Werribee was well represented across suburban leagues last weekend as most local football got up and running and with it, several players produced notable performances.

WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Sam Clifford - Hoppers Crossing
Led all comers in a 17-point loss to Caroline Springs with 35 disposals, five inside 50s, and six score involvements off half-back. He accumulated 141 ranking points, a league-wide high for the weekend.

Michael Selsby - Yarraville Seddon
Had 26 disposals, 18 contested, and used the ball well in slightly wet conditions in a three-goal defeat against 2022 premiers Altona.

Akol Deng - Yarraville Seddon
Was great in the centre bounces and took the points against an undersized ruck. Was serviceable around the ground and went forward at times in the loss to the Vikings.

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Keegan Gray - Bell Park
His cleanliness stood out and also broke the lines at will in a comfortable 64-point triumph over St Albans. Was strong overhead throughout the game and generally showed he was above the level.

Charlie Byrne – Newtown & Chilwell
Had some good moments across the match as the Eagles ran away with a 41-point win at home against Geelong West.

Flynn Young – Newtown & Chilwell
Played his role well in wet conditions and kicked a classy goal from a stoppage in the victory over the Giants.

Noah Gribble - Geelong West
Played as an inside mid and did some really good things offensively in the loss to Newton & Chilwell. Despite being one of the side’s younger players, stood out as a smart, vocal leader in a small, inexperienced midfield.

Noah Lever - North Shore
One of the best for North Shore in a heavy defeat to a Colac. Tackled well and tried hard all day at Windsor Park.

Sam Witherden - North Shore
Very good in his first game back with 22 disposals which included some good run and drive. Amongst the Seagulls who could hold their head high after a tough day.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Cam McLeod - Avondale Heights (Local Player of the Week)
Battled admirably through tough conditions in a tight clash against Maribyrnong. Persisted throughout the game and finished with two goals, the last being the match winner after the siren.

Lucas Rocci - Aberfeldie
Was good off half back in the first half and moved into the midfield as the game progressed. Had 19 disposals and five inside 50s as his side fell to Pascoe Vale by four goals.

Lachlan Smart - Deer Park
Worked hard all day and used his run and drive to contribute to a 75-point victory over Westmeadows.

Darcy Cassar - Keilor
In a 102-point thumping of Airport West, had 29 disposals at 75 percent efficiency, predominantly playing on the wing. Offered good run all day and tackled well too.

VICTORIAN AMATUER FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Zayne Galea - Williamstown CYMS
Was met with a tough St Bernards outfit who came away 89-point victors. Had 13 disposals in defence and should be able to use the match as a platform to continue building form.

By Gerald Lynch

Last weekend saw several players continue their good form while one player was among the best for his local side on Saturday before making his Werribee debut the next day against Essendon.

WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Aidan Johnson - Yarraville Seddon (Local Player of the Week)
A great first game back after being hit with another knee issue on the eve of the season. Had a strong presence up forward kicking two goals and provided a good option as a second ruck in his debut for the Eagles. Finished with 19 disposals, 5 contested marks and four tackles.

Akol Deng - Yarraville Seddon
Continued his good form, again featuring in the best after a big day against Werribee Districts with 48 hit-outs including 14 to advantage, giving his midfielders first use. Seems to have now found the right balance with his ruck and forward rotation.  

Brandon Lester - Yarraville Seddon
Didn’t find a lot of the ball in tough conditions in his second game back but worked hard defensively in the team’s loss to Districts.

Samuel Clifford - Hoppers Crossing
Was really clean in wet conditions to be one of the best for Hoppers against Altona. Had 21 disposals, seven intercepts and used the ball well as the Warriors went down to the Vikings.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Cam McLeod - Avondale Heights
In the best for the third straight week after providing a strong option in attack while collecting some strong intercepts across the ground. Pulled down seven marks and kicked two goals in a 28-point loss to Greenvale. Backed up the performance with a late call-up to debut against Essendon on Sunday.

