Werribee has locked in four key pieces for next season with Kye Declase, Shaun Mannagh, Jack Henderson and Hudson Garoni all re-signing with the club.

Declase and Mannagh both earned the VFL Team of the Year honours for the first time in 2022 before finishing second and third respectively in this year’s Bruce Montogomery Trophy, while Henderson and Garoni are two of the club’s standout players under the age of 23.

After spending the second half of 2021 with AFL premiers Melbourne, Declase returned to Avalon Airport Oval this past season where he enjoyed another stellar campaign on the wing.

Mannagh built on a brilliant first season for the club to again be one of the team’s best offensive weapons while also showcasing his versatility as a damaging midfielder.

Henderson again played a variety of roles to great effect and is yet to miss a game since his debut in 2018, making 65 consecutive appearances in black and gold.

Meanwhile, Garoni topped Werribee’s goal kicking for the first time in 2022, kicking five majors on three occasions as well as tallying the second most contested marks in the VFL.

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the re-signings were great news for the club.

“We’re extremely delighted to have some of our key pillars in Kye, Shaun, Jack and Hudson all re-sign for 2023,” he said.

“They have been outstanding performers for the club over recent seasons and each has the potential to take their game to another level and help us achieve our on-field goals.

“For us it was fantastic to see an unwavering commitment from all four to want to remain at the club and be a part of success here.”

Picture (left to right): Jack Henderson, Shaun Mannagh, Kye Declase, Hudson Garoni.

Four Werribee players are in contention for VFL Team of the Year honours, the joint most of any club.

Nick Coughlan, Kye Declase, Tom Gribble and Shaun Mannagh have all been selected in the initial squad of 40 players. 

The final team will be named on Monday September 12, as part of the 2022 VFL and VFLW Awards. Unlike in previous seasons, AFL-listed players are eligible for selection in the Team of the Year in 2022.

Gribble and Coughlan were both Team of the Year members in 2019 and the pair were again outstanding for Werribee this season.

Werribee co-captain Gribble averaged a career high 33.2 disposals per game in 2022, while key defender Coughlan enjoyed arguably his best year despite missing the first six games of the season.

Declase and Mannagh are both hoping to earn selection in the VFL Team of the Year, for the first time.

Declase was again one of the competition's best wingmen while the exciting Mannagh had another brilliant campaign playing a key role as both a forward and onballer for the Big W.

The full list of club representation is – Box Hill Hawks (four), Brisbane Lions (two), Carlton (three), Casey Demons (four), Coburg (one), Collingwood (two), Essendon (nil), Footscray (one), Frankston (two), Geelong Cats (nil), Gold Coast Suns (two), GWS Giants (nil), North Melbourne (one), Northern Bullants (one), Port Melbourne (three), Richmond (one), Sandringham (one), Southport Sharks (three), Sydney Swans (three), Werribee (four) and Williamstown (two).

Nick Coughlan
12 matches
Averages per game: 19.0 disposals, 6.7 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 6.7 rebound 50s, 1.3 tackles.

Kye Declase
18 matches
Averages per game: 22.3 disposals, 7.6 marks, 4.1 insides 50s, 2.3 rebound 50s and 1.2 goals.

Tom Gribble
18 matches
Averages per game: 33.2 disposals, 13.8 contested possessions, 7.3 clearances, 4.3 tackles and 5.6 inside 50s.

Shaun Mannagh
18 matches
Averages per game: 19.6 disposals, 4.3 marks, 5.7 tackles and 5.1 inside 50s and 1.5 goals.

See the full 40-man squad HERE

Werribee is set for its second practice match with the Big W heading down the highway to Geelong to play the Cats under lights at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night.

Following last weekend’s contest against Frankston, Werribee’s coaching staff will have another four quarters to assess the side ahead of the opening round of 2023 Smithy’s VFL season on March 25.

Twenty-six players will be used against the Cats with several players coming into the team for their first competitive outing in preparation for the upcoming campaign.

Spectators attending the game will only be able to enter the ground via Gate 13. 

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.

PRACTICE MATCH 2
Werribee vs Geelong
Friday 10th March, 7:00pm
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Another bookend of the Werribee team is returning next season with Hudson Garoni locked in for his sixth year at Avalon Airport Oval.

The key forward has appeared in all but two games over the past three campaigns, booting 94 goals and finishing as the club’s leading goal kicker in 2022 and 2023.  

