Newtown & Chilwell player Connor Fopiani on difficult nine months since Geelong legend Frank’s death and Connor’s cameo in upset win
The tragic death of Geelong footy legend Frank Fopiani was felt throughout the region, and his loss has been felt every day by his family. Frank’s son Connor opens up on a difficult nine months.
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Geelong league sides couldn’t stop ‘The Fop’ three decades ago, and on Saturday it was the reigning premiers that were unable to contain his son.
Connor Fopiani, the son of late Geelong local footy legend Frank Fopiani, booted four goals as Steve Johnson’s Newtown & Chilwell knocked off Leopold in arguably the biggest upset of the GFNL season to date.
Showing the modesty of his father, who died aged 51 in August last year from colorectal cancer, Connor was quick to praise his teammates up the field, including Ned Harris and Mitch Diamond.
But that renowned ‘You can’t stop the Fop’ phrase that followed Frank as he tore opposition sides apart lives on.
“When you get a good game in it’s always good. That term gets thrown around a bit which sort of brings back the memories of dad, which is nice,” Fopiani said.
“All the pressure that we put on around the footy, all the contested work and our mids really dominating in there was really good and just allowed me to get on the end of a few.”
Connor, 23, pays tribute to Frank each time he runs out onto the field by donning a long sleeve guernsey, just like his father did during his playing days, with a black ‘FOP’ armband underneath.
Newtown & Chilwell wore those same black armbands, designed by Eagles player Liam Nash, for the club’s under-18 grand final triumph last year.
“You don’t see (the armband), but I play every game with him on my mind,” Connor said.
“And it’s tough, but it’s good to be out there playing some good footy and getting some wins.”
His four-goal haul was a moment to savour and even more admirable given the immense grief his family has endured every day since Frank’s tragic death nine months ago.
Mother’s Day was another confronting reminder of his absence; the latest family event without their father and husband by their side.
“It’s been, obviously, completely different. Life’s not the same, even (Sunday) being Mother’s Day. Everything’s a first,” Connor said.
“Obviously Mum has spent her whole life with Dad and had every Mother’s Day with him, so first one without him and first everything without him is always really strange.”
The saying, ‘Time heals all wounds’, hasn’t rung true for Connor. He is not sure it ever will.
They did everything together. Connor was coached through the grades by his father at Newtown & Chilwell and also worked alongside him at his cabinet making business as he grew up.
But Connor is thankful for the influx of support his family has received since his death.
“You’re probably still in shock, you don’t notice everything, but it never gets easier,” Connor said.
“Just living day to day life without the person that you lived with for 23 years for myself and for Mum, however long they were together. Just living without the person you love and did anything with and was your hero really, that’s probably the toughest thing.
“But you know he’s with you all the time and we’ve got really good people around us that help us out and mum’s been great.
“The bond Dad and I had, we did everything together from footy to working together, I love doing everything with him, and it’s hard to put into words.”
A lot of that much-needed assistance has come from Connor’s grieving mother Sylvia, with Connor and his sister Paige showing their appreciation for her on Mother’s Day.
“We are so grateful for everything she’s done for us and especially for me and my sister, she has been massive in supporting us and obviously getting us through this tough time,” Connor said.
“It’s tough for all of us, but she’s been huge and we can’t repay her enough.”
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Originally published as Newtown & Chilwell player Connor Fopiani on difficult nine months since Geelong legend Frank’s death and Connor’s cameo in upset win
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