Michael Sodomaco is extending his VFL career into a 12th season. 

The current Werribee captain arrived at Avalon Airport Oval in 2011 straight out of the Geelong Falcons and is now set to add to his 104 matches with the club a year after celebrating his 100-game milestone.

Sodomaco, 30, has played some of the most consistent football of his career over recent seasons and was again one of the club’s best rebounders in 2021 with his dash and decision making out of defence.

He played seven of the club’s nine games this year, missing one match for the birth of his and partner Sarah’s first child Rosie before being a late out in Round 16, the club’s final game of the season.

After a year interrupted by COVID lockdowns Sodomaco said he was looking forward to another season in black and gold.

“I’m excited to recommit, it’s been a weird sort of year but I’m keen to go around again,” he said.

“In a normal season you get to this time of year, finals wrap up and you’re ready to put your feet up for a few weeks before preseason comes around again but playing seven games across the past two seasons there’s certainly not that feeling, you just want to get stuck into it again.

“I had a really solid preseason that put me in good stead for this year, but I’m sure this next one will be a bit of a different challenge now that Rosie is here and I’ll be balancing work, family and footy, but I’m still loving my time at the club and I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet.

“I’ve been at Werribee so long now it feels like my local club, I love the guys we’ve got at the club and I still enjoy rolling into training each night which I think is important.”

Sodomaco averaged a career high 21.7 disposals per game in 2021 while running at 81% efficiency.  He is also Werribee’s longest serving captain having held the position since the start of the 2015 season.

Werribee Football Manager Mark Micallef said it was fantastic to have Sodomaco committed for another season.

“We are delighted to lock-in Sods for another year, he is our longest serving captain and continues to grow as a leader while living the club’s values of community, driven, care,” Micallef said.

“He’s going to continue to provide key leadership for us and play an important role in our defence, and after enjoying a strong season we’re looking forward to seeing him continue that form for another year.”

Michael Sodomaco, Werribee’s longest serving player is set to play on 2023. 

Sodomaco’s re-commitment means he will extend his time in black and gold into a 13^th season.  

The 31-year-old made 14 appearances in 2022 and is now 11^th on the list of total games for the club with 118.  

He is expected to remain a key part of the team next season with his run and precision kicking out of defence. 

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said it would be fantastic to have the Sodomaco’s experience for another season.  

“It’s great to have Sods re-commit, to play at this level for the amount of time he has is an incredible achievement and not something you see very often,” he said.  

“He’s been a wonderful servant and the Werribee Football Club is better for having him around. 

“He’s still a strong contributor on-field with his play and leadership and we look forward to having him continue to drive standards with our leaders as well as helping to guide our younger players.” 

Werribee has added speed to its 2023 playing list signing midfielder Bailey Henderson from Richmond VFL.  

Henderson, 23, spent four years at Punt Road and was a member of the Tigers’ leadership group in 2022. 

The 189cm Castlemaine product enjoyed a consistent campaign this year while appearing in a career-high 14 games. 

His move to Avalon Airport Oval comes after playing alongside Werribee co-captain Dom Brew in the Northern Territory in 2020. 

“Bailey’s an exciting player who can play in a number of positions,” Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said.  

“He brings good speed on the outside and also displayed strong ball winning ability and decision making in his time with Richmond. 

“Bailey also fits well with our culture and has already impressed with his leadership, so he’s a quality addition to our club.” 

Last year’s Western Region Football League Rookie of the Year, Saad El-Hawli has signed with Werribee for the upcoming season.   

The former Western Jets player impressed in his first season of senior football finishing as Altona’s leading goal kicking with 26 majors while earning selection in the 2021 WRFL Team of the Year.  

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said El-Hawli deserved his spot on the list after standing out among the group of players that trialed with the club early this preseason.  

“Saad is a hard running and quick player who has got really good bounce and foot skills,” he said. 

“He has the ability to play multiple roles but will start as a forward with us.  

“Saad’s story is great one, he actually approached Choco Williams a couple of years ago about the opportunity to train with the club, he got his chance this preseason and hasn’t put a foot wrong. 

“We look forward to seeing what he can develop into over the course of the 2022 season.” 