Darcy Cassar - Keilor
Played as a high half-forward and also spent some time on the wing for Keilor as the Bulldogs continued their undefeated start to the year by cruising to a 50-win over Aberfeldie. Accumulated 25 disposals, eight marks, and five inside-50s.

Lachlan Smart - Deer Park
Kicked two goals and worked hard to earn seven contested possessions in a 131-point victory over Tullamarine, helping the Lions move into second on the ladder.

VICTORIAN AMATUER FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Jack Boyd - Old Xaverians
Played a big role in a nice win over University Blues. Had 16 disposals with nine clearances along with 16 hit-outs. Contributed two goals up forward and assisted a number of others.

Zayne Galea - Williamstown CYMS
A solid defensive showing in a defeat to Beaumaris. Took five marks and was effective with his 11 disposals which included five rebound 50s.

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Emmanuel Ajang - Geelong West
Played predominantly as an inside midfielder and found 22 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency in a 23-point triumph over Grovedale. Gave his all to help the Giants secure victory.

Matthew Keast - St Mary’s
Played a mixture of midfield and forward after an interrupted past two weeks. Had 17 disposals and four inside-50s in the Saints' tight win over Colac.

OVENS & MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Sam Azzi - North Albury
Started slowly but worked his way into the game and was a solid contributor in the Hoppers' first win of the season. Positioned himself well and came across to intercept on multiple occasions. Collected 18 disposals with eight marks.

By Gerald Lynch

There were some big numbers from the 12 Werribee players who appeared locally on the weekend with almost all of them named amongst the best players for their respective clubs.

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Sam Witherden – North Shore
Best on ground for the Seagulls with 28 disposals (18 kicks, 5 clearances) in a defeat at South Barwon. Also had eight marks (three contested) and five tackles on the day.

Charlie Byrne – Newtown & Chilwell
Excellent across halfback in a comfortable win over Bell Park, accumulating 37 disposals with 30 of those kicks. Was also strong in the air taking 15 marks with some good intercepts, or when floating across to spoil.

Keegan Gray – Bell Park (Local Player of the Week)
Second best for his side against the Eagles after another consistent outing. Playing across halfback also, intercepted well and provided good dash and overlap. Tallied 32 disposals (20 kicks) at 84% efficiency with 11 marks.

Emmanuel Ajang – Geelong West
Was influential in a strong victory over Grovedale. Was great offensively on the outside yet again and worked hard defensively. Finished with 29 disposals (19 kicks), nine tackles and goal to be named second best for Giants.

Connor Thar – Lara
Back after another few weeks out and was amongst the top players for the Cats as they fell to St Albans. Had 29 disposals (21 kicks) with some good run and carry and clean hands in tight.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Cam McLeod – Avondale Heights
One of the better performers for Heights as the home team took it up to third placed Strathmore in Round 15. Played on the wing and registered 19 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and a goal.

Darcy Cassar – Keilor
Had 26 disposals at 80% efficiency as Keilor put an inaccurate afternoon behind them to secure a narrow seven-point win over East Keilor. Named in the best as the Bulldogs remained undefeated.

WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Akol Deng ­­– Yarraville Seddon
Was back to his best as a young Eagles team claimed a 31-point victory over Caroline Springs. Showed great leadership while totalling 41 hit-outs and 20 disposals (16 contested, 9 clearances) as well as taking some important marks, four of them contested.

BENDIGO FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Bailey Henderson – Castlemaine
Backed up last week’s monster outing with another huge game topping all comers with 37 disposals in a close loss to Kyneton. His performance included 26 kicks, 19 contested possessions, nine clearances, eight tackles and two goals.

VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Sam Conway – University Blacks
Was solid in his second game back spending more time in the ruck where he gave his onballers first use with 24 hit-outs. Again, rested forward and kicked a goal in a 47-point win over Old Haileybury.

Jack Boyd – Old Xavierians  
Was the best forward for his side with three goals in a 53-point loss to Old Melbournians. Had 13 disposals and seven marks (four contested), while also tallying 11 hit-outs in the ruck.

