zanotti usually played at fullback and started his career with subiaco in the west australian football league (wafl). he played in their 1986 premiership and won the simpson medal for best on ground in the grand final. the following season he joined then vfl and was a member of west coast's inaugural side. after two seasons he moved to brisbane and had his best season in 1990 when he finished third in their best and fairest. he finished his career at fitzroy from 1993 until 1995, adding 57 games. in addition to playing for three vfl/afl clubs he also represented western australia five times in interstate football.