El-Hawli, 20 said he is looking to make the most of his opportunity at Avalon Airport Oval. 

“A lot of setbacks along the way but I just had faith in myself and what I’m capable of and thankful that Werribee sees my potential and gives me a crack at it this year,” he said. 

“It’s all been smooth sailing so far; the club makes everything pretty simple and the coaches and boys get around you a lot which I appreciate. 

“I’m just going about things day-by-day and session to session trying to get better as we go, and hopefully I can be an asset to the team. 

“The coaches want me to use my speed as my strong point and I’m just trying to make sure my work at training is top notch.” 

Werribee will return its core midfield group next season after Tom Gribble, Matt Hanson and Dom Brew all recommitted for 2022. 

The trio led Werribee in clearances and contested possessions in 2021 and will again provide the club with incredible strength around the stoppages. 

In 2021, Gribble tallied almost identical numbers to his 2019 J.J. Liston Trophy winning, season averaging 29.4 disposals per game with Hanson and Brew racking up career highs of 28.6 and 18.2 disposals respectively, while Brew topped the VFL in tackles for a second straight season.  

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was delighted to have all three players returning in 2022. 

“The re-signings of Tom Gribble, Matt Hanson and Dom Brew are fantastic for the club, all three provide great leadership for us and strength on the inside of the contest which we really pride ourselves on,” he said.  

“Tom is the reigning Liston Trophy winner and enjoyed another strong year in 2021 while captaining the team in our final match. He continues to drive standards at the club and will play his 100^th game for Werribee next season which is a great achievement. 

“Matt is someone we can’t speak highly enough of; he’s been an outstanding player for a long period winning three best and fairests previously, and with his work at the stoppages he’s someone our coaches can rely on to do his job week in and week out. 

“Dom is a competitive beast and another really strong leader and if you talk about blokes that live the club values he is right up there with a Michael Sodomaco. We’re extremely excited to have him committed for another year.” 

Meanwhile, Wylie Buzza has informed the club he will be returning to Brisbane where he’ll be closer to family and friends after he and his partner Sarah recently announced their engagement.  

The former AFL player signed at Avalon Airport Oval for 2021 after spending the previous season on Port Adelaide’s list following four years with Geelong.  

Buzza’s lone season with Werribee saw him top the club’s goal kicking with 20 majors and provide crucial back-up to Matt Lobbe in the ruck, averaging 10 hit-outs a game.  

The club would like to thank Wylie for his time as a player and ambassador for Werribee. We wish him all the best with his move back to Queensland and the next chapter of his life.   

Werribee’s terrific home and away season has resulted in six players being nominated for the Smithy's VFL Team of the Year.

The 40 players in contention for the team were announced on the eve of the 2023 Finals Series with Werribee and Gold Coast having the equal most representatives.

Headlining the inclusions for the Big W are 2022 Team of the Year members Tom Gribble, Shaun Mannagh and Kye Declase who yet again enjoyed excellent campaigns.

Also included is captain Nick Coughlan along with vice-captain Dom Brew and key forward Hudson Garoni who are both nominated for the first time after a career-best seasons.

Players must have played a minimum of 12 matches to be considered for selection in the Smithy's VFL Team of the Year with AFL-listed players eligible to be picked.

The final team of 24 players will be named on Monday, September 18 at the 2023 VFL and VFLW Awards.

WERRIBEE NOMINATIONS:

Dom Brew
18 matches, 5 goals
Averages: 25.8 disposals, 15.3 contested possessions, 7.9 clearances, 5.1 inside 50s, 2.0 rebound 50s, 9.8 tackles.

Nick Coughlan
15 matches, 2 goals
Averages: 19.6 disposals, 15.5 kicks, 7.3 intercepts, 6.0 marks, 8.1 rebound 50s, 1.2 tackles.

Kye Declase
18 matches, 20 goals
Averages: 24.2 disposals, 6.6 marks, 4.9 insides 50s, 2.3 clearances, 6.2 score involvements, 2.3 tackles.

