MEDOWIE Football Club personality John Voigt had a zest for life and enormous influence on the sporting field.
Six weeks after the 32-year-old’s tragic death in a local road accident, his shattered teammates are “doing it for Johnny” in the Newcastle Football Zone League Three first grade competition.
The fourth ranked Bumblebees have snapped a finals drought and will feature in the big end-of-season matches for the first time since 2018.
Voigt’s passing has rocked the Port Stephens sporting community with teammates dedicating their 2025 campaign to lifting this year’s top grade trophy in coming weeks.
Since losing their “loveable rogue” and “team prankster”, the Medowie FC first grade squad has remained undefeated.
Experienced player-coach Matt Morris told News Of The Area that the club was “still grieving the loss of a great mate and true character.”
“John was more than just a player on our Zone League team, he was family,” said Morris, who doubles as the vice chairman of Newcastle Football.
“His dedication on the field, his kindness off it and the laughter he brought to every training session will forever be remembered.
“John was a popular figure and touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“We’ve pledged to win the first grade title this season for John, his loving partner Kayla and grief-stricken family.
“Our catch-cry is now ‘doing it for Johnny’.”
Voigt was a talented right back who started his career with Medowie FC as a fresh-faced eight-year-old before leaving his mark with the club’s inter district junior squads.
He later starred for the mighty Raymond Terrace Lions team that won five Newcastle Zone League championships and with Stockton Sharks before returning to the Medowie club this season.
The Bumblebees first grade squad to line-up in the Zone League Three finals includes captain-coach Matt Morris, goalkeeper Kayden Morris, Alex Phillips, Taylor Reynolds, Campbell Reynolds, Jack Jones, Josh Cappiello, Roan Panther, Rafeal Diaz, Gabriel Diaz, Denis Fajkovic, Jackson Wolinski, Ned Twelvetree, Bryn Fawkes, Riley Marmont, Ellis Reynolds and Mark Oliver.
By Chris KARAS
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