A career-best tally of 45 majors this year ranked third in the VFL and earnt him a place in the VFL Team of the Year 40-man squad.  

“I’m really happy to be back in the black and gold again next season,” Garoni said.

“We came so close this year and hopefully next year can be another great season for the group.

“I’m excited to work with our forwards again and seeing a few of the younger players develop and build on their game.

“I hope to put in a big preseason having missed most of it last year and then really hit the ground running and build on my last two seasons by taking my game to the next level.”

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said it was fantastic to retain the services of the Ovens and Murray product.   

“We’re delighted to have Hudson re-sign with the club as he’s one of the premier key forwards in the competition,” Micallef said.

“He is still relatively young at 23 years of age and despite that has ranked as one of the top performing key forwards outside of the AFL in recent seasons.

“He is a great character and has a terrific desire be a part of success at the Werribee Football Club, so we look forward to Hudson again playing a big role for the team next season."

Hudson has signed on and you can too. Membership packages for the 2024 season are available via our online shop HERE. 

The Werribee Football Club is thrilled to see the return of Godings as a key sponsor for 2022. 

The Kubota tractor and excavator dealer enters it’s fourth year as a Principal Sponsor of the club and Werribee CEO Mark Penaulna said it was fantastic to have the business recommit for another year.  

“It’s been great to have the support of Godings over recent years,” he said. 

“They’re a company that works closely with many other businesses, not only across Wyndham but other areas of Melbourne and Geelong and we really appreciate their involvement with our club.” 

Godings owner Adrian Williams said he and his wife Amanda have a strong philosophy of giving back to the community. 

“I approached Mark a few years ago and asked how I could get involved and things went from there,” he said. 

“I am a footy tragic and have a lot of friends involved with the WFC, so it was natural progression to become involved. 

“I also enjoy the social interaction with the community and feel that WFC unites the local football community, not to mention my kids Ella and Thomas love going to Avalon Airport Oval to watch the footy and have a kick on the ground at half-time.” 

Four more of Werribee’s most important players are returning next season with Mattt Hanson, Nick Coughlan, Lou Pinnuck and Keegan Gray all re-signing with the club.  

Four-time Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner Hanson is just six appearances away from notching 100 games in black and gold having been at the club since 2015. 

Former Murray Bushrangers Coughlan and Pinnuck formed one of the team’s most exciting combinations in 2022 with their intercept marking and rebound from defence. 

Pinnuck played all 18 games and was crucial as the team’s second or third main defender, while vice-captain Coughlan was brilliant upon his return to the side after missing the first six games of the campaign. 

Gray, who lined up in a career-best 15 games this year, was also an important part of the backline at times while also providing plenty of drive on the wing.

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was delighted to have all four re-commit. 

“Matt missed some games through injury again this season, but his credentials speak for themselves and we look forward to him remaining a key part of our midfield in 2023, he said. 

“Cogs is extremely important to our set-up as a team, he’s the defensive general down back and is fantastic at directing and getting the best out of his teammates. 

“Lou had an outstanding year and is now a really experienced player at this level with next season to be his seventh year at the club.  

“Keegan’s strongest assets are his run and disposal by hand and foot, and he has the potential to go to another level by rounding out the rest of his game.” 

Meanwhile, the club has farewelled assistant coaches Tom Perrett and James Saker. 

Perrett has moved on after three years at Avalon Airport Oval, his first two as the backline/defensive coach before taking charge of the team’s forwards this past season. 

Former Werribee defender Saker returned to the club in 2022 stepping into Perrett’s previous position. 

He will make his return to senior coaching in 2023 with Bell Park in the Geelong Football League. 

Werribee has locked away three key members of its defence for 2022 with Nick Coughlan, Nathan Cooper and Jesse Clark all recommitting to the club.

Werribee limited opposition teams to just 64 points per game last season with Coughlan, Cooper and Clark all playing a pivotal role for the league’s fifth ranked defence.

Coughlan has been at the heart of Werribee’s backline since 2018 and this year was joined by Cooper who crossed from Richmond’s VFL outfit to feature as the team's other tall defender. 

While injury forced the pair to miss the team’s last game of the season, Clark, 20, played every match after waiting an extra year for his first taste of VFL footy when 2020 was cancelled.

The former Geelong Falcons standout showcased his defensive capabilities with several impressive displays negating dangerous opposition forwards.  

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was thrilled to be bringing back all three defenders.

