Werribee has bid farewell to Community Manager Brooke Lochland who has signed to play with the Sydney Swans in their inaugural AFLW season.  

Lochland joined Werribee in April heading up the club’s community program and football development initiatives.  

As an AFLW player Lochland spent the first six years of her career with the Western Bulldogs and will relocate to Sydney in time for the start of preseason training.   

She will also take on the role of Female Academy Coach and Player Welfare Coordinator for the Swans.   

Lochland said she was sad to be leaving her position with Werribee so soon.  

“I want to thank Werribee for taking me on in the role of Community Manager, a position that allowed me to learn and grow as a person,” she said. 

“Although it was only a short time, I have loved my time here, this is a great club with amazing hard-working people and staff who want to make this the best club possible, a club that values community and an environment that welcomes people from all walks of life.” 

“I wish the club all the best and am grateful for the people I have met in my time here.”  

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said Lochland departs with the club’s blessing.   

“We understand Brooke’s decision to continue her AFLW career with the Sydney Swans and wish her all the best in the future,” he said.  

“In her time with the club Brooke set the wheels in motion on several new projects and we look forward to these progressing even further with our next Community Manager.” 

Brooke was instrumental in introducing the club’s first Indigenous-themed round to be held at Avalon Airport Oval on July 2, along with initial planning to establish a female football academy.  

The 2021 VFL home-and-away season and that of the Werribee Football Club has come to an end following the Victorian Government announcement that metropolitan Melbourne will remain in lockdown until Thursday 2nd September.

On Tuesday the AFL confirmed that all Round 19 matches would not proceed. The league will look to commence a three-week top-eight finals series on the weekend of September 4 & 5. Werribee finishes 9th on the ladder based on a match ratio formula.

Werribee Football Club president Martin Carter issued this statement following the AFL's announcement on Tuesday afternoon. 

"This is certainly not the end to the season we were hoping for, but it is the reality of the times we are operating in," Mr Carter said.

"It is very disappointing for our players, coaches, staff and volunteers who have been through some enormous challenges in the past two seasons.

"We understand that a decision had to be made and a system implemented to bring this season to a conclusion. We wish all teams in the VFL finals the best of luck.

"We thank our sponsors and members for their continued support and look forward to the 2022 season."

AFL STATEMENT

As a result of the evolving COVID-19 situation across the country, previous interruptions to scheduled games and an extension to the Victorian State Government lockdown, the 2021 VFL home-and-away season has finished. The league has confirmed the match ratio system has determined the final ladder positions ahead of the 2021 VFL Finals Series starting on Saturday September 4, 2021.

The finals will retain the top eight clubs but in an elimination format should they be able to start on the weekend of September 4. The AFL has put a contingency in place should there be any further delays.

AFL Head of Talent Pathways and State League Competitions Tristan Salter said the VFL community continues to navigate its way through a challenging year for sport and although the conclusion to the season looks different, it was the only system to reward a Premier.

“The 2021 season has been a challenge to everyone connected to football. The AFL is very proud of how all VFL clubs, players, officials, supporters and corporate partners managed through a difficult year and kept their communities connected,” Salter said.

“All 22 clubs continue to play a vital role in keeping their suburban and regional networks engaged. We acknowledge the importance they have played as pillars of their local communities and remain so important to growing and nurturing our national code.”

“We’ve seen 107 exceptional games of football this season with the engagement in the VFL in 2021 highlighting how important football is to so many people across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The VFL maintains a strong presence in the football landscape and the role it plays in the growth of our game should never be underestimated.”

“We have witnessed a very even competition so far and the compilation of the top eight presents an exciting Finals Series ahead. We will continue to make changes that best manage the current environment, progresses our season and protects the health and safety of those in our game and the wider community,” Salter said.

While COVID-19 continues to impact the community, the health and welfare of our players and the community remains the priority and all matches will operate in a safe manner anchored in the advice of respective governments, public health officials and medical experts. Strict protocols will be in place to protect players, officials, staff and the wider public at all matches when they return.