Zayne Galea – Williamstown CYMS
Made some improvements to his game defensively this week and was one of the best in a 59-point triumph over AJAX. Also found a good amount of ball with 19 disposals at 84% efficiency. 

Fifteen Werribee players took to the field in local competitions this past weekend with several players returning from injury and a number of others producing notable performances.

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Sam Witherden – North Shore
Played a big part in North Shore’s second win of the season, a 16-point triumph over St Albans in very windy conditions. Moved into the midfield after quarter time and was influential with some strong stoppage work and good run and carry. Had 25 disposals with five inside 50s and five tackles.

Connor Thar – Lara
Made his Lara debut his first match since suffering an ankle injury against Footscray in Round 8. In an encouraging return against reigning premiers St Mary’s, played with confidence and good energy, gathering 15 disposals (12 kicks) while adding a goal in just a half of footy.

Emmanuel Ajang – Geelong West
Was the most prominent Giant in a 31-point loss to third placed Colac. Totalled 38 disposals (8 inside 50s, 5 clearances) and nine tackles to receive best afield honours.

Noah Gribble – Geelong West
Taking to the field in his first game in almost a month it wasn’t the return anyone would have hoped for with shoulder and foot issues bringing his day to a premature end. Played predominately as a forward.

Charlie Byrne – Newtown & Chilwell
One of the best for the Eagles as they overcame Grovdeale by 50 points for their in their 11th win of the season. Collected 29 disposals off halfback and kicked two nice goals. Also had 11 marks and three tackles.

Flynn Young – Newtown & Chilwell
Had an impact in attack but some inaccurate goal kicking (three behinds) was the difference in not having a greater influence on the game. His one major was an impressive one amongst 14 disposals and two tackles in the win over the Tigers. 

Mitch Burgess – Leopold
Enjoyed a solid return to footy and played his part in helping the Lions seperate themselves from South Barwon thanks to a 36-point victory over the Swans. Showed good acceleration when in possession.

WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Akol Deng - Yarraville Seddon
Was the top performer for the Eagles in a 46-point victory over Spotswood with his best game in several weeks. Dominated in the ruck with 57 hit-outs and was good around the ground collecting 24 disposals (13 contested, 8 clearances). Showed plenty of physicality across the day.

Michael Selsby – Yarraville Seddon
Also amongst the better players against the Woodsmen with 30 disposals, eight clearances and goal. Set the tone early and won a good amount of the ball both inside and on the outside.

Aidan Johnson – Yarraville Seddon
Spent the majority of the day in defence where he played an important role in the Eagles’ fourth win. Was strong in the contest and used the ball well, tallying 17 disposals along with nine one-percenters.

Sam Clifford – Hoppers Crossing
Played well to be named in the best for the Warriors in a 23-point loss to Point Cook Centrals. Provided some good rebound and didn’t waste many of his 15 disposals.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Cam McLeod – Avondale Heights
One of the best for Heights in a 58-point defeat away to Greenvale. Used mainly in defence, but also swung forward in the third term to try and provide an avenue to goal. Had 16 disposals and three contested marks. 

Lachlan Smart – Deer Park
Was a strong performer in a narrow five-point loss to West Coburg. Finished with 23 disposals, nine tackles and two goals in the second matchup this year between the Lions and Burgers to be decided by less than a goal.


BENDIGO FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Bailey Henderson – Castlemaine (Local Player of the Week)
Was comfortably Castlemaine’s best player in their loss to Gisborne accumulating 45 disposals (5 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 9 rebound 50s) and 11 tackles. Showed great leadership also, offering encouragement and direction for his teammates.

OVENS & MURRAY FOOTBAL LEAGUE

Sam Azzi – North Albury
Suffered a hamstring injury early in the game, in the Hoppers’ Round 12 contest against Albury.

Werribee continues a run of three straight standalone matchups in Round 17, playing host to the Northern Bullants on Saturday.

Having now won 10 straight games over a 12-week span, Werribee (11-2) will look to continue their recent dominance over the rebuilding Bullants, which includes two victories of more than 160 points.

