Recognition for Warner the father

Seven months ago David Warner was awarded the Allan Border Medal for his prolific exploits on the field, but now the damaging opening batman is in line to win perhaps an even more treasured award for his role as a father of two away from cricket.

Warner is one of 10 Australian athletes to be nominated for the Sports Dad of the Year Award, an award in its eight year that recognises celebrity sporting fathers.

The 29-year-old has two daughters – Ivy Mae and Indi Rae – with wife and former ironwoman Candice, and says his life has changed “significantly” since becoming a father.

"I now process things a lot more and make smarter decisions in regards to certain things," Warner said on the competition website.

"It's now all about them and what I have to do as a father to make sure they are guided in the right direction in life.

"Cricket is important to me but now I have a family they will always be priority and in saying that I love what I do but that's what I think life is about and that's family first."

The Australian Cricket Team spends approximately 300 days away from home, and it’s that time apart from his family that Warner says is the hardest to deal with as a professional athlete.

"I always find it hard being away from my family but in saying that since being married and having children it has been much harder," Warner said.

"We are very fortunate we can bring our families on tour with us and share my experiences with them.

"I recently spent eight weeks away which was the longest since the girls were born and that was extremely hard. I am lucky my sport allows me to bring them away."

While Warner can be confrontational and aggressive when representing his country on the cricket field, it appears the left-hander has a softer side when he’s with his family away from the heat of battle.

"I couldn't ask for anything more in a father for our two girls," wife Candice said.

"Although he lives a hectic life through his sport he is still very hands on and always makes time for his angels.

"Whether it's bath time, feeding, changing nappies, doing hair he does the lot with pleasure and a smile.

"His two girls are his absolute world. You might even notice him giving the girls a wave during a match.

"No matter where in the world or what time it is he always face times and gives his entire attention to his kids. He is super dad."

In the running for the award alongside Warner is National Rugby League pair James Maloney and Corey Parker, Australia Football League trio Matthew Pavlich, Jarrad McVeigh, Brent Harvey, Tour de France cyclist Simon Gerrans, field hockey star Jamie Dwyer, V8 supercar driver Garth Tander and Socceroos legend Tim Cahill.

The winner will receive $5,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. Vote for Warner here.