Born in April 1937 in Jabalpur India, Julian Pearce came to Australia in 1948 and settled with his family in Perth. Julian is the youngest of the five famous Pearce brothers (Cec, Gordon, Eric, Mel and Julian), all who played hockey for Australia.

The 170th player to represent Australia’s national men’s team, Julian played 59 international matches from 1960-1970 including three Olympic Games - Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968. Those from that era remember him as one of Australia’s greatest ever players.

Unlike his older brothers who were all forwards, Julian was a defender. Many believe this eventuated because Julian was the youngest and given the unenviable task of defending the goals while his elder brothers competed in the backyard.

Julian was selected and captained the WA Under 21 team in 1958. Such was his talent and natural ability, in the same year alongside his four brothers, he represented the WA Senior State team (the only time all five brothers played together for WA).

Overall, Julian played 60 matches for WA in the National Championships (1958/59/60/64/54/68). He undoubtedly would have played more if not for work and family commitments, which was common place for many in those times.

Often referred to as the Rolls Royce of this famous hockey family, Julian dominated his position at either centre half and left half for Australia.

In what can only be described as extraordinary circumstances, Julian made his debut for Australia at the 1960 Olympic Games at left half back against a star studded Pakistan outfit. Despite ending on the wrong side of the score line, Julian announced his arrival on the international scene with an impressive debut.

Brilliant performances in Tokyo, particularly against reigning Olympic Games Gold medallists Pakistan in the group stage (lost 2-1) and India in the semi-final (lost 3-1), Julian was also pivotal in defeating Spain 3-2 to win the Bronze Medal and Australia’s first Olympic medal in Men’s Hockey.

At the 1968 Olympics, Julian again featured heavily, with the Gold Medal match going down as one of the all-time great Olympic Hockey Finals. After being battered and bruised in the semi-final win over India, Australia played out another physical encounter with Pakistan, only to go down 2-1. Despite the disappointment, a silver medal was still an outstanding result.

In 1970 Julian was selected in the Australian team for the inaugural World Cup in Pakistan in 1970. However, when war broke out in the region the tournament was postponed until 1971. With news of the postponement, Julian announced his retirement from international hockey in 1970.

Decades later, former Australian Coach Richard Aggiss surveyed many past players and coaches across Australia to see who they believed were the nation’s greatest players. Julian was rated second on the list behind legend Richard Charlesworth, underlying how talented Julian was regarded.

Widely acclaimed for his silky skills, Julian was balanced, rarely rushed and like all champions seemed to have time and space to execute skills. While he was not exceptionally quick across the ground, his ability to read the game made it seem like he was cruising. He was also a wonderful team man, highlighted by the time when asked to play left wing in an international in 1962, he scored four goals.

Such was his status in Western Australia, in 1987 Julian was inducted in the WA Sport Hall of Champions. Those in attendance that night, which included the greats of WA sport, stood to applaud Julian, not only as a champion but because of the exemplary person he was off the pitch.

For hockey players, coaches and fans alike, Julian is one of the greats of Australian Hockey and in 1999 he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

In 2008 Julian was one of the ‘original eleven’ men inducted into the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame. Following his retirement from playing, Julian began coaching in Perth. His recognition as Hockey Australia’s fourth Legend is thoroughly deserving based on his legacy and the imprint he has had on Australian hockey.