The Bullants (2-11) are coming of a challenging month having played AFL-aligned clubs, including the league’s top two sides in their past three games, and will be keen for a better showing against a fellow standalone.

TEAM NEWS
The home team will go into Saturday's game unchanged.

ENTRY DETAILS
Entry for Werribee's Round 17 & 18 fixtures will be free for all patrons with the gates at Avalon Airport Oval opening at 12pm this weekend. 

ROUND 17
Werribee vs Northern Bullants
Saturday 15th July, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Round 17 Match Centre

Watch live at afl.com.au

The final round of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season sees Werribee travel to Sydney in Roudn 22 to face the Swans on Sunday afternoon.

With a top two finish confirmed the Big W will look to cap a brilliant home and away campaign with a 15th straight win and 16th win of the season, with a victory against the Swans also avenging last year’s heavy loss at Avalon Airport Oval.

The Swans have won just four games in 2023 and are the lowest ranked AFL-aligned side in 18th place on the ladder. They were no match for league leaders Gold Coast in Round 21 but enjoyed big wins over Essendon and GWS prior to last weekend’s result.

TEAM NEWS
One change for Werribee sees the return of Noah Lever who missed the Big W’s last outing against Collingwood. He takes the place of an injured Jack Henderson. It’s the first game Henderson has missed having played 82 straight games since debuting in the opening round of the 2018 season.

ROUND 22
Werribee vs Sydney
Sunday 20th August, 1:05pm
Tramway Oval, Sydney

Round 22 Match Centre

Watch live at afl.com.au

Werribee heads back home for a run of three straight games at Avalon Airport Oval beginning with a match-up against Footscray for the HealthWest Cup.

The Big W will be chasing back-to-back home triumphs and a third consecutive win after beating Williamstown in Round 5 and Essendon on the weekend.  

Footscray are currently 2-4 on the year after suffering a 13-point loss to GWS in Round 7. Prior to last week’s result the Bulldogs defeated Carlton by five points.

GAME DAY DETAILS
Gates open from 12pm with entry costing $10 for adults and concession $5. Kids under 16 are free. Members of both clubs will receive free entry to the match. If you are a Werribee member and haven't yet received your membership card please inform the gate attendant.

ROUND 8
Werribee vs Footscray
Sunday 15th May, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Round 8 Match Centre

Watch live at afl.com.au

As the Big W prepare to take on Box Hill in the first week of the 2023 Smithy's VFL Finals Series, we preview the match with senior coach Michael Barlow and four-time Best & Fairest winner Matt Hanson who is set to play his 100th game in Saturday's Qualfying Final.

Produced by Howdy Partners Media (howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts) on behalf of the Werribee Football Club.

Post Production by Steve Visscher | Southern Skies Media

In the latest edition of The Big W Podcast Kevin Hillier chats to DevelopmentManager and match day runner Hamish MacInnes about the club's player development initiatives and support.

Produced by Howdy Partners Media  (howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts) on behalf of the Werribee Football Club.

Post Production by Steve Visscher | Southern Skies Media

It’s been a long time coming but Werribee co-captain Tom Gribble will finally reach the 100^th game mark for the Big W in the club’s round 3 clash with Southport. 

Just 11 games away from the milestone at the end of the 2019 season it’s been more than a two year wait for Gribble to notch three figures and with it gain Werribee Life Membership. 

After Covid wiped out the entire 2020 season and half of the 2021 campaign Gribble will deservedly celebrate his 100^th in front of a home crowd at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday night. 

“It’s hard to put into words what playing 100 games for one club means,” Gribble said. 

“The VFL system can be quite challenging in terms of guys having to dance around to try and find a home, but I was pretty fortunate to find my home at the age of 19 and here we are nine years later. 

“It’s a great achievement and to see the list of past 100 game players and life members of the club, including one of my great mates Sods (Michael Sodomaco), it does mean a lot.” 

A Geelong Falcons graduate, Gribble spent his first year of senior football with Geelong in the VFL where he played four matches before signing with Werribee for the 2014 season. 

