Sport
14 September, 2026
Remembering Zanaiya “Zee” Bergen
Some people leave an impression wherever they go. Zanaiya “Zee” Bergen was one of those people.
At just 23, Zee had already touched the lives of countless people across Stawell and the greater Wimmera, leaving behind memories that will last far longer than the goals she scored or premierships she helped win.
She was a talented netballer, fierce competitor, loyal teammate and much-loved friend.
But above all, she was simply Zee. Bubbly, funny, kind, caring and completely herself.
Her sudden passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of her family, friends, teammates, colleagues and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
For those who knew her through netball, her ability on the court was impossible to miss.
Bergen established herself as a club favourite at Navarre during the 2026 season and played a pivotal role in helping the Grasshoppers reach the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League (MCDFNL) A-Grade grand final.
She produced an extraordinary season in the goal ring, shooting 664 goals and earning selection in the MCDFNL Team of the Year.
It was another remarkable chapter in a netball career that had already delivered plenty of success.
Bergen played with Rupanyup in the Horsham District Football Netball League (HDFNL) from 2023 to 2025, playing a pivotal role in the club’s 2025 A-Grade premiership.
She finished as the HDFNL’s leading goal shooter in 2025, while also finishing runner-up in the A-Grade best and fairest in 2024 and third in 2023.
During her time at Rupanyup, she also received the coaches’ award and regularly featured near the top of the league’s goal-scoring tally.
Before joining Rupanyup, Bergen had stints with the Stawell Warriors, Dimboola and Taylors Lake.
She was a tall, strong and commanding goaler, with an ability to shoot accurately under pressure and a fierce competitive streak that made her a formidable opponent.
But ask those who played alongside her, coached her or knew her away from the court, and the conversation quickly moves beyond netball.
Sidney Dyer, Zee’s coach, remembered her as a bubbly personality and a beautiful person.
“She was a beautiful, bubbly, very tall woman,” she said.
“She loved a little bit of doof music.
“If anyone’s seen her play, she was this amazing, accurate, tall shooter. She didn’t just hold, she moved, she had the whole package.
“She wasn’t just your average shooter; she had it all.
“And her family, we really are thinking of them at the moment.”
Aliza Lockhart, Zee’s teammate and partner in the goal ring, said she was the type of player and person every team wanted beside them.
“She was bubbly, kind, and I never saw her say a bad word about anybody,” she said.
“She was level-headed, tried her best, and wanted to be out there and wanted to play netball, and you can’t ask for a better teammate.”
At Navarre, Zee quickly became an important part of the club.
Tegan McKenny, the club’s netball president, said Bergen had made a huge impact during her first season with the Grasshoppers.
“Around the club, she was quietly spoken and was just a beautiful, gentle person,” she said.
“She touched a lot of our hearts, and the green and gold that was on display during the grand final, and the support that was shown, showed what impact she has had at the club.”
Luke Martin, Navarre’s football president, said Bergen had touched the hearts of many within the club.
“She is a lovely person and touched our hearts, and we wish her and her family all the best,” he said.
The green and gold worn during Navarre’s grand final campaign became a symbol of a teammate, friend and club member who meant so much to so many.
Away from the netball court, Zee made an equally profound impact through her work at Eventide Homes in Stawell, where she had worked for five years.
To the residents she cared for, she was much more than a carer.
Eventide Homes Stawell paid tribute to Zee, describing the difference she made to residents and colleagues.
“At just 23 years old, Zee had already made an extraordinary impact on the lives of so many people around her.
“To our residents, Zee was so much more than a carer. She brought warmth, kindness, laughter and genuine connection to every interaction.
“She knew our residents, she noticed the little things, and she had a beautiful way of making people feel valued, safe and cared for.
“To her colleagues, Zee was the person you could rely on. She was loved not only for the wonderful carer she was, but for the beautiful person she was.
“She welcomed new team members, shared her knowledge generously and was the person we trusted to teach others what it truly meant to care for our residents.
“Her kindness, patience and infectious smile became part of the fabric of Eventide.
“Zee leaves behind an enormous hole in our workplace and, most importantly, in the hearts of the residents and people she cared for so deeply.
“We will miss her more than words can express and will forever be grateful that she was part of our Eventide family.
“We will remember her for the love she gave, the lives she touched and the difference she made simply by being Zee.
“Our deepest love and sympathy are with Zee’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Rest peacefully, beautiful Zee. You will never be forgotten.”
For the netball community, Zee will be remembered as a formidable goal shooter and fierce competitor.
For those at Eventide, she was a compassionate carer who made a difference to the lives of the residents she looked after.
And for her friends, she was simply Zee. Unmistakably herself and fiercely loyal to the people she loved.
That is the loss being felt across Stawell, the Wimmera and beyond: not only of a talented young netballer, but of a young woman who had so much more still to give.
Her story was far from finished, but the mark she left on those around her will endure.
The team at WestVicNews extends its deepest condolences to Zanaiya’s family, friends, teammates, colleagues and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rest peacefully, Zee.
Your goals will be remembered, but it is the person behind them who will be missed most.
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