2021 VFL Premiership Ladder – Match Ratio Formula

Club G W L D Win % Percentage
1 Footscray 10 10 0 0 100 169.74
2 Southport 10 9 1 0 90 180.72
3 Box Hill Hawks 10 8 2 0 80 167.7
4 Geelong 9 7 2 0 77.77 167.3
5 Casey Demons 9 7 2 0 77.77 166.6
6 Williamstown 9 6 2 1 72.22 136.41
7 Collingwood 9 6 3 0 66.66 92.68
8 GWS Giants 11 7 4 0 63.63 94.35
9 Werribee 9 5 4 0 55.55 147.49
10 Frankston 11 6 5 0 54.54 103.79
11 Richmond 10 4 5 1 45 103.4
12 Carlton 9 4 5 0 44.44 101.28
13 Sandringham 9 4 5 0 44.44 94.13
14 Gold Coast Suns 10 4 6 0 40 76.8
15 North Melbourne 10 4 6 0 40 56.95
16 Coburg 10 3 7 0 30 95.08
17 Brisbane Lions 10 3 7 0 30 65.71
18 Northern Bullants 10 3 7 0 30 62.61
19 Sydney Swans 10 2 8 0 20 88.9
20 Essendon 10 2 8 0 20 64.41
21 Port Melbourne 9 1 8 0 11.11 67.42
22 Aspley 10 1 9 0 10 73.01

The 2021 VFL Finals Series will revert to a full knockout competition, with first playing eighth, second v seventh, third v sixth and fourth v fifth in the first week. Week Two would then see the four winners matched-up in the VFL Preliminary Final.

A further reduction that only allows a two-week finals series would mean teams 5-8 are eliminated and it will be first v fourth and second v third for a spot in the VFL Grand Final.

All VFL clubs in the top eight have confirmed they will be in a position to play games once the Victorian State Lockdown ends on Thursday September 2.

VFL Finals Games will continue to be shown with broadcast partners the Seven Network, Foxtel and Kayo.

As the only team currently based outside of Victoria, the AFL is continuing to work with Southport to explore all possible arrangements to have them play in the 2021 VFL Finals after finishing second.

The AFL will explore all options to investigate ways to get fans back to the footy as safely and as soon as possible. VFL and VFL Club digital channels will have all the ticketing information for fans as each weekend’s games are released and fans can return to matches.

After more than two decades as a volunteer of the club, Lorraine Joiner was last week awarded Werribee Life Membership.

Starting out in 2000, Lorraine first gave her time to wash, repair and alter playing jumpers and still provides her skills as seamstress.

She has since fulfilled numerous other roles, most notably as the club’s merchandise manager at Werribee home games.

Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna recalls his first encounter with the long-time volunteer.

“My first meeting with Lorraine was back in March 2004,” he said.

“I turned up to work and here’s Teddy Goodall our property steward in the car park with this lady. I soon found out Lorraine catches up with Ted every Monday after a match to collect the jumpers.

“She would take the jumpers home - the ones that were bloody, the ones that were torn, the ones that needed numbers stitched back on. Lorraine would do what she needed to and then have the jumpers back on Wednesday ready for the weekend.

“In addition to that Lorraine volunteered behind the bar and has now spent many years as our merchandise manager on match days.

“As you can appreciate it’s hard to find people that want to work while the game is going on, but she’s now done that for 12 years without seeing much footy and with no heating too.”

In recent years Lorraine has been joined in the club’s merchandise hut by daughters Sarah and Jess and said it was an extremely proud moment to be awarded life membership.

“The Werribee Football Club is a very family orientated club and one I was welcomed into from day one,” she said.

“I’ve loved coming back every year to see old and new faces and I am very honoured to receive life membership with this fantastic club.”

Shaun Mannagh and Sam Clohesy have realised their AFL dreams after being selected by Geelong and Gold Coast in the 2023 AFL National Draft and Rookie Draft respectively.

Logan Morris who trained with the club in 2023 and played in the Round 8 fixture against Footscray is also AFL-bound, with Brisbane snaring the forward with their first pick of the draft.

Another standout year from Mannagh and a brilliant end to the season by Clohesy pushed the Werribee pair into draft calculations after the club’s run to the VFL grand final.