Gribble played all 18 games in his first year at Avalon Airport Oval before a botched surgery and ankle issue sidelined him for the entire 2015 campaign.  

He returned in 2016 in round five and since then has barely missed a game with the midfielder soon establishing himself as one of the competition’s best players. 

Individual accolades followed with a J.J Liston Trophy in 2019 and his first Bruce Montgomery Trophy as Werribee’s best and fairest also came that same season.  

Captaincy was added to his resume for 2022 and Dom Brew who he shares the leadership with, said playing alongside Gribble has been a privilege.   

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to run out with Tommy every week for over half of those 100 games, it’s something I love doing and now to be co-captain with him is unreal,” he said. 

“His will to win and hate to lose is phenomenal and is something we’ve bonded over the last few years and he’s now beyond a footy friend but one of my best mates.” 

As one of his teammates in 2019 and now his coach, Michael Barlow said Gribble continues to develop in all facets. 

“The commitment and application Tom has shown has not only been to better his own performance but to help bring success to this club,” Barlow said. 

“He’s probably grown a lot since first arriving at the club and that growth, in not just football but life, has certainly been enormous since I returned here in 2019 and his progression and ability to bring others along for the ride while investing in his own career is second to none.” 

Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna said Gribble had endured more than most players will at a VFL club as well as personally with the death of his father Andrew in 2020.  

“It’s been a journey for Tom with partial alignments, full alignments, the travelling Tigers and temporary clubrooms and now to being standalone, you name it he’s been through it all as a player and has dealt with plenty of adversity on and off the field,” Penaluna said.  

“On the field he’s a best and fairest winner and a Liston Trophy winner but that aside he’s been a wonderful servant of our club and I’ve really enjoyed our relationship and discussions over the journey, and what he means to this footy club is a hell of a lot.” 

Gribble himself hopes there is plenty more to give with his sights set on ultimate team success and sharing the field with his younger brother Noah who has joined him at the club this season. 

“Throughout this week I’ve been asked what games stand out and for me it’s easily the finals I’ve played,” Gribble said.   

“I think I’ve played in four and they are just unreal to experience, it’s why we play. The atmosphere is something else and on the field the play just goes up another level.  

“I’m 27 years old, I turn 28 after the season finishes, but I do hope there is a lot left to give and I’ll probably drag it out for as long as it takes to win that flag. 

“I’m probably driven by that, but I’ve also got my brother here now and to keep playing with him for a while would be a great experience too.”

Matt Hanson will become the third Werribee player in three years to reach 100 games when he runs out in Saturday’s Qualifying Final against Box Hill.

It will be just his sixth game this season due to hand and shoulder injuries, but when he takes to the field at 2:05pm he’ll join Michael Sodomaco and Tom Gribble as the club’s current centurions.

One of the club’s most decorated players with a record four Bruce Montgomery best and fairest trophies, Hanson’s journey to triple figures has been a long time coming after an incredible start to his career in black and gold.  

The now 28-year-old arrived at Werribee from South Launceston ahead of the 2015 season and had an instant impact. By the end of his third season he’d tallied 53 VFL games and had three best and fairests to his name.

However, over the next six years an unlucky run with injury and a global pandemic would all combine to slow the Hanson’s progress to the ton and Werribee Life Membership

Now that game 100 is finally here the champion midfielder couldn’t be happier.

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m really excited for Saturday,” Hanson said.

“I moved to Melbourne and Werribee in 2015 and thought I’d try my luck in the VFL. I’ve been lucky enough to be at a great club for nine years and I’m thankful for that and wouldn’t change a thing. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to achieve here.”

In five games this season Hanson has averaged 27.2 disposals per game the second-best mark of his career along with a career-high 6.2 marks and 4.2 tackles.

On the eve of the Tasmanian's milestone, Werribee captain Nick Coughlan was full of praise for his brilliant teammate.

“I remember my first game against Werribee, I was playing for Sandringham at the time, we had this guy up on the board Matt Hanson,” Coughlan said.

