his senior debut for Campbelltown City. 

Peter battled severe emphysema for years before that gradually advanced into pneumonia – which ultimately proved too much for someone with low lung capacity.

Like Nick, Peter’s passion was football.

“He was a man with upmost respect for everyone he came across,” said Nick.

“What gave me the strength to play was that before he died he asked me that if he were to pass away, he wanted me to play no matter what.

“They were my father’s wishes and I respected that no matter much it hurt, I knew I was making him proud.”

Nick recalled his first game following Peter’s passing as a very emotional and draining day for not only himself, but his family, friends and fellow players.

From then to today and Nick appears to be a believer in the notion that time will heal all wounds, no matter how deep.

“It was something that I never experienced in my life but over time it has gotten better,” said Nick.

“There’s always moments during the day or significant moments like birthdays and Father’s Day where I sometimes break down.”

“It’s always going to be natural being the fact it’s so fresh.”

Nick credits all the members and supporters of Campbelltown City and the football community for being an incredibly sound foundation for him.

“I couldn’t thank Campbelltown and the football community enough for the support they showed my family and I,” he said.

“As soon as everyone started finding out (about Peter’s passing), the messages came flooding in with love and support.

“It helped me immensely and I may not be in the position I am now if it wasn't for all those who helped me through it.”

“From the board to all the volunteers and players – they are people I will always have close to my heart; it shows what a great club Campbelltown is for what they’ve done for us.”

Aside from football, Nick shares his father’s love the ocean and is now using that to help the grieving process.

“I sometimes just go to the beach where my dad loved the most, and just sit there, close my eyes and remember all the good moments I had with him,” said Nick.

“That’s what makes me happy.”

Nick is still just 22, and with around 60 caps for Campbelltown to his name – his life and football career is still in relative infancy.

Even professional footballers are forced deal with nerves in the big matches, and it’s likely that Nick won’t be much different between the sticks at Coopers Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

What’s evident, though, is the bond that the Campbelltown City players share, and how much a victory this weekend would mean to him.

“I would love nothing more than to win the Championship not only for Campbelltown, the supporters and players, but also in honour of my father” he said.

“The boys have always said to me after dad passed that “we’re going to win it for the old man.”

“It meant so much to me when they said that.”

“They all knew how much he loved his football and the team, so I’m honoured and cherishing the opportunity to play with such a great bunch of boys in potentially the biggest game of my career.

A debut Grand Final success would be the perfect sentiment for Nick.

“It will be my first Grand Final and not having my father there to witness it is going to be hard,” said Nick.

“But knowing that he’ll be watching from above means so much, he was always so proud of me and such a proud dad.”

“That’s what keeps me going, football is a way for me to get away from it all.”

Written by Luke Sale

Photo by Adam Butler