As Werribee returned to action after the bye, it was a week of impressive performances both at VFL level and locally for our players.
Read how the 14 Werribee players went across seven local leagues in the ninth edition of the 2025 Weekly Player Report.
Geelong and District Football League:
Daly Andrews - Werribee Centrals
The local report begins with a good news story, as Daly Andrews returned to action for his first game in 301 days. With Lara having the bye, Andrews played a one-off match with Werribee Centrals, spending most of the day across half-back in a big win over Winchelsea. Despite limited game time, he showed his class, standing out with his clean hands at ground level and efficient ball use. He had no trouble finding the footy, finishing with 22 disposals in a strong return.
Ballarat Football Netball League:
Mace Cousins - Darley
Mace Cousins played a classy second game back from injury as Darley enjoyed their seventh win in a row and jumped to the top of the ladder in the Ballarat Football League. The halfback was great with the ball, going at 81% efficiency with his 26 disposals, and was great defensively, with five intercept marks amongst his ten total for the day.
Joel Cadman - Darley
Joel Cadman continues to build consistency at Darley, playing a key role in their 31-point win over North Ballarat. The wingman had several impressive moments among his 23 disposals, showcasing his clean ball use and drive, and finishing with eight inside 50s.
Isaac Nixon - Bacchus Marsh
Isaac Nixon showed improvement across half-back in Bacchus Marsh’s five-goal loss to Sebastopol. He looked more confident in the role, competing well defensively and in the contest, laying five tackles and taking several intercept marks. He provided strong rebound and was a reliable outlet, finishing with 16 disposals.
Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:
Foster Gardiner - North Albury
Foster Gardiner was outstanding for North Albury, named among the best in their 94-point smashing of Yarrawonga on Saturday, continuing his strong form for the Hoppers as his twin brother made his Werribee debut. His pressure was a highlight once again, and he capped off a great all-round performance with 25 disposals and two goals.
Jedd Longmire - Corowa-Rutherglen
Jedd Longmire starred for Corowa-Rutherglen but couldn’t do enough to get them over the line as they fell to ladder leaders Wangaratta Rovers by 20 points. Splitting his time between the midfield and playing as the deepest forward, Longmire impressed in the contest as always, finding 27 disposals and had a significant impact up forward, taking several contested marks and finishing with three goals.
Ray Murphy - Corowa-Rutherglen
Ray Murphy was influential around stoppage in Corowa-Rutherglen’s narrow loss. He gathered 19 disposals and six clearances, using the ball cleanly and continuing to improve his spread and uncontested game in a strong midfield display.
Bellarine Football Netball League:
Cooper Ward - Barwon Heads
Cooper Ward played one of his best games of 2025 in Barwon Heads’ 115-point win over Newcomb. He was a strong presence in the forward half, applying excellent pressure and finishing with 16 disposals. While his unselfishness was a highlight of his game, as it has been all season, Ward still hit the scoreboard with three goals in an impressive all round performance.
Jack Henderson - Barwon Heads
Henderson looked dangerous again in the forward line alongside Ward in the Barwon Heads’ 115-point smashing, continuing his strong goal-kicking form in 2025. He kicked two majors from 12 disposals before his day was cut short due to a foot issue.
Luke Preece - Drysdale
Preece delivered another strong defensive performance for Drysdale in their ten-goal win over Ocean Grove. He took several intercept marks, shut down his direct opponent, and showed strong leadership in the back half. Preece joined in the attack late, where he finished with 19 disposals at an efficient 80%.
Geelong Football Netball League:
Liam Kershaw - St. Joseph’s
Liam Kershaw had several standout moments in what was one of the games of the GFNL season, as St Joseph’s edged out St Mary’s in a thrilling 111 to 106 shootout. The young wingman showcased his class, going at 100% efficiency with the ball, and stood up in a crucial moment by taking a courageous contested mark before calmly slotting an important goal.
Essendon District Football League:
Hayden Gill - Deer Park
Hayden Gill played a key role in Deer Park’s 19-point win over Aberfeldie, once again shouldering the ruck load for the Lions. Despite conceding the hit-out count, he worked tirelessly around the ground to finish with 13 disposals and four tackles, earning praise for his work rate and impact at ground level.
Western Football Netball League:
Tom Stapleton - Parkside
Stapleton was a key contributor for Parkside despite their 78-point loss to Werribee Districts. He played big minutes across multiple roles, gathering 23 disposals, 14 contested possessions, and kicking a goal. The big man showed his versailitity, impressing in a number of different positions to play a key role for the Magpies despite the loss, earning a spot in the best.
Goulburn Valley Football League:
Dom Gugliotti - Mooroopna
Dom Gugliotti played an important role down back as Mooroopna secured their second win in three weeks, defeating Seymour by 50 points. Building on his strong interleague form, Gugliotti was impressive in the back six, competing well defensively and using the ball effectively, finishing with 18 disposals and nine marks, including three intercepts.