“The plan was to give him 100 hits this day, everybody that ran past him had to hit him. I think he had 33 (disposals) and three (goals) that day, so it didn’t work.

“Around the competition everyone admires what he does and between our four walls I’m not sure anyone is held in a higher regard.

“To be a four-time best and fairest winner and run out with him is a pleasure, and I think everyone stands taller when he’s out there…I know I certainly do.”

Live from 7pm on Thursday 21 October. Tune in as we celebrate the 2021 season and honour all our major award recipients as well as crown this year's Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner.

The Werribee Football Club wishes to advise it will hold its 2022 Annual General Meeting on Monday 27th February at Chirnsides by the River.

The meeting will commence at 6:00pm and is open to all 2022 financial members.

The agenda will cover confirmation of the 2022 AGM minutes, presentation of financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2022, the presentation of the 2022 Annual Report, the election of Directors and general business.

All nominations should be in writing; signed by the candidate; signed by two club members (full member or life member); and delivered to the CEO by no later than Monday 13th February.

Nomination forms are available by contacting the Werribee Football Club office on (03) 9741 6688. Proxy voting is also available by sending a written nomination to the club by no later than Monday 20th February at the below address:

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB
PO BOX 2049
WERRIBEE VIC 3030

After what feels like an eternity since we last had football at Avalon Airport Oval, 2022 Werribee FC memberships are now on sale.

All our usual membership deals are available for purchase, alongside two NEW packages. Whether you're a die-hard Werribee person, a past player, or a newcomer to the club there's a membership deal to suit you.

As a bonus, if you were an adult member in 2021 you are eligible to receive a 25% discount on your membership for 2022.

If you haven't received an email about this or for all other membership enquiries please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Check out all our membership packages at our online store HERE and be a part of our journey in 2022.

The outstanding performers from the 2022 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW seasons will be recognised when the 2022 VFL and VFLW Awards are announced on Monday evening.

The event will be held at Palladium at Crown on Monday September 12, starting at 7:00pm AEST and hosted by Nigel Carmody and Libby Birch. 

Among the awards that will be announced are:

• J.J Liston Trophy (VFL Best and Fairest)
• Lambert-Pearce Medal (VFLW Best and Fairest)
• rebel VFLW Team of the Year
• Smithy’s VFL Team of the Year
• rebel VFLW Coaches MVP
• Smithy’s VFL Coaches MVP
• Rohenna Young Medal (VFLW Leading Goalkicker)
• Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal (VFL Leading Goalkicker)
• Debbie Lee Medal (VFLW Rising Star)
• Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal (VFL Rising Star)
• Ann Rulton VFLW Volunteer of the Year
• Alex Gillon VFL Volunteer of the Year
• Life Membership
• Umpires of the Year

Live stream the night HERE.

Werribee will boast a different looking coaches box in 2023 with several new faces joining the program for Michael Barlow’s third season at the helm.

The club has brought in new defensive and midfield coaches for the upcoming campaign with Nick Daffy the one assistant returning from last year.

Daffy will be Barlow’s right-hand man as the club’s senior assistant and will also make the move back to coaching forwards and ball movement.   

Taking over as midfield coach is Chris O’Keefe, a former VFL footballer with North Ballarat who arrives with a decade of experience predominately as a playing coach.

O’Keeffe spent the last four years coaching Caulfield Bears in the Southern Football League where he also notched his 350^th game at senior level.

Prior to that he led Spotswood to Western Region Football League premiership in 2011 before a stint in charge of Albion.

As team defence and backline coach the club welcomes back Simon Riddoch who was a development coach under John Lamont in 2015-16.

Riddoch, an eight-time premiership defender in the Geelong Football League with North Shore, previously coached Lara and Grovedale.

Barlow and his assistants will be supported by four development coaches with Hamish MacInnes returning in the role of development manager.

Two of the new development coaches in Tim Kelly (midfield) and Mario Mathuranayagam (backline) come in with familiarity having held match day roles with the club in recent seasons.

