The local football community has been left reeling by the shock death of Zoran Vidovic.
Known universally as ‘Zoc’, the well-liked 53-year-old died suddenly in Bali last Sunday morning.
His passing has especially rocked Bell Park, where he was a long-serving player and served as reserves coach in 2023.
“Zoran left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” a statement from the Bell Park Sports and Recreation Club on the Dragons’ Facebook page said.
“His steadfast dedication to our club shone brightly through his multifaceted involvement as a player, coach, fitness trainer, and administrator, playing a pivotal role in fostering a united and welcoming environment within our community.
“Zoran’s boundless optimism and mentorship significantly impacted our juniors and All-Abilities programs, instilling inspiration and respect from everyone at Bell Park and within the broader sports community.
“His competitive spirit, combined with a fair and passionate approach to sports, perfectly captured the essence of true sportsmanship and the spirit of our club.”
Vidovic’s death has also been felt by North Shore and Barwon Heads
A North Shore junior, he played in an under-16 premiership, two under-18 flags and a reserves premiership in four consecutive years between 1986-89, sharing the GFL under-18 goalkicking award in 1988.
Local football identity Jason Habib was a teammate in each of those flags.
“He was a great bloke … absolutely kind-hearted, and a great person to play with,” Habib said.
Vidovic also featured at under-19 level with Geelong.
He played in a Bellarine League reserves premiership with Barwon Heads in 1993, kicking five goals in a narrow two-point win over Ocean Grove.
Current Seagulls president Russell Hyland was a teammate of Vidovic’s in the victory over the Grubbers, which was followed later that day by the senior team also beating Ocean Grove.
“He was always happy, always smiling,” Hyland said.
“He was always involved in what the club and the boys were doing at the time.
“He was a really good player who worked hard on his game.”
Vidovic was also a talented cricketer, winning multiple premierships with Holy Family in the former Geelong Churches competition and playing first grade with Bell Park in the Geelong Cricket Association.
In recent years, he captained the Dragons’ 3rd XI, winning the GCA Division 2 3rd XI batting average for the 2021-22 season.
Zoran Vidovic is survived by daughters Bella and Lulu, sister Suzanna and mother Rosa.
A GoFundMe account has been established to support Bella and Lulu and the repatriation of Vidovic’s body.