“Nathan Cooper came to us from Richmond and cemented his spot as our last-line defender. He’s an elite preparer and someone we can rely on to do the job on the best key forward each week. He’s extremely dedicated to getting the most out of himself and we can’t wait to see even more growth from him,” Micallef said.

“Nick Coughlan as the club’s most experienced key defender and as a member of our leadership group has a real strong passion to deliver Werribee a premiership. He’s a great person to have down back but he’s also versatile and is someone we can trust to play a role up forward which he’s done at times in recent seasons.  

“Jesse played all nine games this year and did some magnificent shut down roles on a range of opposition players. He’s a player that can help take us to the places we want to be, and we’re also excited by his leadership potential, so we’re really looking forward to seeing his development with another year in our system.”

Werribee has signed young ruckman and Greater Western Sydney Academy product Jack Driscoll for 2022.

The developing big man split his time this past season with the GIANTS under 19s and playing senior football with home club The Rock-Yerong Creek and the Albury Tigers.

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said Driscoll who measures in at 200cm is an exciting prospect with good athleticism and skills for a player of his size.

“Jack's a highly talented young ruckman who has displayed good tap work, the ability to follow up extremely well and take a good mark down the line,” Micallef said.

“Jack came through the GIANTS Academy system and will now move down to Melbourne from the family farm up in country New South Wales.

“He’s dedicated to his craft and as a 19-year-old we see a lot of scope in Jack and think that he will grow really well in our program.

"We’re really excited to see what he can do in 2022.”

Driscoll said he was thrilled to be joining the club with its history and success developing players.

“I’m looking forward to moving away from home and always wanted to come to Melbourne to play good footy and try to get the best out of myself,” he said.

“I know Werribee’s been a pretty successful club in the past and has also had quite a few people drafted in recent years, so I’m keen to improve my game and play the highest standard I can.”

Matt Hanson has made history becoming the first Werribee player to win four Bruce Montgomery Trophy best and fairest awards. 

Hanson’s triumph was announced via a virtual awards presentation on Thursday night after he polled 44 votes to claim Werribee’s top honour for 2021. 

Hanson was tied alongside Travis Robertson who has three Werribee best and fairest awards, but now stands alone at the top of the list for the club’s most prestigious honour.  

This year’s runner-up was Shaun Mannagh who polled 36 votes in his first season with the club.  

The classy forward-mid was two votes clear of third place finisher Jack Henderson (34) with tall forward Hudson Garoni (32) and veteran ruckman Matt Lobbe (31) rounding out the top five.  

Hanson’s previous Bruce Montogomery Trophy wins came in consecutive years, from 2015-2017.   

Injury limited him to just five games in 2018 and 14 in 2019, but the 26 year-old was fully fit and back to his best in 2021 playing all nine matches during this year’s COVID-affected season. 

He averaged a career high 28.6 disposals per game, along with 4.6 marks and 5.1 tackles while leading the team in clearances (62) and inside 50s (54).  

He said it was a huge privilege to be awarded a fourth Bruce Montgomery Trophy.  

“It’s a massive honour, this one might have a little asterisk beside it being only nine games but yeah it’s incredible to win this award again,” he said.  

“I thought I was pretty consistent with my form, there’s obviously a lot of help going around in that midfield with some handy players there like (Tom) Gribble, Lobba (Lobbe) and Brewy (Dom Brew).“

“Those guys always contribute well and it’s always good to get feed work off Lobba and a few handballs off Gribble and Brewy, it all helps having those guys there.” 

“I’m very lucky to be at this club, it’s a very loyal club and I’m just thankful for all the support they’ve provided not only to me, but all the players and staff.” 

For Hanson, adding to the excitement of another Bruce Montogomery Trophy win is a personal milestone as he and partner Kat are set to welcome their first child in the coming weeks.  

Bruce Montogomery Trophy
Final Leaderboard

1.     Matt Hanson               44 votes
2.    Shaun Mannagh        36 votes
3.    Jack Henderson         34 votes
4.    Hudson Garoni           32 votes
5.    Matt Lobbe                  31 votes
6.    Tom Gribble                30 votes
7.    Michael Sodomaco   28 votes
       Max Spencer               28 votes
9.   Bior Malual                   27 votes
10.  Dom Brew                    26 votes
      Jesse Clark                  26 votes
12.  Nick Coughlan            24 votes
      Nathan Cooper          24 votes

Shaun Mannagh

After missing this year’s opening round clash against Collingwood, 2021 Bruce Montogomery Trophy runner-up Shaun Mannagh took little time to announce himself as a Werribee player.  

