One of Western United’s youngest players is making an immediate impact as his A-League Men’s career kicks off.
Kane Vidmar is following in the famous footsteps of his father Tony and uncle Aurelio’s with his undeniable potential to be a future star of Australian soccer.
The last few months has been a whirlwind for the 19-year-old who signed with United to a scholarship contract until the end of the 2024-25 season in June, forcing him to leave his home in Adelaide and head to Melbourne’s west.
“It’s been a really big last few months, living away from home and living in a professional environment full time,” Vidmar said.
“I’ve already, learnt so much on and off the pitch and I’m extremely grateful for the club to have given me this opportunity to learn and develop.
“I’m loving it at the moment and it’s been great for me.
“I moved over by myself and I’m in a house living with Michael Ruhs and Ramy Najjarine which has made it much easier for me to settle in.”
After just four completed rounds of the season, Vidmar has found his home on the pitch too, starting and centre back in United’s last two clashes.
“It’s been good, the last couple of weeks, I’ve enjoyed playing obviously,” he said.
“As a young player you just want to make the most of it whenever you get the opportunity to play.
“I’m trying to not put too much pressure on myself, but just go out there and enjoy the experience.
“But when you come up against players that you’ve spent watching them in the A-League and being on the same pitch as them, it can feel pretty surreal out there.”
This weekend Vidmar and his teammates enjoyed a rest as the A-League was on international break, which he used to head further west, back to Adelaide.
“I’ll go back for the weekend which will be good,” he said.
“Just to reset for a couple of days and come back next week ready for the next game.”
While in Adelaide, Vidmar was planning to catch up with family and friends, including his father, Tony, who himself had an incredible soccer career, including representing Australia 76 times. His uncle, Aurelio also played for the Socceroos and is now coach of rival club Melbourne City.
“They’ve both had a big impact on my career so far,” he said.
“They’ve been watching me for so many years, and being able to have those people there to help and give advice and guide me through, was really helpful.
United faces Adelaide United on Sunday, the club Vidmar spent his juniors at, playing in the South Australian National Premier League.
However, Vidmar isn’t expecting coach John Aloisi to lean on him for tactical advice against his old club.
“It’s always good to play against old teams and to see some familiar faces, so I’m looking forward to it and it should be a good game,” he said.
“John and the coaching staff are all on top of all the analysis of all the opposition.”
With games at home in Tarneit just around the corner for United, Vidmar said there is a buzz developing within the squad.
“We’re really looking forward to getting out to Tarneit and playing games there and really representing the west and the people of the west,” he said.
“When we get out there it should be great for the club and hopefully we can see as many fans out there as we can.”