Meanwhile, Morris was considered a late first round selection after starring for the Western Jets and Vic Metro this year.  

The selection of Mannagh with pick 36, was one of the draft surprises with the 26-year-old plying his trade in the VFL for seven years, spending three seasons at Richmond and the last four at Werribee.

His final outing for Werribee was one of the best ever seen in a VFL grand final as he claimed the Norm Goss Medal with six goals from 28 disposals.

The Cats haven’t shied away from picking mature age recruits in the past and have had plenty of success doing so with a list of names including Tom Stewart, Tom Atkins and James Podsiadly.

Clohesy, who won this year’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL’s most promising player, raised his draft stock after producing three outstanding finals performances.

The 20-year-old previously spent time in the Gold Coast Academy when living there as a teenager before the Suns selected him with the fourth pick in Wednesday’s Rookie Draft.

He joins his younger brother Ted in the AFL, who is a new teammate of Mannagh at the Cats.

Clohesy made 26 appearances in his two seasons at Werribee while Mannagh tallied 47 games across the past three campaigns.

Morris, a Werribee local and Werribee Districts junior was selected at pick 31 by Brisbane. The 192cm forward is considered to have some of the best hands in this year’s draft class.

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was delighted for all three players.

“After nominating for eight drafts were absolutely thrilled to see Shaun get his shot on an AFL-list," Micallef said.

"Geelong had shown some interest during the year and not just after his grand final performance, so it was great to see them select him and we all hope this is the start of really successful AFL career.

“Sam was in and out of the side in his first year, but had an opportunity to make his mark this season which he did.

"With plenty of experience around him in the backline he flourished and played with a lot of freedom late in the year. He’s a laid-back kid but there’s no doubt he’ll make the most of his chance with the Suns.

“Logan is a Werribee local and it was a pleasure to have him involved in our program and to give him an opportunity to pull on the Werribee jumper this year.

"Brisbane have picked up a really promising player and we look forward to following his journey closely.”

TOP: Shaun Mannagh and  Sam Clohesy in action.
ABOVE: Logan Morris ahead of his VFL debut.

For those who can’t wait for the footy to return, the good news is it will be back sooner than normal in 2022.

The AFL has announced that an 18-game 22-round VFL season will begin on Saturday, March 26th.

The 2022 competition will feature 21 clubs (Victoria 16, Queensland 3, NSW 2) who will all have nine home games and four byes. The fixture will be released following the announcement of the AFL draw.

Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna welcomed the earlier start.

“It is terrific as it allows us to move forward with our club planning for membership, club events and match day activities," he siad.

"We have been so fortunate that our sponsors and members have stuck with us and I am sure we will present a high quality product that the people of the City of Wyndham are proud of, whether we are playing at Avalon Airport Oval, the Sydney Cricket Ground or The Gabba.”

The start of the new season can’t come quickly enough for the players and coaches, according to Football Manager Mark Micallef.

“We’re really pleased. This news gives us clarity on planning for our pre-season," he said.

"Our high performance team has done a lot of work already in getting our players conditioned to withstand the rigours of a full season after just nine games in the past two years.

"The players have returned to training and the entire football department is excited by the group we have assembled.”   

Long-time Werribee recruiter Mark Stone has been awarded Life Membership of the club.

Stone joined Werribee in 2005 and over the past 17 years has helped lure plenty of big names to Avalon Airport Oval. Among the players Stone has recruited are Michael Barlow, Brad Mangan, Ben Brown, Brody Mihocek, Matt Hanson and Josh Corbett.

Stone also briefly stepped in as football manager in 2017 and said it was a huge honour to receive Life Membership.

“I’m really humbled by this award, you don’t set out to get things like this,” he said.

“This is a great community club and I’m proud to be a part of it, so thank you to Martin (Carter) and the board and Mark Penaluna. My mum and sister are here, two of my greatest supporters and my dad who passed away five years ago, if he was here, he would be pretty excited.”

He said many former and current Werribee players and coaches had helped develop his eye for talent. Stone was presented his Life Membership by Simon Atkins, Werribee’s coach at the time he joined the club.

