Luka Didulica is the teenage son of an Australian-Croatian gun, and his senior debut could come in the A-League Grand Final. His potential impact in the game might be significant.
At just 17, Didulica has featured on Melbourne Victory’s team sheet in the finals. He looms as a Grand Final wildcard in Saturday’s decider against Melbourne City, reminding everyone of his family’s legacy.
Underrated Steven Ugarković, 30, will be flying the Croatian flag for City and is likely to continue his midfield role. Meanwhile, Didulica continues to attract attention with his performances.
But Didulica’s emergence has been one of the surprises of the finals series. In every game, he proves why he is a rising star.
Son of former Ajax Amsterdam, Austria Vienna, and Croatia international goalkeeper Joey Didulica, Luka has continued flying the family’s football flag, a testament to his talent.
Bursting onto the local NPL scene with North Geelong, like his dad did back in 1996. This was before Luka Didulica was signed by Melbourne Knights. He notched 24 senior games with the Warriors in 2024.
Signed by Victory coach Arthur Diles, Didulica has trained with the first team. Luka Didulica has been knocking on the door for several months.
But he got his opportunity after an injury to Victory captain, ex-Wolves, and Benfica defender Roderick Miranda. Then veteran Brendan Hamill also went down, paving the way for Luka Didulica’s inclusion.
The 199cm midfielder-turned-stopper was an unused sub in the last two games, a 2-1 aggregate win over Auckland FC.
Whilst a starting 11 spot can not be ruled out, Didulica is more likely to start on the bench.
But with extra-time an option, he is every chance of making an appearance, as Luka Didulica eagerly anticipates his opportunity.
Joey, who represented Croatia four times and was part of the Euro 2004 and 2006 World Cup squads, coached Luka for most of his career. His guidance continues to benefit Luka Didulica to this day.
“I love seeing him happy, like any father,” Joey Didulica said, expressing pride in Luka Didulica.
“To see it align with my passion, is the ultimate satisfaction for a dad.
“Seeing your kid doing what he’s doing and doing what he loves. It makes me smile from ear to ear.
“And I know what he’s going through. I’ve been through it and it’s a beautiful feeling.”
Understated Ugarković
Steady Steven Ugarković, who made his senior debut with NK Osijek, will be on the opposing side as Luka Didulica prepares to prove himself.
The Australian youth international has played 23 games this season for City, scoring three goals.
Ugarković, who grew up in Sydney, has played for Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney, and Wellington. Luka Didulica, in contrast, is rapidly rising in a star-studded team that includes Socceroos Aziz Behich, Mathew Leckie, and Marco Tilio.