By Luke Voogt
North Geelong Warriors are staying on the field for longer thanks to Josip Zilic winning the inaugural Club Legend People’s Choice award.
Josip put his $2000 in prizemoney towards a new rehab room for the soccer club, with gym mats, exercise bikes and more.
“It keeps them on the park for longer periods of time without injury,” he said.
This year’s prize money could turn a “wish list” project into a reality for another club, Josip said.
“Budgets for all sorts of clubs are always tight.”
He urged Geelong locals to visit clublegend.com.au and vote for their favourite of 20 shortlisted finalists before 2 September.
“Have a look in your own backyard at what community members and clubs are doing,” he said.
“There are so many people doing so much good in the community. Those people will repay the faith.”
The North Geelong Warriors Football Club junior coordinator and operations manager won the award last September.
“For me was a bit of a humbling moment,” he said.
“You put all your time and effort into something you love – you never think about the accolades.”
When Josip joined the Warriors 14 years ago junior numbers were dwindling and the club had 75 players.
But he and the club recruited Karen and Afghan refugees, and other new players, getting the club up to 400.
“Our club – having a migrant background – saw a need to give them an opportunity and help them connect with the environment they live in,” he said.
“There is no better way than sport to do that.”
The awards offer $5000 each for the overall legend and their club. Other finalists win at least $1000 each for them and their club.
