Dylan Tombides Print Page 
Tombides was an Australian soccer player who played as a striker for West Ham United and the Australian under - 17 and under -23 teams.
Tombides played in the Under -17 World Cup in Mexico in 2011, and played all four of Australia's matches as they reached the last 16 before elimination by Uzbekistan. In their opening game in Guadalajara, he scored the winner for a 2–1 victory over the Ivory Coast. He was considered by Australian fans and media to be a successor to Harry Kewell, but his coach Jan Versleijen downplayed the comparisons, saying that despite his talent it was too early to make such a judgement.
In mid-2011, Tombides was aware of a lump, which his doctor told him was a benign cyst. After a random drugs test taken shortly after Australia's elimination from that year's Under-17 World Cup, it was confirmed that he had testicular cancer.
In June 2012, after treatment including the removal of his lymph nodes, Tombides was told he was back to full health and returned to training, and made his West Ham debut in September 2012. However, in December, he was back on chemotherapy, and had two stem cell transplants in eight weeks. By March, his cancer had metastasised to his liver. Tombides played at the Asian under-22 championship in January 2014 after intense chemotherapy, but was told on return to England that his condition was now incurable. He died on the morning of 18 April 2014. After his death, West Ham United announced that his number 38 would be retired from use, an honour previously bestowed by the club only to Bobby Moore.
Location
| Address: | 310 Pier Street, NIB Stadium, Perth, 6000 |
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| State: | WA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -31.945298 Long: 115.870794 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Sculpture |
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| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Sport |
| Artist: | Robert C. Hitchcock |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Tuesday 1st September, 2015 |
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Perth born and raised Dylan Tombides stands here as a symbol of inspiration, courage and determination.
As a young boy Dylan had a dream - to play football on the world stage. As an Australian International and West Ham United professional footballer, Dylan`s dreams became a reality ! His sheer courage and determination to battle through adversity and play the game he loved, at the highest level, has impacted the lives of so many.
Like Dylan - respect, self - belief, positivity, passion, commitment and love for family and friends should be at the heart of your dreams no matter how big or small.
Honouring the life of Dylan James Tombides
8. 3. 94 - 18. 4. 14
Football Federation of Australia Jim, Tracy & Taylor Tombides Don & Kathy Evans & family
Football West Chrysoula Tombides Tony & Lucy Sade & family
Nike Australia Alex & Andre Christian June & Laura Denoma & family
Equipment Placement John & Karen Bondi & family Tony & Charmaine Drago & family
APZ Construction Chris & Claire Meredith & family John & Chairmaine Sweet & family
IPS Group Chris & Allison de Lima & family David & Sharon Garnaut & family
GKS Insurance Brokers Paul & Lesley McNamee Award Signs (WA) Pty Ltd
www.dt38.org
Sculpture by Robert C. Hitchcock