Hudson Garoni
17 matches, 40 goals
Averages: 12.6 disposals, 5.7 marks, 1.4 contested marks, 6.8 score involvements, 4.6 shots at goal, 1.5 tackles.

Tom Gribble
18 matches, 5 goals
Averages: 31.8 disposals, 22.7 effective disposals, 6.7 clearances, 5.4 inside 50s, 6.8 score involvements, 1.5 score assists.

Shaun Mannagh
18 matches, 32 goals
Averages: 25.9 disposals, 17.2 kicks, 4.9 clearances, 7.2 inside 50s, 7.8 score involvements, 6.1 tackles.

See the full 40-man squad HERE

Werribee has continued its recruiting pipeline in Tasmania bringing in former Clarence midfielder Ethan Jackson. 

The 21-year-old is the is first interstate signing ahead of the 2022 season and arrives at the club with an exciting mix of athleticism and skill.  

After touching down in Melbourne on Sunday, Jackson joined his new teammates for the first time on Monday and said he is looking forward to testing himself at a higher level.  

“I played Tassie footy for a while and just wanted a new challenge,” he said. 

“I’ve played with some blokes that have played in the VFL and they’ve come back home and definitely been quality players, and coming here to Werribee it’s a pretty professional environment. 

“I’m coming off a fractured collarbone which I injured before (TSL) finals but it’s all good now and preseason is going to be building confidence again to go full bore.” 

With the club finding success with Tasmania recruits in the past Werribee football manager Mark Micallef hopes that can be emulated with Jackson.  

“Ethan is a strong bodied and versatile forward/mid who can take a really good mark overhead and is really good in and around the stoppages,” he said. 

“He finished high up in the Tasmanian League best and fairest award despite missing the end of the season with a shoulder injury, but we’re really excited to see how he goes in the VFL. 

“(Recruiter) Mark Stone has done a really great job identifying Ethan and we were lucky enough to beat some other VFL clubs to attain his services.  

“We’ve been able to get some really good Tasmanian talent to Werribee in the past with Ben Brown, Brody Mihocek and Matt Hanson and we hope that continues with Ethan.” 

In a special Grand Final preview edition of the The Big W Podcast coach Michael Barlow chats to Kevin Hillier about his team’s journey so far and what is to come for the players, coaches and staff. We also hear from CEO Mark Penaluna as the club gears up for the big day on Sunday.

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

They have barely put their feet under the desk but it's time to hear from our new coach Jimmy Allan and new football manager Ash Collins and get some insight into the plans for the 2024 season. 

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

Post Production by Steve Visscher | Southern Skies Media

Werribee plays Collingwood in Round 10 of the VFL season with the Big W and Magpies to face off at midday on Sunday. 

Having last faced each other in the opening round last year, Werribee will take a much-needed boost confidence into the clash after breaking a run of three straight losses with victory over GWS in Sydney in Round 9.

The second-placed Pies (6-1) will provide another challenge for the Big W when they return from their second bye in the space of three weeks.

Former captain Michael Sodomaco returns to the team after missing last week's contest against GWS and will be joined by Harry Stubbings for his first game this season after some consistent form with Old Scotch.

Making way for the pair is young ruckman Jack Driscoll and Joe Maishman.

Werribee still has six home games at Avalon Airport Oval in 2022 meaning a club membership is still great value with 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 10
Werribee vs Collingwood
Sunday May 29, 12pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Football returns to Avalon Airport Oval for the first time in 2022 with Werribee facing Southport on Saturday night (April 9) in what will be the first ever match-up between the two teams.

After an opening round win over Frankston before a bye in Round 2, Werribee will be aiming to inflict a second loss on the Sharks who collected their first win of the year against Williamstown last week.

Tom Gribble reaches a major milestone against Southport running out for the 100th time in Werribee colours and while it's the most significant it's not the only games celebration with Josh Porter and Lou Pinnuck both notching game 50 for the club.

There are five changes for Werribee with co-captain Dom Brew returning which means he and Gribble will lead the side together for the first time.

Former captain Michael Sodomaco, utility Keegan Gray and youngster Noah Gribble also come into the side for their first matches of the season.

