Ned Zelic

Ned Zelic is a household name in Australian football.

Born in Sydney, but raised in Canberra, Zelic was a graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport and later became a prolific professional football player.

From 1989 to 2008, he played professionally for Sydney Croatia, Sydney Olympic, Newcastle Jets, Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany), Munich 1860 (Germany), Queens Park Rangers (Engalnd), Auxerre (France), Wacker Tirol (Austria), Helmond Sport (Netherlands), Kyoto Purple Sanga (Japan), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) and Dinamo Tblisi (Georgia).

Ned played a total of 322 club league matches and scored nine goals. A Socceroos representative since 1991, he made 33 'A' international appearances and played a total of 40 matches for his country and scored three goals, including a goal against the FIFA World Stars at the opening of Stadium Australia in Sydney in 1999.

Ned is arguably best remembered for his wonder goal for the Olyroos against the Netherlands in the final minutes of the Olympic Qualifier match in Utrecht that booked his team a place at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games where they finished in 4th place.

Since his retirement from the game Ned has become a much-loved football commentator and analyst on SBS television taking part in the FIFA World Cup in 2006 and 2010 and the 2008 UEFA Championships.