Meanwhile, Matt Dowling - a standout youth coach in the Geelong area - has been brought in to work alongside Daffy and the forwards.  

Heading up analysis yet again is Luke Rosenstengel with Wassim Rafihi, a development coach the past two years, and several interns assisting with analytics and statistics for individuals and the team.

“I’m really comfortable with the coaching group we’ve assembled,” Barlow said.

“We identified the need for a senior assistant and Daff is perfect for that role because of the connection he already has with the group and myself.

“Simon and Chris have a good mix of experience as players and in coaching, and both have quickly gotten up to speed with what we are doing and how we want to play.

“In terms of our development coaches we’re really happy to have these guys working closely with the senior coaches and assistants to develop our players.”

Picture (left to right): Michael Barlow, Nick Daffy, Chris O'Keefe, Simon Riddoch.

Werribee supporters and footy fans in general can claim a piece of the Big W’s 2023 season with the opportunity to purchase one of our Indigenous guernseys.

The club is currently auctioning off the 23 Indigenous guernseys worn by players in our NAIDOC Week game against Sandringham in Round 15 of this year's VFL season.

Having launched at 7:30pm on Monday 24th July, the auction is open until 8pm on Sunday 30th July, with each guernsey going to the highest bidder.

To go to the auction CLICK HERE or click on the below link.

In 2023, our goals are loftier, standards higher, and our people more driven than ever to make the season one to remember.

After a busy off-season, our players, coaches and staff are primed for 2023.

Are you with us? Werribee Football Club 2023 memberships are now available.

All of the clubs regular membership packages return, including the standard Black Label, Gold Label and Three-Game Supporter memberships.

Sign Up Today 

Early Bird Membership Special

Anyone that purchases a membership before January 23 will go into the running to win either:

1. A Werribee FC 2022 Indigenous guernsey, signed by senior coach Michael Barlow and a player of their choice, OR;

2. One night's accommodation for two at The Holiday Inn, Werribee, with breakfast included.

Become A WFC Member

Check out all our membership packagesHERE and be a part of the Werribee Football Club in 2023.

If you have any enquires please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PURCHASE HERE

Werribee will meet Gold Coast in the 2023 Smithy's VFL Grand Final at IKON Park on Sunday.

The Big W has won 17 consecutive games to reach its first decider since 2005. The club finished the regular season in second position, just percentage behind the Suns, before beating the Box Hill by 20 points in the qualifying final and the Brisbane by 30 points in the preliminary final. On Sunday Werribee will be out to secure its second premiership and end a drought dating back to 1993.

The Suns claimed the minor premiership by finishing the home-and-away season in first spot on the ladder with a 16-2 record. They advanced to this year’s Grand Final by defeating Brisbane by 43 points in the qualifying final and the Box Hill by 15 points in the preliminary final. It will be Gold Coast’s first Grand Final appearance in any competition.

TEAM NEWS
Keegan Gray has been brought into the side at the expense of Matt Keast who sat out the last quarter of the Preliminary Final win over Brisbane due to a lower back issue. Speedster Gray played in the Qualifying Final victory over before making way for the return of Michael Sodoamco.

TICKETING DETAILS
Admission for 2023 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final is adults $20, concession/pensioners $15 and children under 15 free. Tickets can be pre-purchased HERE. Spectators purchasing at the gate are advised the payment method is EFTPOS only.

WFC SUPPORTERS
The Werribee Football Club will run buses for supporters from Werribee FC to IKON Park for Sunday's game. The same buses will return to Avalon Airport Oval post-match. Cost is $10 (covers round trip) and will depart Werribee to IKON Park at 1pm. Post match the buses will depart IKON Park for Werribee at 6:30pm.

There will be a Werribee FC Fan Zone inside of Gate 6, located in the Pavilion Terrace bays 5–7.

VFL GRAND FINAL
Werribee vs Gold Coast
Sunday 24th September, 3:10pm
IKON Park, Carlton
Gates open: 1:00pm

Details at afl.com.au

Grand Final - Match Centre

Werribee made it three wins in a row and climbed to seventh on the ladder after defeating Footscray by 34 points in Round 8 of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season.

