Josh Risdon returns home to don the purple once more

After seven seasons away from home, Josh Risdon will return home to Western Australia with his young family. Risdon, now a dad of two boys Taj and Bodhi, first joined Perth Glory in 2008 as part of their youth ranks, and made his debut in the senior squad during the 2010-11 season. Glory announced on Wednesday the defender would return to the club on a two-year contract. For the Bunbury community, it’s an exciting homecoming with the 14-time Socceroo’s family still based in the South West. At the end of each A-League season, the Bunbury rumour mill has been sent into overdrive about a possible return — even when contracts have been signed, sealed and delivered. Risdon again had the town talking when his departure from Western United was announced two weeks ago. Now, the Bunbury football community can celebrate his return including his home at Bunbury United Soccer Club, where his two brothers still play. Risdon credits much of his professional football career to his parent’s love and sacrifices in the early days, and now with a family of his own he has no bigger fan than his wife Ebony. His parents Ray and Leanne drove him to Perth four times a week as a child so he could chase his dream — while also raising Josh’s three siblings, Sarah, Ryan and Nat. At 14, he moved to Perth by himself to get more serious, but their dedication to his dream never wavered. He likes to remind his parents that he would not be where he is without the sacrifices they made, but his mum previously told the South Western Times, “Josh deserves it” himself. “He’s a boy from the country who’s given up a hell of a lot but it’s still hard to believe he’s there,” Mrs Risdon said as her son headed to Russia for the 2018 World Cup. Speaking to the South Western Times sometime later in 2019 ahead of his return to the Western Sydney Wanderers after a brief time off with an abdominal injury, Risdon said his family’s efforts growing up were “tremendous”. “I’ll never forget the sacrifices that my parents made for me – driving me five times a week to Perth and taking out time from their work and with my other siblings. “When I do put on an Aussie shirt, it is extra special not just for me, but for my family as they know they have helped me get to where I am. “Hopefully I can repay them by doing well. Now 31 years old, with a teaching degree, a wife, two children and a dog, Risdon will again call the west home.