After eight players made their first appearances for Werribee in Round 1 there'll be one debutant tomorrow night with ruckman Sam Conway pulling on the Big W for the first time following his move from Williamstown.

The players going out of the side this week are Nick Hayes (suspension), Bior Malual,  Marty Brennan, Jay Dahlhaus  and Jack Driscoll.

Entry to Saturday night's game is free for WFC members. Members yet to receive their 2022 Membership Cards please see our match day staff at the gate.

Entry for non-members is $10 for adults and concession $5.

ROUND 3
Werribee vs Southport
Saturday April 9, 7.05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee
WATCH LIVE

Werribee heads to Williamstown in Round 4 for its first day match of the season to face fierce rivals the Seagulls on Good Friday.

The Big W will aim to bounce back after a disappoiniting display at home to Southport and avenge last year's loss to Williamstown who are winles in 2022.

Werribee has made three changes for the match with Nick Hayes and Bior Lual returning after missing last week's game against Southport.

Ariek Lual will also make his first appearance of the season with the incoming trio replacing Tom Boyd, Tom McCaffrey and Reuben William.

For those attending the match, WFC members and non-members can buy tickets online beforehand or once there at the gate. Ticketing detailsHERE.

ROUND 4
Werribee vs Williamstown
Friday April 15, 1.05pm
Downer Oval, Williamstown
WATCH LIVE

Werribee will look to build on last week's triumph over Williamstown with a first home win of the season when the club takes on Carlton at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday.

Heading into Round 5 the Big W sit just outside the top eight with two wins and a loss, while third-placed Carlton suffered their first defeat last time out, after starting the season with three straight victories.

Werribee's side is relatively unchanged for Saturday's clash wiith small defender Lucas Rocci coming in for his first game of the season at the expense of young forward Sam Paea. See the Round 5 team below.

Club memberships are a great option offering free entry to home games, half-priced entry to away games, discounts on merchandise and benefits with sponsors & partners. Become a member HERE.

Entry for non-members is $10 for adults and concession $5.

ROUND 5
Werribee vs Carlton
Saturday April 23, 2.05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Werribee heads to the Gold Coast in Round 6 to face the Suns in the club’s first interstate match of the new VFL era.

Despite suffering a second straight home loss on the weekend Werribee has won both of its away matches this season.

The Suns return from the bye with a 2-2 record having won their opening two games before losses to Carlton and Sandringham.

There are four changes for Werribee this week with Reuben William and Jay Dahlhaus both returning to the side while Ethan Jackson and Lochie Smart will make their VFL debuts. 

Jackson joined the club this season from Tasmanian State League team Clarence while Smart has starred in the WRFL in recent years with Sunshine and now Deer Park.

Out of the team are Matt Hanson and Jesse Clark (both injured) and Saad El-Hawli and Loagn Wagener. See the Round 5 team below.

ROUND 6
Werribee vs Gold Coast
Sunday May 1, 11.05pm
Metricon Stadium complex, Queensland
WATCH LIVE

Werribee returns to Avalon Aiport Oval in Round 7 for its third home game of the season with a match-up against Sydney on Saturday.

Both teams head into the clash with 2-3 records as a result of back-to-back losses. Ironically Werribee's two-point loss to Gold Coast was the same margin that the Swans went down to the Suns in Round 2.

Werribee has made three changes for the clash with the Swans as club favourite Joe Maishman comes into the side for his first match of the season.

Joining the experienced midfielder back in the team is young forward Sam Paea fresh off a six-goal best-on-ground performance for Aberfeldie last week, while Matt Keast will make his VFL debut.

Keast, a Geelong Falcon's graduate, becomes the club's 12th first gamer so far this year having impressed in training with his cleanliness while also performing strongly with local club St Mary's to start the season.

The trio come in for Ariek Lual, Noah Gribble and Ethan Jackson. See the full Round 7 team below.

With nine home games this season a WFC memberships is still great value offering free entry to matches at Avalon Airport Oval, half-priced entry to away games, discounts on merchandise and benefits with sponsors & partners. Sign up today HERE.

Entry for non-members is $10 for adults and concession $5.

