Corio upbeat about life after loss of gun striker

CORIO coach Ante Didulica says the loss of star striker Vedran Stojanovic to the Geelong Rangers is “massive for the club and team”, but he does not think it will negatively impact the Eagles’ season.

“Of course it’s a big loss, he’s a great striker, but our team structure doesn’t revolve around him,” Didulica said.

“It will actually be a great opportunity for our other strikers and young players.”

Stojanovic will be an asset to the Rangers in their hunt for NPL promotion.

The striker was State League 2’s highest goal scorer in 2016 and 2017, finishing first and runner-up in the best and fairest in those seasons.

Stojanovic’s move took the club by surprise when it found out the morning of Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Whittlesea United — the day after he finalised arrangements with the Rangers, according to Didulica.

Corio did not take part in bargaining to retain the star striker and says it is not dwelling on the news.

“I’m of the belief that if you don’t want to be at the club, the door is always open to leave . . . and at the end of the day it’s only a game,” Didulica said.

The coach is optimistic about the club’s future.

“It’s about getting the balance right, we’ve got a good squad and great strikers like Habib Habib . . . with more game time he’ll get even better.

“There was only a goal in it (against Whittlesea United) . . . the team was structurally great.”