“He’s probably gone everywhere around Australia now, the majority of the time spending his own money to try and get the best players to the Werribee Football Club,” Atkins said.

“He is a humble person and a workaholic, I think he had five jobs at one stage and still found time to do the recruiting for the club. Stoney made my job so much easier because I knew we were leaving no stone unturned and he continues to drive around the country selling the Werribee Football Club as the best place to come to.”

Stone, who admitted he dislikes watching the team play because he can’t handle defeat, said he hopes ultimate team success isn’t far away.

“If I can see Werribee win a flag before I finish recruiting then I’ve done my job,” he said.

What a year we enjoyed at the Werribee Football Club. It had everything but a premiership cup, didn’t it? While that still stings, we look forward to the challenges of 2024.

We are undefeated, we have no injuries and the coach is smiling.

In reality, we have seen considerable changes in personnel, as happens at every club, every year.

The changes have been well documented across our channels so we will use this message from CEO Mark Penaluna and president Martin Carter to say THANKS.

To our staff, players and volunteers (ongoing and outgoing): Your dedication and contribution is much valued and appreciated.

Our sponsors have kept the faith through the ups and downs of the past few years and that is testament to the strength and importance of our partnerships with local businesses.

Our members and supporters and the wider Wyndham community were with us on our incredible football journey in 2023 and we know you will be fronting up again to help us go that one step further in 2024.

Have a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

We look forward to seeing you at Avalon Airport Oval in 2024.

The Werribee Football Club and Chirnsides By The River function space will be closed from midday on Tuesday 19th December and will re-open on Monday 8th January.

In readiness for the upcoming VFL season 2024 memberships can be purchased from the club’s online shop HERE. More membership options will be available early in the New Year.

Werribee has signed a second Calder Cannons graduate for 2022 in midfielder Sam Clohesy.  

The 189-cm onballer arrives at Avalon Airport Oval after some impressive form for Calder along with two outings in the VFL for the Sydney Swans when based in Melbourne for several weeks last year.   

Clohesy averaged 20 disposals across seven NAB League games and displayed his ball winning ability on VFL debut gathering 17 disposals and five tackles against Frankston in round 12.   

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was thrilled to secure another exciting midfield talent.  

“Sam is a really quick inside outside midfielder who has been a part of several different programs in recent years, including the Gold Coast Academy before moving back to Victoria,” he said.  

“Sam was highly sought after as he showed he is capable of playing at the level with his two performances for Sydney last year, and we think there’s really good scope for him in our system. 

“He’s a really good trainer who is committed to working on his body to take his game to another level and we think he fits really well with our culture.”  

Residing in Geelong and knowing several players already on the list, Clohesy said Werribee was a great fit for the next step in his career.  

“Coming out of the NAB League and looking at VFL options Werribee was a club close to home and a few of my older mates here said the club’s great, so I’m rapt to be a part of it,” he said.   

“I jumped around a fair bit last year (Clohesy was also a mid-season addition to Coburg’s list) but getting to play a couple of VFL games was a big step up, but I loved it.  

“I’m obviously hopefully to play as many games as I can in 2022, but we’ll see how this year goes, I just want to really enjoy my footy.” 

Werribee has shown more encouraging signs ahead of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season defeating Geelong in its second practice match.

The Big W secured a 7.11 (53) to 5.7 (37) result after ending Friday night’s game at GMHBA Stadium with a strong final quarter.

Experienced players Kye Declase, Jack Henderson, Tom Gribble and Louis Pinnuck led the way for Werribee as the visitors overcame a small halftime deficit.

Sam Paea and Sam Clohesy were the most notable performers amongst Werribee’s young brigade with Paea the team’s only multiple goal kicker while Clohesy again impressed at halfback.

On a positive note young midfielder Noah Gribble has been cleared of any damage to his knee after leaving the field with what appeared to be a serious injury at the time.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee:  2.7 (HT) 7.11 (53)
Geelong: 3.4 (HT) 5.7 (37)

GOALS
Werribee: S. Paea 2, D. Brew, K. Declase, H. Grintell, J. Henderson, M. Selsby.

BEST
Werribee:J. Henderson, K. Declase, T. Gribble, L. Pinnuck, S. Clohesy.

PLAYER STATS
Kye Declase: 22 disposals (18 K, 4 HB), 14 marks (4 contested), 7 inside 50s, 1 goal.
Tom Gribble: 20 disposals (11 K, 9 HB), 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 3 tackles.
Louis Pinnuck: 18 disposals (15 K, 3 HB), 6 marks (2 contested) 3 inside 50s.
Sam Clohesy: 17 disposals (12 K, 5 HB), 5 marks (1 contested), 2 tackles.
Emmanuel Ajang: 17 disposals (5 K, 12 HB), 3 clearances, 6 tackles.
Jack Henderson: 14 disposals (4 K, 10 HB), 6 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal.
Noah Lever: 16 disposals (12 K, 4 HB), 5 marks (1 contested), 2 clearances, 4 tackles.
Sam Paea: 12 disposals (8 K, 4 HB), 7 marks (2 contested), 3 tackles, 2 goals.  

THIS WEEK
Werribee vs Sandringham
Saturday March 18, 2:00pm
RSEA Park, Moorabbin

Werribee Football Club is delighted to announce it has filled the two vacant and pivotal positions within the club with two outstanding individuals.

James Allan (Senior Coach) and Ash Collins (Football Manager).

Jimmy returns to Avalon Airport Oval after a decorated career in the SANFL where he won three Magarey Medals, five North Adelaide Best and Fairest awards and a premiership with Norwood, among his many achievements. Werribee fans will remember Jimmy as the fierce ball winning number five who played some outstanding games in his two seasons at the club.

President Martin Carter welcomed the news: “Jimmy was a popular leader at our club in his playing days and the career he has had in South Australia as a player and more recently in assistant coaching roles has given him the perfect credentials to take over from Michael Barlow and keep our club at the top of the VFL competition.”

The other new recruit is Ash Collins, taking on the role of Football Manager. Ash brings a wide range of football experience, having been involved in key roles with the Brisbane Lions, Collingwood and the Sydney Swans. His decade-plus AFL career includes 10 years at the reigning AFL premiers Collingwood.

CEO Mark Penaluna sees the club not missing a beat with the appointments: “Ash brings many skills to a very demanding and sometimes unpredictable role but he has the experience to hit the ground running and continue Mark Micallef’s great work. These two positions were much sought after and highly desirable in the football marketplace and we feel we have secured the right team to take us forward.”

The Werribee Football Club is delighted to welcome a new Corporate Sponsor for 2022 in Orbit Logistics.  

Operating since 2004 the company provides international logistics, local customs clearance, deliveries and supply chain solutions. 

Orbit Logistics managing director Glenn Allison said it is great to be supporting the club and to be a player sponsor of first year player Lachlan Smart.    

“We decided to get involved after attending a business lunch and meeting Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna and other members of the club,” he said.  

“We really admired the spirit of the club and the investment in community and are now looking forward to playing our part in community involvement. 

“Werribee is one of the best clubs Orbit Logistics has had the opportunity to be involved with, so we’re excited to be starting this partnership.” 

You won’t only see the Orbit Logistics logo on the fence at Avalon Airport Oval in 2022 they also appear as a sponsor on the playing shorts this season.  

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said it was a thrill to welcome Orbit Logistics as a new sponsor.  

“Glenn was keen to support the club and it’s great to have a passionate company like Orbit Logistics that shares our values, come on board,” he said. 

“We’re greatly appreciate their contribution and look forward to seeing Glenn and his family and the Orbit Logistics team at the footy throughout the season.” 

The Werribee Football Club is excited to announce the launch of a new program that will work in partnership with North Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy for Multicultural and Indigenous boys and girls in Wyndham. 

The program is a joint initiative between the AFL, Werribee Football Club and North Melbourne Football Club focused on identifying, engaging and developing underage talent in non-traditional communities. 

The program will target Multicultural and Indigenous boys and girls aged 11-13 and provide them with access to both high performance resources and facilities as well as high-level coaching. 

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said it was excellent opportunity for the club - "We consider ourselves a leader in terms of what we deliver in the community,” he said. 

“We’ve been introducing football to people of all ages for many years through in-school programs and a range of other initiatives, and we’re thrilled to be adding to that.  

“It’s wonderful that the AFL and North Melbourne have given us the tick of approval to partner with North Melbourne’s NGA program, which captures the Wyndham region, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to invest further in the game in Wyndham, particularly in women’s football. 

“Wyndham is one of the most culturally diverse areas of the state and we’re excited to start work on increasing the talent pool of Multicultural and Indigenous male and female players.” 

Over recent months the club has been delivering development programs for boys and girls in years 7-9, completing a four-week program at Point Cook College and The Grange College in Hoppers Crossing.

Werribee has been running community initiatives across Wyndham since 2007 and now employees one full-time and two part-time staff, along with a casual work force.

The club delivers a range of programs with many Wyndham-based schools, local Auskick centres and other organisations including Reclink Australia, Wyndham City Council and The Salvation Army. 

After a nine day break for Werribee the Big W and Richmond will kick off Round 12 when they meet at Punt Road Oval next Wednesday night. 

Having improved to 4-4 on the year with back-to-back wins, Werribee will take a good amount of confidence into the midweek clash. Werribee were also big winners against Richmond last season.

Richmond (5-4) have lost two of their past three and sit just a couple of positions above Werribee having played an extra game through 10 rounds. 

The same 23 that took on Collingwood in Round 10 are set to face Richmond as Werribee goes into a match unchanged for the first time this season. See the full team below.

Tickets for the match are now on sale. With no on-the-gate sales all tickets need to be pre-purchased. If you buy tickets on the night you will need to do so via your own mobile device.

Werribee Members can access discounted tickets using the password: WerribeeRound12.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Entry will be available through Gate 1 (next to the Roar Store on Brunton Ave) from 7pm.

ROUND 12
Werribee vs Richmond
Wednesday June 8, 7:35pm
Punt Road Oval, Richmond
WATCH LIVE

Werribee's season continues this Saturday with a match-up against Geelong.

After three straight wins Werribee (5-4) now sits 10th on the ladder just one game behind the ninth placed Cats. The Big W resumes from another nine-day break after a midweek clash with Richmond last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Geelong (6-3) returns from the bye following a five-point loss to Footscray in Round 11.

See Werribee's Round 13 side below.

The Big W have five home games remaining this season and you can show your support with a club membership. You'll enjoy free entry to home matches, half-priced entry to away games, discounts on merchandise and benefits with sponsors & partners. Sign up today HERE.

Game day entry for non-members is $10 for adults and concession $5.

ROUND 13
Werribee vs Geelong
Sunday June 18, 1.05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Werribee travels to Port Melbourne for Round 14 to face the Borough in the first ever night match at ETU Stadium.

Werribee (6-4) will be eyeing a fifth consecutive win and to climb a couple more steps up the ladder after last week's victory over Geelong moved the Big W within percentage of the top eight. 

Port Melbourne (3-7) is back on the field after having the bye and will be looking to build on an impressive showing against Box Hill in Round 12 when the Borough fell just short of an upset win.

Tickets for the match can be pre-purchased HERE. Werribee members use the code WERRIBEEAWAY22.

There is free parking on Williamstown Road, Ingles Street and other surrounding streets around ETU Stadium. Entry to the ground is via the main gate on Williamstown Road (Near the pedestrian crossing).

ROUND 14
Werribee vs Port Melbourne
Friday June 24, 7:05pm
ETU Stadium, Port Melbourne

Werribee will look to bounce back from last week's disappointing loss to Port Melbourne when it takes on former alignment partner North Melbourne at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday.

Despite last Friday's result against the Borough, Werribee (6-5) remains on the cusp of the top eight with seven home and away matches still to play.

North Melbourne was victorious last time out as the Roos registered their third win of the campaign with a 42-point triumph over Northern Bullants.

Four home games are left for Werribee but it’s not too late to support the club via a 2022 membership with several different options all available. You get free entry to home matches, half-priced entry to away games, discounts on merchandise and benefits with sponsors & partners. Sign up today HERE.

Game day entry for non-members is $10 for adults and $5 for concession. Kids under 16 get in for free.

Visit match centre on afl.com.au

Round 15
Werribee vs North Melbourne
Saturday July 2, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Werribee plays back-to-back home games for the first and only time this season with a Round 16 match-up against Coburg on Saturday afternoon. 

Werribee will start the match in eightieth position on the ladder after beating North Melbourne by 47-points to claim a fifth win from its past six games to advance to 7-5 on the year. 

Coburg were four-goal winners against Gold Coast last week and have been much better than their 3-9 record suggests having fallen on the wrong side of the ledger in several close matches.

We're down to our final three home games of the season but it's not too late to enjoy the benefits of a club membership with a three-game deal just one of the options available.

A membership gets you free entry to home matches, half-priced entry to away games, discounts on merchandise and benefits with sponsors & partners. Sign up today HERE.

Game day entry for non-members is $10 for adults and $5 for concession. Kids under 16 get in for free.

Visit match centre on afl.com.au

Round 16
Werribee vs Coburg
Saturday July 9, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

After two home games Werribee is back on the road in Round 17 facing Box Hill on Saturday in the annual contest for the Beyond Blue Cup.

After collected an eighth win of the campaign Werribee has moved ahead of Box Hill on the ladder for the first time this season with the Big W currently occupying sixth spot with five games to play.

Box Hill (7-6) will be out to get their season back on track having fallen to ninth following three straight losses - the latest to Southport, and no doubt will prove a tough task at home.

Werribee members are entitled to half-price entry at away games so be sure to present your 2022 membership at the gate, otherwise tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for valid concessions, with kids under 15 free.

Patrons can enter via the main gate on Whitehorse Road or at the rear of the venue off Bolton Street.

Visit match centre on afl.com.au.

ROUND 17
Werribee vs Box Hill
Saturday July 16, 2.05pm
Box Hill City Oval

Werribee will begin the final leg of the home and away season with a return to Avalon Airport Oval to face Footscray on Saturday.

The two teams from the west and former alignment partners will play for the HealthWest Cup in the first meeting for premiership points since Round 7, 2019.

After losing late to Box Hill two weeks ago Werribee (8-6) will return from the bye ready to recapture its winning form and hopefully push back into the top eight.

Footscray were downed by league leaders Casey in Round 18 but enjoyed a strong month prior to last week’s loss and currently sit 13th on the ladder at 6-9.

TEAM NEWS

Werribee has made five changes for the Round 19 clash headlined by the return of Bior Malual and Keegan Gray. Also joining them are mature midfielder Marty Brennan and key position players Ariek Lual and Sam Paea.

Out of the side this week are several notable names with the majority of omissions forced due to injury and illness with Matt Hanson, Nick Hayes, Josh Porter, Jay Dahlhaus and Tom Boyd all making way.

MATCH DAY DETAILS

Gates will open at 12:30pm. Home members get in free while away members receive half-price entry. Tickets for non-members are $10 for adults and $5 for concession. Kids under 16 free.

Visit match centre on afl.com.au

ROUND 19
Werribee vs Footscray
Saturday July 30, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Werribee will make its final interstate trip of the year in Round 20 with the team to journey north to face Brisbane this weekend.

After back-to-back losses, a win over the third placed Lions will be a big boost to Werribee's hopes of playing finals in 2022 as the home and away season draws to its conclusion with three rounds remaining.

Brisbane has been in the top half of the top eight all year long and now has 11 victories from 15 games following a return to the winners list last week, with a 25-point triumph over Richmond at Punt Road.

TEAM NEWS

Matt Hanson, Nick Hayes, Josh Porter and Jay Dahlhaus all come back in after not playing against Footscray .

Joining them is Nathan Cooper, who is back for his first game since Round 12 after a hamstring injury, while under 22 players Matt Keast and Saad El-Hawli also return to the side.

Making way are Lucas Rocci, Reuben William, Logan Wagener, Tom McCaffrey, Darcy Cassar, Ariek Lual and Sam Paea.

Round 20 Match Centre

Watch live at afl.com.au

ROUND 20
Werribee vs Brisbane
Saturday August 6, 11:05am
Moreton Bay Sports Complex