ROUND 7
Werribee vs Sydney
Saturday May 7, 1.05pm
Avalon Aiport Oval, Werribee
WATCH LIVE

Werribee heads off on its second interstate trip of the year on retun from the bye to face Greater Western Sydney in Round 9.

It will be the second meeting for the teams with Werribee winning the first ever match-up between the two by 48 points, a game that was played behind closed doors last June, as the competition resumed from a three-week long covid lockdown.

Werribee enters the contest with a 2-4 record, while GWS occupy third place on the ladder with a 5-2 win-loss.

Some key personnel returns for Werribee with four-time best and fairest winner Matt Hanson back after missing the last two games while key defender Nick Coughlan will make his first appearance since the opening match of the season having overcome a hamstring injury.

Joining Coughlan for his second game of the year is Jack Driscoll who made his VFL debut against Frankston in Round 1. The 202cm ruckman and GWS Academy graduate will add some much-needed height for Werribee.

The other inclusion is that of young midfielder Sam Clohesy who will make his Werribee debut after some terrific form for St Joseph’s in the Geelong Football League, most notably a four-goal performance last weekend. See the full team below.

ROUND 9
Werribee vs GWS
Saturday May 22, 10.05am
Giants Stadium, Sydney
WATCH LIVE

Werribee will up its preparations for the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season by playing three practice matches next month ahead of the club’s Round 1 clash with Brisbane on March 25.

The Big W’s first trial game will take place as part of a Victorian standalone carnival on the first Saturday in March.

Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Northern Bullants, Williamstown and Werribee will all come together at Craigieburn’s Highgate Reserve for three seperate matches. 

The club is set to play Frankston in the second contest of the day.

Six days later we'll face Geelong under lights at the Cats’ GMHBA Stadium with the first bounce at 7pm.

The following Saturday the team will head in the opposition direction to St Kilda’s RSEA Park in Moorabbin for a final hit-out against Sandringham.

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

vs Frankston, Saturday 4 March
Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn
Time: 1pm

vs Geelong, Friday 10 March
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Time: 7pm

vs Sandringham, Saturday 18 March
RSEA Park, Moorabbin
Time: 2pm

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

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

The 2022 VFL season is fast approaching and Werribee will have three opportunities to get in some valuable match practice ahead of round one.

The club has locked in trial games against some of its closest rivals with all three games to played on consecutive Friday nights in March.

First up we’ll take on Footscray at Whitten Oval on March 4 and then the following week we’ll play two matches against Williamstown at Deakin University in Geelong.

The final preseason hit out is against Coburg at Craigieburn’s Highgate Recreation Reserve on March 18.

Practice Match Schedule

vs Footscray, Friday 4 March
Whitten Oval, Footscray
Time: 6pm

vs Williamstown, Friday 11 March
Deakin University, Geelong (Waurn Ponds campus)
Time: G1 - 6pm, G2 - 7.30pm

vs Coburg, Friday 18 March
Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn
Time: 7pm

A remarkable second half turnaround has seen Werribee record its fifth win of the season and has the team on the brink of the top four, with a game still in hand.

Facing an undefeated Gold Coast on Saturday, the Big W trailed by 42 points at halftime before clinching a stunning victory by two points in the Round 9 clash at Avalon Airport Oval.

The return of four-time Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner Matt Hanson was huge for the home team as he tallied 32 disposals and two goals in his first game since Round 21, last year.

Alongside Hanson’s brilliant performance, two-time Liston Trophy winner Tom Gribble delivered his best game of the season while fellow midfielders Dom Brew, Shaun Mannagh, Kye Declase and Jack Henderson, captain Nick Coughlan and forward Hudson Garoni were all involved in the big moments.

The match was an arm wrestle early with Werribee holding a slight advantage at quarter time. It took almost 12 minutes for the game's first goal to be kicked by Shaun Mannagh. The rest of the term was back and forth with a late Sam Paea mark and goal giving the Big W a two-point buffer.

The second quarter was completely different from a Werribee perspective with the hosts totally outplayed by the Suns who piled on eight goals to one. Michael Sodomaco’s third goal of 2023 was the only significant highlight for the Big W as they went into halftime with plenty to ponder.

Debutant Jack Riding gave Werribee first blood four and half minutes into the third term, before back-to-back goals to Hanson and Garoni cut the deficit to 25 points. But the margin would remain that at three-quarter time with Garoni’s second major cancelling out the Suns’ only goal.

In the last it took more than seven minutes for a goal to be scored with both teams adding a single behind before Jack Boyd registered the all-important first for Werribee. It would be the start of a dominant 10-minute period for the Big W with their second and third goals kicked with little time coming off the clock.

First a free kick against the Suns for deliberately rushing a behind was converted by Mannagh and then Boyd received a second free kick in the goal square for umpire descent by the Suns players, following the rushed behind decision. Those two scores made the difference just 11 points and Hanson would cut it even further with a goal from 50 putting the home team within a kick.

With Werribee continuing to force turnovers and win every loose ball and one-one-one contest, the chance to go ahead fell to Sam Paea and he made no mistake with his long-range set shot.

With 18 minutes still to be played, Paea’s goal was met with a Gold Coast response at the 24-minute mark before a frantic next seven minutes would end with Werribee reclaiming the lead in the dying stages. They did so when a Suns defender hit the ball into Boyd’s path who found Coughlan inside 50 with the captain dishing the ball over to Garoni streaming into goal.

It would be the final score of the game as the siren sounded with the ball in dispute on the far wing with Werribee securing one of their best wins in recent memory to take their unbeaten run to four games. The Big W’s final quarter dominance showed with 51 per cent time in possession compared to the Suns’ 34 per cent, the highest total and biggest differential of the game.

The home team’s 17 tackles, many of which resulted in Werribee free kicks, was also almost more than what they tallied in the previous two terms combined.  

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 3.2 4.4 8.4 14.7 (91)
Gold Coast: 3.1 11.4 13.11 (89)

GOALS
Werribee: H. Garoni 3, S. Paea 2, S. Mannagh 2, H. Hanson 2, J. Boyd 2, M. Sodomaco, J. Riding, J. Henderson.
Gold Coast: J. Tsitas 3, M. Chol 3, A. Sexton, N. Moyle, C. Harrington, C. Constable, C Burgess, S. Brock, J. Anderson.

BEST
Werribee: T. Gribble, M. Hanson, K. Declase, S. Mannagh, J. Boyd, D. Brew.

PLAYER STATS
Tom Gribble: 41 disposals (14 K, 27 HB), 15 contested possessions, 4 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 7 score involvements, 3 tackles.
Matt Hanson: 32 disposals (22 K, 10 HB), 16 handball receives, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 5 score involvements, 3 tackles, 2 goals.
Kye Declase: 30 disposals (14 K, 17 HB), 6 marks, 17 handball receives, 5 score involvements, 2 assists.
Dom Brew: 30 disposals (14 K, 16 HB), 18 contested possessions, 9 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 5 tackles.
Shaun Mannagh: 29 disposals, (19 K, 10 HB), 4 clearances, 5 score involvements, 8 tackles, 2 goals.
Nick Coughlan: 19 disposals (14 K, 5 HB), 8 marks (4 intercept, 3 contested), 10 rebound 50s, 5 score involvements.
Jack Boyd: 18 disposals (8 K, 10 HB), 6 marks (1 contested), 9 hit-outs, 3 clearances, 6 score involvements, 3 tackles, 2 goals.
Hudson Garoni: 13 disposals (10 K, 3 HB), 6 marks (1 contested), 7 score involvements, 3 goals.

ROUND 9 IMAGE GALLERY - VIEW HERE

NEXT GAME
Round 10
Werribee vs Casey
Saturday 27th May, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Werribee overturned a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat Carlton by a goal in Round 13, and extend is win streak to eight games.

Trailing by the game’s biggest margin with a term to play, a four-goal final quarter and some brilliant and desperate defending lifted the Big W to a ninth win of the season.

Several key players stood up when needed in the last with Shaun Mannagh having the biggest say. Wearing number 56, not his customary number six, and with tape wrapped around his head following an earlier blow to the nose, Mannagh was simply outstanding in the final stanza with 10 disposals and both the game tying and game winning goals.

