Instead, the Tokyo silver medallists have touted parenthood as being the secret weapon behind their Paris campaign.

With eight dads, and 11 kids between them, the team has embraced a family-first approach to their Olympic preparation and campaign. 

Midfielder Jake Whetton’s young son Felix regularly runs the field with his dad at the end of a training session and the team opted to stay at home in Perth for their pre-Games training camp.

Of the 11 children, 10 will be on the sidelines to cheer their fathers on – something that is integral to the team’s culture of inclusiveness, trust and community.

“We are ‘Dad's Army’. We love it,” said captain Aran Zalewski, whose one-year-old daughter Margot is supporting him in Paris.

“We've always been a very family orientated team, the Kookaburras, and to have a strong family connection within the group is awesome. 

“Jake brings his kids to training two or three times a week. It's so wholesome to see the kids in the change room.

“I've got my family coming over, something I'm forever excited for.

“I think getting to play in Olympic Games in front of your kids is something special.”

For the first time since 2008, the men’s team will be led by the same coach at a consecutive Olympic Games. 

Colin Batch, who guided the Kookaburras in Tokyo, has been to seven Games as an athlete and coach, bringing stability and continuity for the team.

The side’s recent success against the world’s top teams securing the FIH Pro-League title adds confidence to their Paris campaign which begins on Saturday against Argentina.

“Colin's a guy that we love as players,” Aran said.

“What we've been able to foster over seven years now with Colin and the coaches is a really strong relationship. There's good trust between us and the coaching staff.

“Not only have they grown as coaches, but they've given us the space to grow. We see it as a strong collaboration. 

“For us to know, we've got real confidence and consistency in messaging and the way we go about that relationship with Colin and the coaches is important for us.”

For the Kookaburras, the heartbreak of their Tokyo campaign where they were beaten by Belgium in a shootout for the gold medal, has been fuel for the Paris tournament.

Aran said the team was “optimistic” about what they will achieve at the Games.

“After Tokyo, that day was very raw for us as a team and me as a person,” Aran said.

“When I reflected on that campaign, I reflect with great pride.

“For us, experience is something we value, not just in this team but in society.

“For us to go through what we went through in Tokyo and understand what it takes to get into a position to win a gold medal.”

The Kookaburras play their first match against Argentina at Yves du Manoir Stadiumon on Saturday 27 July at 9.15pm (AEST).

Catriona Dixon