After signing with the club for 2020 and waiting more than a year to pull on the Big W, Mannagh was the club’s best player in his round 2 debut gathering 25 disposals against Williamstown.  

Over the remaining seven games of 2021 the 24 year-old collected 20 or more disposals on three occasions while kicking multiple goals in five outings to end the campaign with 15 majors. 

Mannagh also received this year’s Trainers and Property awards voted on by the medical training staff and the club’s property volunteers respectively.  

Several other players claimed multiple honours including Jack Henderson, who along with his best ever finish (3rd) in a Werribee best and fairest count, collected the 2021 Coaches Award.  

Midfield hard-nut Dom Brew added another Most Courageous Player Award and was also voted the Players’ Player for this season.  

Max Spencer who will depart the club and return home to Queensland this offseason was named the Best Defensive Player, with fellow defender Jesse Clark awarded Best First Year Player honours after an impressive debut season. 

Rising forward Hudson Garoni was named the Most Improved Player after announcing himself as one of the competition’s most promising key position prospects.

Additionally, captain Michael Sodomaco received Werribee Life Membership after notching his 100^th game for the club in early 2021. 

Sodomaco who has been at the club since 2011 reached triple figures in round 3 with the team enjoying an 81-point victory over Richmond.  

Club Chaplin Andrew Seedhom was the recipient of the Ray Smith Club Person Award for his volunteer contributions with the team.

2021 Award Winners

Property Award: Shaun Mannagh
Trainers Award: Shaun Mannagh
Community Award: Ryan Pendlebury:
Ray Smith Club Person: Andrew Seedhom
Local Player Award: Matt Brett (Darley)
Best First Year Player: Jesse Clark
Most Improved: Hudson Garoni
Most Courageous: Dom Brew
Players’ Player: Dom Brew
Leading Goal Kicker: Wylie Buzza (20 goals)
Best Defensive Player: Max Spencer
Life Membership: Michael Sodomaco

The Werribee Football Club is delighted to have Gold Sponsor Harpley back on board in 2023.  

One of Lendlease’s thriving master planned communities, Harpley is located just 3.5km from the Werribee CBD and offers a welcoming lakeside neighbourhood with a strong sense of community. 

With values shared between the two organisations, Lendlease’s being - Collaboration, Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, Respect and Trust - Senior Development Manager Christian Zatorski said it made sense to continue the partnership with Werribee’s own VFL club.  

“Part of building a vibrant and cohesive new community involves engaging with the existing community and its groups,” Mr Zatorski said.  

“Werribee Football Club is a proud community sporting organisation with a long and storied history – a perfect introduction to the local area for new residents of Harpley.” 

As proud supporters of the club, Harpley team members have on numerous occasions enjoyed a game of footy and great hospitality at Avalon Airport Oval alongside members of the greater Werribee community. 

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said it was great to again partner with Harpley in 2023. 

“It’s been fantastic to have Harpley sponsoring the club over recent seasons and is exciting for everyone in Werribee to see the continued growth of the Harpley community,” he said.

“Their bold teal logo appears on our home and away shorts again this season and the club greatly appreciates the ongoing support of Harpley.” 

Upon completion, Harpley will offer numerous amenities including the Town Centre, set to offer a shopping village* anchored by a Coles supermarket and other speciality retail and services, a lake and regional park at the heart of the development providing opportunities for lakeside dining, entertainment and wellness throughout the precinct.

Harpley offers prospective residents the option of purchasing land and building their own home with a builder of their chose, or selecting a pre-designed house and land package, or townhouse. 

To learn more about Harpley visit their website HERE. 

By: Gerald Lynch

Werribee has fallen agonisingly short of an opening round win, losing to Brisbane by one point at the Lion's Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday.

After overcoming a slow start the Big W went ahead late in the first quarter before carrying a 23-point lead into the main break on the back of brilliant first half performances from Jack Henderson, Louis Pinnuck and Nick Hayes.

Werribee saw its margin reduced to four points just five minutes into the third quarter, however, Hudson Garoni steadied the ship for the visitors before Jack Boyd's first Werribee major gave the Big W a two-goal buffer at the end of three.