The Big W reclaimed the HeathWest Cup at Avalon Airport Oval on Mothers Day after overcoming some inaccurate goal kicking to post 9.2 in the second half on the way to a 13.13 (91) to 8.9 (57) victory.

Werribee’s midfield with Tom Gribble back in the line-up, again came out on top, while a spread of goal kickers and some strong intercepting from the defence contributed to the team’s fourth win of the campaign.

Quarter one was an arm wrestle with Jack Henderson’s early goal the only major in the opening 15 minutes before both teams were able to consistently generate some chances, however goals remained hard to come by.

Footscray were held to just one goal in the first term as Nathan Cooper and Nick Coughlan won the majority of aerial contests while Hudson Garoni converted after the quarter time siren to give Werribee a nine-point lead.

Inaccuracy continued to plague the Big W to start the second with the hosts kicking five straight behinds before Garoni eventually booted the team’s third at the 17-minute mark.

Debutant Logan Morris, who came into the side after a brilliant start to the Coates Talent League season for the Western Jets, followed that up with his first, to make the difference three goals with five minutes remaining in the half.

Werribee was first on the board in the third with Michael Sodomaco goaling inside three minutes before he added another midway through the term.

The veteran's second was the first of four answered Werribee majors as Morris, Bailey Henderson and Sam Paea all nailed set shots.

Despite going into the final quarter with a 41-point lead there were some nervous moments for the hosts as the Bulldogs fought to stay in the contest.

The visitors were able to reduce the deficit to 23 points with the first three straight goals of the last, then back-to-back majors cut the margin to 15 points with plenty of time still on the clock.

After Garoni provided an important steadier earlier in the term Keegan Gray provided the much needed second at the 26-minute mark, before a couple of late goals to Paea and Shaun Mannagh saw the Big W home.

For the third straight week Werribee finishing well ahead in disposals (+63), contested possession (+25), clearances (+13), inside 50s (+21), and tackles (+29).

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 2.5 4.11 9.12 13.13 (91)
Footscray: 1.2 2.4 3.7 8.9 (57)

GOALS
Werribee: H. Garoni 3, L. Morris 2, S. Paea 2, M. Sodomaco 2, K. Gray, B. Henderson, J. Henderson, S. Mannagh.
Footscray:B. Khamis 3, L. Goater 2, R. West, J. Sweet, E Macpherson.

BEST
Werribee: N. Cooper, M. Sodomaco, S. Mannagh, T. Gribble, S. Clohesy, H. Garoni. 

ROUND 8 IMAGE GALLERY - VIEW HERE

PLAYER STATS
Tom Gribble: 31 disposals (11 K, 20 HB), 15 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 8 score involvements, 4 tackles.
Dom Brew: 26 disposals (20 K, 6 HB), 17 contested possessions, 10 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 10 tackles.
Jack Henderson: 23 disposals (12 K, 11 HB), 12 handball receives, 4 clearances, 6 score involvements, 1 goal,  7 tackles.
Shaun Mannagh: 22 disposals, (15 K, 7 HB), 6 marks (1 contested), 7 inside 50s, 6 score involvements, 1 goal, 11 tackles.
Nick Coughlan: 21 disposals (17 K, 4 HB), 9 marks (6 intercept), 7 rebound, 4 inside 50s, 6 score involvements.
Hudson Garoni: 15 disposals (10 K, 5 HB), 6 marks (1 contested), 8 hit-outs, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 7 score involvements, 3 goals.  
Sam Clohesy: 15 disposals (9 K, 6 HB) at 87% efficiency, 4 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s, 4 score involvements, 4 tackles.
Nathan Cooper: 10 disposals (7 K, 3 HB), 7 intercept possessions (4 marks), 4 tackles, 3 rebound 50s.

NEXT MATCH 
Round 9
Werribee vs Gold Coast
Saturday 20th May, 12:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval