After a successful run of three straight home wins, Werribee will hit the road in Round 11 to take on fellow standalone Coburg on Saturday.

Having now recorded five consecutive victories the Big W will be out to extend their unbeaten run against the Lions, in what will be the club’s first trip to Coburg City Oval since 2018.

Coburg are yet to taste victory in 2023 but will be up for the fight after facing AFL-aligned sides the last two weeks on the back of two narrow losses in their previous two outings.

TEAM NEWS
The Big W have made three changes for the match against Coburg with experienced pair Michael Sodomaco and Josh Porter returning to the team alongside defender Jesse Clark.

Sodomaco and Clark both missed the clash with Casey while Porter last played against Essendon in Round 7. The trio replace Matt Hanson, Kobe Annand and Jack Riding, with the former two injured in last week's encounter. 

ROUND 11
Werribee vs Coburg
Saturday 3rd June, 1:05pm
Coburg City Oval

Round 11 Match Centre

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The second of back-to-back away games pits Werribee against Richmond in Round 12 of the VFL season.

After taking on the Lions at Coburg last weekend the Big W face the Tigers at Punt Road Oval this Sunday where they will be hunting an eighth victory of 2023. Werribee were in impressive winners in this same fixture a year ago, triumphing by 37 points on a Wednesday night last June.

Richmond is currently ninth on the ladder with a 5-1-1 record and are unbeaten in their last three following a draw with Geelong and consecutive two-point wins over Essendon and then GWS.  

GAME DAY DETAILS
Gates open at 12:30pm with entry to the ground via Gate 1 next to the Roar Store on Brunton Avenue. Note, there will be no seating available for the public in the Jack Dyer stand or the bleachers in front of the stand.

Werribee members receive half-price entry with the cost for non-members, $10 for adults and $5 for concession. Kids under 16 are free. 

ROUND 12
Werribee vs Richmond
Sunday 11th June, 1:05pm
Punt Road Oval, Richmond

Round 12 Match Centre

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Werribee returns to Avalon Airport Oval in Round 13 to face Carlton at 2:05pm on Saturday.

The Big W host the Blues for the second year in a row and will be keen to avenge last season’s Round 5 loss and continue to build on their current win streak of seven straight victories.

Carlton is travelling well also, with the Blues entering the match in eighth position on the ladder after defeating Essendon in Round 12 to achieve a third straight win and sixth win of the season.

TEAM NEWS
Werribee goes into the match with two changes from a week ago, with tall utility Cam McLeod and midfielder Darcy Cassar coming into the side.

McLeod is set for his second game with the club after debuting against Essendon in Round 7, while Cassar will play his first game this season after some good form with Keilor in the EDFL. The pair replace an injured Bior Malual and Emmanuel Ajang.

ENTRY DETAILS
Gates open from 12pm with entry costing $10 for adults and concession $5. Kids under 16 are free. Werribee members receive free entry and opposition members half price entry. 

If you're a Werribee member and yet to receive your membership card please inform the gate attendant.

ROUND 13
Werribee vs Carlton
Saturday 17th June, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Round 13 Match Centre

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After a third bye of the season, Werribee is back in action in Round 15, hosting the first match-up with Sandringham since 2019.

Having moved into third spot on the ladder, the Big W will eye a sixth consecutive home win and ninth straight victory to maintain a four-point buffer over a chasing pack of four sides.

Sandringham were close to upsetting second placed Brisbane last weekend, but the game was drawn after the hosts failed to kick a goal in the last quarter. The Zebras last won against Coburg in Round 10.

TEAM NEWS
Despite being forced into four changes, several quality players return for Werribee with Bior Malual headlining the inclusions. After missing the past two games key forward Sam Paea is back along with small forward Harry Grintell who returns after missing six weeks through injury. Defender Sam Azzi who played the first two games of the season has also been recalled. 

Due to injury Bailey Henderson, Cam McLeod and Keegan Gray are out of the side with Josh Porter also making way.

ENTRY DETAILS
Gates open from 12pm with entry costing $10 for adults and concession $5. Kids under 16 are free. Werribee members receive free entry and opposition members half price entry. 

If you're a Werribee member and yet to receive your membership card please inform the gate attendant.

ROUND 15
Werribee vs Sandringham
Saturday 1st July, 1:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Round 15 Match Centre

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Werribee travels to Port Melbourne in Round 16 of the Smithy's VFL season to face the Borough at home for the second straight year.

After a dominant display against Sandringham on return from the bye, Werribee will this week eye an incredible 10th consecutive win. Victory over Port Melbourne will also avenge last year's narrow loss which saw the Big W fall three points short after trailing by 40 points at halftime.

The Borough sit 15th on the ladder with a 5-8 record so far in 2023. They suffered an away defeat to fourth placed Box Hill last weekend after easily accounting for Essendon in their previous outing.

TEAM NEWS
Hudson Garoni returns after being a late out last week, with the key forward coming in for veteran tall Josh Porter who is injured.

Meanwhile, small defender Lucas Rocci has been recalled and will play his second game of the season at the expense of Sam Azzi.

ENTRY DETAILS
Access to ETU Stadium is via Gate 1 on Williamstown Road (next to the pedestrian crossing). Tickets must be pre-purchased online with entry costing $10 for adults, $5 for concession, and kids under 15 free. 

Werribee members will be sent an input code for discounted tickets.

Purchase tickets HERE

ROUND 16
Werribee vs Port Melbourne
Saturday 8th July, 3:05pm
ETU Stadium (North Port Oval), Port Melbourne

Round 16 Match Centre

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Frankston will make its way to Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday for Werribee's penultimate home game of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season.

The Big W’s winning ways continued against the Northern Bullants last week and the home team now have their sights set on completing a perfect 6-0 record against standalone opponents with a victory over the Dolphins.

Frankston fell to GWS by a point in Round 17, shooting themselves in the foot after kicking 6.18 in the loss. Despite only having three wins on the season the Dolphins have shown plenty against AFL-aligned sides this year.

TEAM NEWS
Experienced tall Josh Porter is back in the side after missing the past two games with Michael Selsby set to make his first appearance since Round 8 after some strong form for Yarraville Seddon.

Ruckman Kobe Annand will miss his first game this season because of injury, while Darcy Cassar is the other omission for the home team.

ENTRY DETAILS
Entry for Werribee's Round 18 fixture will be free for all patrons with the gates at Avalon Airport Oval opening at 11am on Saturday. 

ROUND 18
Werribee vs Frankston
Saturday 22nd July, 1:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

After three straight standalone matchups Werribee finishes the home and away season with consecutive games against AFL-aligned sides, beginning with North Melbourne on Sunday.

Having moved along to 13-2 on the season with a tough victory over Frankston last week, the Big W will face another test against the Kangaroos. While they were comfortable winners in last year's fixture, Werribee were beaten the last time they travelled to Arden Street in 2021.

North Melbourne return from a week off and start Round 19 in sixth position on the ladder with a 10-5 record. They lost their most recent outing, a narrow five-point loss to Box Hill, but prior to facing the Hawks the Roos won six straight.

ENTRY DETAILS
Arden Street Oval can be freely accessed with no tickets required. Parking is available on Fogarty Street and Green Street, with Arden Street having all-day and 2 and 4-hour parking.

ROUND 19
Werribee vs North Melbourne
Sunday 30th July, 1:05pm
Arden Street Oval, North Melbourne

Round 19 Match Centre

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Werribee’s final home game of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL home and away season pits the second-placed Tigers against Collingwood at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday.

The hosts enter the match 14-2 on the year after comfortably accounting for North Melbourne last weeekend to now sit outright second on the ladder courtesy of the result against the Roos and Gold Coast topping Brisbane a day prior.

This weekend’s opponent Collingwood defeated Carlton in Round 19 and have won six of the past seven games to now occupy 10th position on the ladder. The Magpies' 9-6 record has then tied for points with Footscray and the Blues with a game in hand.

ENTRY DETAILS
Gates open from 10:30am. Werribee members receive free entry and opposition members half price entry. Non-member entry is $10 for adults and concession $5 with kids under 15, free.

ROUND 20
Werribee vs Collingwood
Saturday 6th August, 12:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

After a week off Werribee returns to the field ready to tackle another challenge up north, this time against 2022 grand finalists Southport on Easter Saturday.

The Big W will be out to bounce back from a one-point loss in Round 1 in Brisbane, and be aiming for a much better performance against Southport this year after going down to the Queensland standalone by 52 points when the two met last season.

Southport (1-1) got their season off to a good start with a big home win over Sandringham before suffering an eight-point loss to North Melbourne Reserves at Arden Street in Round 2.

TEAM NEWS

There are several changes from Round 1 against Brisbane with Bailey Henderson set to make his Werribee debut after arriving from Richmond in the off-season.

Veteran forward Josh Porter also comes into the side along with crafty small forward Connor Thar who will add to his three career games following a luckless 2022. 

The three changes come at the expense of Noah Lever, Sam Paea and Flynn Young.

MATCH DETAILS - ROUND 3
Werribee vs Southport Sharks
Saturday April 8, 12:05pm
Fankhauser Reserve, Southport

Round 3 Match Centre

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Werribee will play its first home game of the year on Saturday with the Big W hosting Geelong at Avalon Airport Oval in Round 4 of the Smithy's VFL season.

Having collected a first win of 2023 with victory over Southport last weekend Werribee will be keen for a repeat of last season's result against the Cats when they comfortably triumphed in Round 13.

After beating Carlton in the opening match of this year's campaign Geelong have lost their last two, suffering heavy defeats away to Gold Coast and at home to Box Hill. 

TEAM NEWS

A couple of additions to the side to take on the Cats with former captain Michael Sodomaco to play his first game of 2023. The club’s longest serving player will make his 118^th VFL appearance, adding experience to a relatively young backline.

Joining Sodomaco is exciting small forward Jay Dahlhaus who enjoyed a break-out year in 2022 with 18 goals in 14 matches while also providing frantic forward pressure.

The pair come into the side for Sam Azzi (injured) and Michael Selsby who both appeared in the opening two games of the season.   

GAME DAY DETAILS

Gates open from 11am with members receiving free entry. If you are a member and haven't yet received your membership card please inform the gate attendant. Entry for non-members is $10 for adults and concession $5. Kids under 16 are free.

MATCH DETAILS - ROUND 4
Werribee vs Geelong
Saturday April 15, 1:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Round 4 Match Centre

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Werribee makes a second straight appearance at Avalon Airport Oval this weekend with an Anzac round clash against western suburbs rivals Williamstown on Sunday.

After a disappointing first home outing of the season with the Big W going down to Geelong by 13 points in Round 4, the home team will look to bounce back with a second consecutive win over the Seagulls.

After losing to Gold Coast in Round 1, Williamstown have rattled off three straight wins over VFL standalone opponents Frankston (away), Port Melbourne (home) and Coburg (home), to currently sit fifth on the ladder.

TEAM NEWS

Round 5 sees a big inclusion with skipper Nick Coughlan making his season and captaincy debut after overcoming a preseason injury. Coughlan’s inclusion is one of four changes for the Big W with small utility Lucas Rocci also included to make his first appearance of 2023.

Midfielder Noah Lever and young tall Sam Paea also come into the side with Jay Dahlhus, Emmanuel Ajang (both injured), Jack Boyd and Matt Keast making way.

GAME DAY DETAILS

Gates open from 12pm with entry costing $10 for adults and concession $5. Kids under 16 are free. Werribee members receive free entry and opposition members half price entry. If you are a Werribee member and haven't yet received your membership card please inform the gate attendant.

Round 5
Werribee vs Williamstown
Saturday 23th April, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval

Round 5 Match Centre

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Werribee returns from a second bye in the early part of the season and travels to Essendon’s NEC Hangar on Sunday for a Round 7 matchup against the Bombers.

Having improved to 2-2 on the season with a big win over rivals Williamstown in Round 5, Werribee will look to separate themselves from the Bombers who sit one position below them on the ladder.

Essendon also returns from a week off and enter the clash having lost their past two with their most recent performances a narrow defeat to Collingwood after being outplayed by Casey in Round 4.

TEAM NEWS

The Big W has been forced to make two changes for this week's match against the Bombers with injuries sidelining smalls Lucas Rocci and Harry Grintell.

The pair have been replaced by Michael Selsby and Keegan Gray who both come in after some strong form at local level. Selsby will play his third game of the campaign while Gray will make his season debut.

ROUND 7
Werribee vs Essendon
Sunday 7th May, 2:05pm
NEC Hangar, Melbourne Airport

Round 7 Match Centre

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Following a run of three straight wins in the last month, Werribee’s next challenge comes at home in the form of ladder leaders Gold Coast Suns in Round 9.

With victories over Williamstown, Essendon and Footscray the Big W now face their biggest test since the opening round of the season taking on an undefeated Suns outfit at midday on Saturday.

The Suns who triumphed over Werribee a year ago have made the perfect start to 2023, and enter the clash having survived a fast-finishing Southport last weekend to secure their seventh win.

TEAM NEWS
Three changes have been made by the Werribee coaching staff for the match against the Suns with the return of four-time Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner Matt Hanson headlining the inclusions.

Hanson will play his first match since breaking his hand against Essendon in Round 21 last year, before requiring a second surgery. Along with Hanson, Jack Boyd has made his way back into the side, while the club will have a first gamer for the third straight week with Jack Riding to make his VFL debut.

Going out of the side are forwards Connor Thar and Logan Morris who both picked up injuries last week against Footscray with Michael Selsby the other omission.  

GAME DAY ENTRY
Gates open from 10:30am. Werribee members receive free entry and opposition members half price entry. Non-member entry is $10 for adults and concession $5 with kids under 16, free. Round 9 entry will go towards The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal.

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

Round 9 Match Centre

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Werribee has signed talented young ruckman Kobe Annand ahead of the 2023 season.

The 21-year-old from Ocean Grove played 17 games this year with North Shore in the Geelong Football League claiming best on ground honours eight times.

The 200cm big-man finished the season with the fourth most hit-outs in the GFL and was runner-up in the Seagulls’ best and fairest count.

Having trained with the club at the back end of last season, Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said Annand was deserving of a contract.

“Kobe’s really competitive and strong at the contest and plays the game the way it should be played, at high intensity,” he said.

“From what we saw this season we think Kobe has really high scope and we’re excited to give him the opportunity to be on a VFL list and can’t wait to see what he brings in 2023.”

The club has received a big boost to its ruck department with Sam Conway making the switch from Williamstown to Werribee. 

Conway, 22, spent three years with the Seagulls and made his VFL debut in 2021 going on to play three matches while averaging 21 hit-outs per outing.  

The 203cm big man comes to Werribee with the opportunity to make the club’s number one ruck position his own, following Matthew Lobbe’s retirement.  

Conway said a big reason behind his move was the fact that he has exsisting friendships with several of his now teammates.  

“I’m excited to be on board with a good chance to lock down the ruck spot with Matthew Lobbe retiring,” he said. 

“I live in Geelong and played Falcons with a few of the guys including Jack Henderson who is one of my good mates, so that makes it an easier transition and I’m excited to join the group. 

“Playing a few games for Williamstown last season was good, I went up against Paul Hunter (St Kilda) for Sandringham in round 5 and that was a bit of an eye opener playing against a bloke with AFL experience. 

“It was just good to get that experience bashing and crashing against bigger bodies.” 

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was excited to see what Conway can produce next season. 

“Sam’s a big ruckman who’s got really good strength in the contest and plays the game with a very good temperament,” he said. 

“He’s a strong kid and he displayed last year for Williamstown that he can play at the level, and we look forward to seeing Sam try and take the mantle as our number one ruck for 2022 and beyond.” 

Werribee has secured signatures from three of its youngest players with Emmanuel Ajang, Noah Gribble and Harrison White signing on for 2022.

Ajang will enter his third year on the Werribee list and will look to earn a VFL debut in 2022 after not having the opportunity in 2020 and then coming close on several occasions this past season.

The 190cm midfielder enjoyed a brilliant year with Geelong West being named in the Giants’ best players eight times in 10 games.

Meanwhile, Gribble and White are set to join the club on a full-time basis, if they go unselected in this month's AFL National and Rookie drafts, after completing their NAB League careers with the Geelong Falcons and Western Jets respectively.

Both took part in Werribee’s most recent preseason and trained with the club throughout 2021 before getting their first taste of VFL football late in the season.

White debuted against Casey in Round 12 while Gribble, the younger brother of Werribee’s 2019 Liston Trophy winning midfielder Tom, made his first appearance in the final game of the year.

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said it was exciting to have the young trio commit.

“Emanuel Ajang had a great year at Geelong West in the GFL where he played in the midfield. We see massive potential in Emmanuel with him being able to provide us great strength at the contest as well as an ability to get the ball on the outside," Micallef said.

"He is a great person to have at the club and has grown leaps and bounds in 2021 and we’re extremely excited to see what he can produce in 2022.

“Noah Gribble is an outside midfielder with speed and capacity to cover the ground really well and the ability to work from contest to contest.

"We see him developing into an inside-outside midfielder with the capacity to drive the ball inside 50. He’s the younger brother of Tom and had a really strong season with the Geelong Falcons as well as being really impressive in his debut for us.

“Harrison White is a great story being a local Werribee boy. He is a hard worker and someone who has utilised our facilities for his development.

"He’s crafty player and after overcoming some injuries had a terrific season with the Western Jets. Harrison did some good things in his Werribee debut, and we see him developing into a speedy high half-forward who can push into the midfield and use the ball well."

Werribee has signed West Australian youngster Cameron Anderson from WAFL side Claremont.

The small rebounding defender represented WA in the 2019 U18 National Championships before going on to play seven league games for the Tigers over the past two seasons.

Possessing pace, good skills and decision-making, Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the 21-year-old Anderson was an exciting signing for the club.

“Cameron’s a hard running defender with elite speed and the ability take the game on with his run and carry,” he said.

“He’s cousins with Collingwood’s Bobby Hill and is looking forward to taking his game to another level here in Victoria.  

“We think he can learn a lot from our experienced backs and being around the likes of Nick Coughlan and Michael Sodomaco will be great for his development.”

After seven seasons as Werribee captain Michael Sodomaco will hand over the reins in 2022.

Sodomaco informed the playing group of his decision to pass on the role on Monday night and said it was time for the club’s next leader to take the club forward.

“First and foremost, I think it’s the right time for a fresh voice, fresh set of ideas and all those kinds of things,” he said.

“I’ve had the honour of captaining the club for seven years and gave it my best shot.

“It’s a great time for someone new to take on the role, make it their own and hopefully were standing here in a couple of years’ time talking about the amazing success they’ve had.”

Sodomaco took over from Jared Moore ahead of the 2015 season and is now the club’s longest serving captain. He said his tenure has been a rewarding one.  

“It’s been a privilege having the chance to influence the on-field performance for the better, improve the club culture, overall, I think you just aim to leave it in a better place to how you found it,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to being a Werribee player and sort of taking a bit of that weight off my shoulders and also dipping my toe in the coaching side of things as well.

“I’ll obviously be the same person around the club but I’m looking forward to playing under another captain because I haven’t done it for a long time either.”

As for who the club’s next captain will be, Sodomaco said there are several quality candidates.

“When I made the decision that was at the forefront of my mind, there are a lot of guys that deserve the opportunity, will be here for a number of years and will do the job really well,” he said.

“I’m sure we’ll be in good hands and hopefully by me sticking around and playing this year I can sort of offer some help when they feel they need it and help make it a really smooth transition.”