After leading for more than two quarters Werribee lost its advantage 12 minutes into the final term when former Werribee forward Wylie Buzza added his third goal of the game. As rain began falling for the final 10 minutes of the match the Big W dominated territory late, but could only manage two behinds in a quarter that went 36 minutes.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 5.1 8.4 10.7 10.9 (69)
Brisbane: 4.2 4.5 8.7 10.10 (70)

GOALS
Werribee: H. Garoni 2, J. Henderson 2, N. Hayes 2, J. Boyd, K. Declase, B. Malual, S. Paea.
Brisbane: W. Buzza 3, K. Lohmann 2, R. Mathieson 2, N. Cockatoo, H. Sharp, J. Tunstill.

BEST
Werribee: L. Pinnuck, J. Henderson, D. Brew, S. Mannagh, A. Lual, Hudson Garoni.
Brisbane:

ROUND 1 IMAGE GALLERY - VIEW HERE

PLAYER STATS
Tom Gribble: 29 disposals (19 K, 10 HB), 12 handball receives, 7 marks, 5 inside 50s, 3 clearances, 5 score involvements.
Shaun Mannagh: 29 disposals (22 K, 7 HB) at 83% efficiency, 14 handball receives, 5 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 7 tackles, 4 score assists.
Louis Pinnuck: 26 disposals (19 K, 7 HB) at 88% efficiency, 8 intercept possessions, 5 marks, 6 rebound 50s, 4 inside 50s, 3 tackles.
Jack Henderson: 25 disposals (13 K, 12 HB), 12 contested possessions, 6 marks, 4 inside 50s, 7 score involvements, 2 goals.
Nick Hayes: 13 disposals (10 K, 3 HB), 8 marks (2 contested), 2 rebound 50s, 6 score involvements, 2 goals.
Dom Brew: 13 disposals (7 K, 6 HB), 4 marks, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 10 tackles.
Kobe Annand: 13 disposals (1 K, 12 HB), 25 hit-outs, 3 clearances, 2 rebound 50s, 2 tackles.
Wardell Lual: 12 disposals (9 K, 3 HB), 5 marks (1 contested, 1 intercept), 3 rebound 50s, 2 inside 50s.

NEXT MATCH 
Round 3
Werribee vs Southport 
Saturday 8th April, 12:05pm
Fankhauser Reserve

Werribee recorded its fourth straight home win and eighth victory of the season by defeating Coburg by 62 points.

The Round 16 win was set up on the back of a big first quarter with the result helping to move Werribee into sixth spot on the ladder after 13 games.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 6.5 9.9 13.16 15.21 (111)
Coburg: 0.1 2.3 4.3 7.7 (49)

GOALS
Werribee: S. Mannagh 3, K. Declase 2, T. McCaffrey 2, L. Wagener 2, J. Dahlhaus, N. Hayes, M. Hanson, M. Brennan, T. Gribble, S. Paea. Mannagh.
Coburg: C. Thompson 2, L. Nelson 2, E. Sibbald, J. D'Intinosante, J. Kemp.

BEST
Werribee: N. Coughlan, K. Declase, M. Hanson, T. Gribble, D. Brew, L. Pinnuck.
Coburg:

HOW IT HAPPENED
Werribee enjoying its best first quarter of the season kicking 6.5 while limiting Coburg to just three inside 50s and a single behind in the opening term. Without key forward Hudson Garoni (illness) - one of three changes for the game - there was five individual goal scorers in the opening stanza with Logan Wagener kicking two for the second week in a row. Werribee did the damage on the scoreboard in the back half of the first term adding four goals in the final 10 minutes of play to lead by 40 points at quarter time.

Coburg grabbed the opening major of the second quarter, but Werribee’s first goal would eventually come from the boot of Tom Gribble from a forward stoppage after nine and half minutes. The home team’s advantage stretched further with back-to-back goals from Sam Paea and Shaun Manngh with the Big W up by 55 points at the 25-minute mark of the second before Coburg goaled late. Gribble (20 disposals, 1 goal) and Matt Hanson (19 disposals) controlled the midfield battle in the first half while Kye Declase was also at his best on the outside with 18 touches and a goal.

Late inclusion Marty Brennan, playing his first game since the opening round of the season got Werribee’s second half off to a good start snapping his first goal at VFL level six minutes into the third quarter and not long after Tom McCaffrey struct another blow with a quality finish from deep. The Big W registered the first nine scoring shots of the third before conceding two goals in the back end of the term. Despite that, Werribee was terrific defensively for the more than 20 minutes finishing the quarter with some of its best defensive numbers of the match with 19 tackles and 28 intercept possessions.

Werribee’s 67-point lead was reduced to 52 points 11 minutes into the last term, however, Nick Hayes and McCaffrey added final quarter goals to see the home team record its second biggest win this season. The defensive duo of Lou Pinnuck and Nick Coughlan, who celebrated his 50th game for Werribee, were again among Werribee's best combining for 18 intercept possessions between them. The pair also provided plenty of drive from the back half including one end-to-end passage in the first quarter which began with Coughlan’s long kick-in to Pinnuck and ended with a goal to Jay Dahlhaus in just 11 seconds. Darcy Cassar finished with 15 disposals and five marks in encouraging VFL debut.  

KEY PLAYERS
Tom Gribble: 35 disposals (17 kicks), 15 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 4 tackles, 8 score involvements, 1 goal.
Matt Hanson:30 disposals (19 kicks), 14 handball receives, 10 marks (2 contested), 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 10 score involvements, 1 goal. 
Kye Declase:29 disposals (21 kicks), 7 marks, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 9 score involvements, 2 goals. 
Dom Brew:25 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 7 score involvements, 11 tackles. 
Lou Pinnuck: 23 disposals: (18 kicks), 10 marks (1 contested), 5 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s 6 score involvements.
Marty Brennan: 22 disposals, 6 marks (2 contested), 3 inside 50s, 10 score involvements, 2 tackles, 1 goal.
Tom McCaffrey:17 disposals (12 kicks), 7 marks (2 contested), 6 inside 50s, 6 score involvements, 2 tackles, 2 goals. 
Nick Coughlan: 15 disposals (13 kicks), 7 marks (5 intercept), 9 rebound 50s, 5 score involvements.

NEXT MATCH
Round 17
Werribee vs Box Hill
Saturday July 16, 2:05pm
Box Hill City Oval

A couple of weeks ago we saw a video surface of raucous scenes inside the Western Bulldogs' changerooms with players belting out 90s pop hit Freed from Desire, following their preliminary final win over Port Adelaide. 

It’s certainly not the first time we’ve seen or heard about celebrations like these and former Werribee player Ian Wilson has shared in his latest blog, how a bit of post-game singing became a feature during the club’s 1993 VFA premiership winning season.  

Introduced and led by Neil “Codger” Connell who joined Werribee for the 1993 campaign, Wilson recalls how Sedaka’s Calendar Girl and the Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs version of Poison Ivy were among the songs regularly recited by the team.  

You can read Ian’s latest blog post ‘Nostalgic Songs of Success’ HERE.

The Werribee Football Club is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with Infinity Blue Barramundi.   

As Australia’s premium barramundi producer, Infinity Blue has teamed up with the club to be its exclusive nutritional sponsor.  

Since 2001, MainStream Aquaculture – the producers of Infinity Blue Barramundi - has been growing barramundi using sustainable farming technology that ensures the freshest, tastiest and highest quality product on your plate, every time. 

They have farms in Queensland, Victoria and the USA with their Wyndham location utilising pristine geothermally heated spring water, drawn from the same ancient aquifer that links Hepburn Springs and the Peninsula Hot Springs. 

Mainstream Aquaculture Managing Director and CEO Boris Musa said it was fantastic to be embarking on a journey to help elevate the health, performance, and success of the Werribee Football Club. 

“We are thrilled to announce that Infinity Blue Barramundi has officially teamed up with the Werribee Football Club as their exclusive nutritional sponsor,” he said.  

“Werribee is a club with an extensive history, strong tradition, and a very prosperous future. 

“A stand-out feature of the club is its dedication to excellence, and this pursuit of excellence on the field aligns seamlessly with Infinity Blue Barramundi's dedication to providing the highest quality nutrition for peak performance.” 

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said the new partnership was an exciting one.  

“It’s great to partner with Mainstream Aquaculture/Infinity Blue Barramundi who are committed to delivering a high-quality product,” Penaluna said. 

“It was terrific to tour their Wyndham farm recently and gain a better understanding of the company’s scale and their dedication to provide customers with the best fish while consistently improving their practices. 

“We’re thrilled to have them onboard as a new sponsor for 2024 and we look forward to their support over the next 12 months and beyond.” 

Werribee last week locked in its 42-man squad ahead of the commencement of the 2022 VFL season with Jay Dahlhaus signed to the club’s final list spot.  

Dahlhaus debuted for the club as an under 22 player in round one last year and now starts this season on Werribee’s primary list.  

The exciting small forward added size and explosiveness in the offseason before overcoming a preseason injury to impress in all four of the club’s recent practice matches. 

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said Dahlhaus had demonstrated a strong commitment to improve his body and game. 

“Jay had to work really had to earn his spot on the list in terms of his conditioning and getting his body ready for the rigours of VFL footy,” he said. 

“We set some targets for him at the end of last year and he’s gone out and achieved those with great enthusiasm.  

“Jay’s a great character, he’s a personality that provides great energy around our group and we’re excited to have his pressure and intensity around the contest.”  

Dahlhaus will retain the number 24 guernsey which he wore in his two games last year.  

In addition to the 42 players that make up the primary and development lists the club will carry an additional 12 players for the season.    

All 12 rookie players have been with the club for the duration of the preseason and can be brought onto either the primary or development lists at any stage in 2022.

Clubs can make a maximum of 16 list changes over the course of the season. 

Along with injury cover, the AFL’s COVID Top Up Players Contingency is another scenario which might open a list spot.  

Werribee along with the Northern Bullants have been aligned to the Sydney Swans who will have access to players from both clubs as part of the AFL COVID Contingency Plan.  

The Swans recently nominated Ollie Hanrahan, Shaun Mannagh, Nathan Cooper and Sam Paea as Werribee players they can call upon in the case that they fall below 30 available players of their own. 

Werribee has received re-commitments from another three experienced heads with Nick Hayes, Joe Maishman and Louis Pinnuck signing on for 2022.  

Hayes who played an important role mainly as a high half-forward in his first season with the club brings great versatility at 188cm along with strong marking. 

The 27 year-old joined from Woodville-West Torrens after winning the 2020 SANFL premiership with the Eagles. He averaged 15 disposals and six marks while kicking 10 goals in nine matches for Werribee last season. 

While Hayes enters his second season at Avalon Airport Oval, Maishman and Pinnuck are currently two of the club’s longest servants having been on Werribee’s list since 2015 and 2017 respectively. 

Maishman who splits his time in the midfield and as a half-forward, has amassed 85 games for the club and kicked 48 goals, with his speed and ball use features of his play. 

Pinnuck, 23, has played 48 times for the Big W and averaged a career high 18.4 disposals in 2021. He again lined up across half-back and on the wing, where he offers a good mix of defence and attack.  

Werribee Football Manager Mark Micallef said it was fantastic to retain three of the club’s most experienced players.  

“Nick came to us from Adelaide from Woodville West Torrens at the start of this year and we could not be happier with what he’s brought to the club," he said.

He is extremely versatile, works hard and is a great character. He was very adamant that he wanted to play at least another year with us, so we’re excited to have him back and look forward to him continuing to establish himself as a leader here.

“Joe he’s been at the club for a number of years now and in that time has played a range of roles in our midfield.

"We really see him settling in to an inside-outside type midfielder as someone who provides speed and good ball use on the outside. What he offers is a great blend that works well with the likes of Gribble, Hanson and Brew on the inside. 

“Lou has re-signed for 2022 and we’re extremely delighted to have him back with his intercept marking as a defender but also as someone we can play a role through the midfield and have an impact.

"He’s a big body, competes extremely well and is dedicated to his craft and we look forward to seeing him capped as a 50-game player for Werribee next year.” 

Meanwhile, the club can confirm the departure of Max Spencer who will return to Queensland after three years with Werribee.  

The defender didn’t miss a game in his stint at Avalon Airport Oval playing all 20 matches in 2019 and all nine this season as a key member and leader of the back six. 

Although sad to see him go, the club thanks Max for three great years of service both on and off the field, and wishes him all the best with his move back north. 

He joins Wylie Buzza in returning to his home state for 2022. 

A familiar face in key forward Josh Porter has re-joined Werribee after three years away from the club playing country football.

Porter played 48 games for the Big W between 2014-16 and then 2018 and is now set for his third stint at Avalon Airport Oval after most recently playing with his home club the Wangaratta Magpies in the Ovens and Murray FL.

The now 27-year-old kicked 54 goals across his four previous seasons with the club and will again provide us with a strong target up forward with his size and contested marking ability.

He said it was fantastic to be returning at an exciting time for the club.

“I’m happy to be back, I reached out to Tom Gribble who had some really good things to say and then a few others like Sods (Michael Sodomaco) and Brewy (Dom Brew) reached out to me, and it sort of went from there,” he said.

“I’ve still been living in Melbourne these past few years and for me I didn’t want to travel anymore and missed the competitive side of the VFL and Werribee as well as the professionalism, so that all factored into my decision.

“I’m still the right side of 30, I think for my position I feel I’m hitting my peak and the systems that the club has in place will allow me to get the best out of myself, so I’m excited to be back.”

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said it was great to add a veteran player like Porter.

“Werribee supporters will be familiar with Josh who had four years at Werribee previously, playing some really good footy in that time,” he said.

“Josh has great character, knows our environment and our players, and we think he is going to be a really good addition for our forward line stocks.”

Werribee has re-signed key position players Sam Paea and Aidan Johnson for 2023.  

Paea enters his second year at Avalon Airport Oval having joined the club following the completion of his NAB League career with the Calder Cannons.  

He played eight games in 2022 and averaged a goal a game after booting three majors in the final round of the season. 

Johnson, a mature bodied and versatile tall is looking to put a disappointing year behind him after being hampered by persistent injuries over the past 12 months. 

The 22-year-old made his VFL debut in the club’s final game of 2021 after signing mid-season following some strong play for Ovens and Murray outfit Lavington. 

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was pleased to have the pair returning. 

“Sam is a powerful key forward/ruck who showed some good signs in his eight games this year,” he said. 

“He’s still developing but he has a lot of potential and we’re excited to see what he can do with another preseason in our program.

“Aidan is a really strong and competitive key position player who we think has the ability to play a number of different roles. 

“He’s had some injuries issues since being here but he’s building back to full fitness now and hopefully he can put his best foot forward next season.”    

The Werribee Football Club has many loyal sponsors that return year after year however, few if any have done so for as long as Kwik Kopy. 

The design and printing experts based in Hoppers Crossing are back as a corporate sponsor in 2022. 

They’ve been supporters of Werribee almost since the day their doors opened in 1992 and were the first of three business that centre owner Chris Kopelke had invested in the club. 

The two others businesses under Chris’s management to be sponsors were The Bridge Hotel from 2004-10 (still a sponsor today under current management) and Caffe Aroma from 2010-14. 

And it isn’t only as a sponsor that Chris has been a part of Werribee with the man known to many as ‘Chopper’ also serving on the board of directors from 2010-2014. 

He said he’s gotten plenty of enjoyment out of his involvement with the club. 

“Seeing the club grow from humble beginnings into a successful, professional unit has been fantastic,” he said. 

“What I also love about being involved with Werribee is the great friendships and associations that have originated through the club and continued over the years.” 

Not only an avid supporter of our club, Chris is well-known in local football circles thanks to his involvement with Werribee Centrals where he played and now holds the role of president.  

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said it was fantastic to have passionate people supporting the club. 

“It really is great having businesses like Kwik Kopy return as sponsors each year,” he said. 

“We’re delighted to have Kwik Kopy back on board in 2022 and are very thankful for the support Chris has given the club over many years.” 

Matt Lobbe and Matt Hanson have been recognised for outstanding seasons with selection in the VFL Team of the Year.  

Lobbe was named the side’s starting ruckman after tallying the most hit-outs and hit-outs to advantage while also ranking amongst the best at his position for tackles and clearances.  

Midfielder Hanson was named on the interchange after racking up 29 disposals per game while driving the ball inside 50 more times than all but two other players.   

Lobbe, in his first season at Avalon Airport Oval after a 100-game AFL career logged 305 hit-outs across Werribee’s nine matches.  

The 32 year-old averaged 14 disposals and four marks per outing while his 4.9 tackles and 4.4 clearances a game ranked third and fourth for ruckman. 

One player to benefit from Lobbe’s presence in the centre was Hanson who either led Werribee in disposals or finished with the second most possessions in every game this season.

Hanson’s average of 28.6 disposals was the 12^th best mark amongst players with nine or more appearances.

He ranked tenth for total clearances (62) and third for inside 50s (54). 

It is the fourth time Hanson, 26, has earned Team of the Year honours with his first three selections to the team coming in consecutive seasons from 2015-17.  

Hanson’s three previous Team of the Year appearances have coincided with him winning the Bruce Montgomery Trophy, Werribee’s best and fairest. 

The club’s award winners for 2021 will be announced later this month.