On a blustery return to Avalon Airport Oval the first quarter was evenly matched with Carlton holding a slight one-point lead at the first break.

Werribee had initially gone ahead when Noah Lever converted the first goal of the game nine and half minutes in following a quick transition from defence by the home team. Tom Gribble restored the Big W’s six-point advantage in the middle of the term while a Josh Porter goal from another Werribee counterattack tied the game with four minutes to play.

The hosts started the second with back-to-back goals in the first seven minutes, as Mannagh was on the receiving end of a brilliant ruck tap from Jack Boyd before Boyd added a major of his own.

After Werribee held a double figure advantage for almost 20 minutes two Carlton goals in as many minutes put the visitors a point up, but Werribee captain Nick Coughlan would give his side the lead at halftime kicking the Big W‘s sixth goal courtesy of a 50m penalty at the 28-minute mark.

Despite an even share of possession in the third term it was Carlton who dominated on the scoreboard. After retaking the lead early, the Blues stretched their advantage further at the 11-minute mark before Boyd hit back for Werribee, with his second major cutting the margin to a point.

It would be only goal for the home team with Carlton then kicking three in the final 10 minutes to take the biggest lead of the game into the final quarter.

Werribee got an early goal to start the last with Matt Keast kicking truly from 40m three minutes in, after being set-up by Mannagh. A second goal came 15 minutes later when Kye Declase took advantage of a free kick at the top of the square and just two minutes later a quick left-footed snap from Mannagh tied the contest at 70-apiece.

There would be just one more score in the game with Mannagh putting the Big W ahead by a goal at the 24-minute mark, doing so with a kick off the outside of his right boot as a number of Blues bared down on him.

The fourth quarter turnaround was the result of Werribee taking control at the stoppages and putting the Blues under relentless pressure by continually sending the ball inside 50. The Big W’s defence was just as ruthless as they laid a game high 27 tackles in the term and did all they could to restrict the visitors to just two behinds.

FINAL SCORE

Werribee: 3.4 6.6 7.9 11.10 (76)
Carlton: 3.3 5.7 10.8 10.10 (70)

GOALS
Werribee: Mannagh 3, J. Boyd 2, J. Porter, N. Coughlan, K. Declase, T. Gribble, M. Keast, N. Lever.
Carlton:N. Cahill 2, L. McMahon, H. Ramshaw, B. Crocker, Z. Fisher, B. Kuipers, H. Lemmey, J. Motlop, H. O'Keefe. 

BEST
Werribee: N. Coughlan, T. Gribble, M. Sodomaco, S. Mannagh, N. Cooper, N. Lever.

KEY PLAYERS
Tom Gribble: 35 disposals (12 K, 23 HB), 20 contested possessions, 5 marks (1 contested), 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 9 score involvements, 5 tackles, 1 goal.
Shaun Mannagh: 28 disposals (21 K, 7 HB), 15 handball receives, 5 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 10 score involvements, 9 tackles, 3 goals.
Kye Declase: 25 disposals (11 K, 15 HB), 6 marks (1 contested), 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 6 score involvements, 2 tackles, 1 goal.
Dom Brew: 21 disposals (13 K, 8 HB), 13 contested possessions, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 4 score involvements, 10 tackles.
Jack Henderson: 19 disposals (10 K, 9 HB), 7 marks 3 intercept), 3 clearances, 2 rebound 50s, 8 score involvements 4 tackles.
Nick Coughlan: 18 disposals (15 K, 3 HB) at 83% efficiency, 6 intercept possessions, 10 rebound 50s, 4 score involvements, 1 goal.
Jack Boyd: 14 disposals (9 K, 5 HB), 5 marks (4 contested), 11 hit-outs, 7 score involvements, 2 goals.
Sam Clohesy: 14 disposals (9 K, 5 HB) 5 marks (3 intercept), 3 rebound 50s, 2 inside 50s, 4 tackles.
Nick Hayes: 12 disposals (7 K, 5 HB), 7 marks, 3 inside 50s, 6 score involvements, 6 tackles.

NEXT GAME
Round 15
Werribee vs Sandringham
Saturday Ist July, 1:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee