Melbourne Victory recruit Oliver Dragicevic signed his first Isuzu UTE A-League contract after a breakout NPL season and the talented teenager revealed how he learned of the big move.
Described as one of NPLM VIC’s “premier talents”, the 17-year-old joined Victory last month having starred for boyhood club St Albans Saints.
Dragicevic is in the swing of things with the four-time Isuzu UTE A-League champions, who recently signed former Manchester United, Chelsea and Spain superstar Juan Mata.
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The young gun scored three goals in 25 matches in 2025, including a memorable effort against Victory’s senior academy outfit in Round 2022.
Reflecting on his start to life at Victory, Dragicevic revealed how he discovered the 2024-25 Grand Finalists had offered him a contract.
“We played Melbourne Victory the week before and I ended up scoring a goal and played well,” he told Star Weekly.
“They called dad and said they were offering me a contract. I had a game the next day, so my parents kept it secret for two days.
“My mum doesn’t really keep secrets… she did for 48 hours.”
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It has been a rapid rise for Dragicevic.
While his father and current St Albans president Ilija Dragicevic has played a huge role in his development, a Victory great has also had a significant hand in the teen’s progress.
Tom Pondeljak is an assistant coach at St Albans. The six-time Australia international won a Championship and Premiership with Victory in 2007-08.
“Tom Pondeljak has had a massive influence on my career so far,” Dragicevic told Vjesnik.
“You could always see we had a great bond, he always helped me whenever I needed help.”
Featured image: Vjesnik/Oliver Dragicevic IG
