Bishop and Hughes inducted to the Hall of Fame
As Werribee continues to celebrate its 60th year, two club greats have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Long-serving timekeeper Scott Bishop and joint Number 1 Ticket Holder and former player Merv Hughes join the seven inductees honoured earlier in the year.
Scott and Merv were inducted at the Bruce Montgomery Trophy presentation night, with CEO Mark Penaluna presenting Bishop’s honour early in the evening, while former President Greg Welsh later welcomed Hughes into the Hall of Fame.
Scott Bishop
A familiar face around Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval for more than two decades, Scott Bishop has been the club’s timekeeper since 2003, overseeing more than 700 games and travelling interstate with the team on every occasion.
Scott’s contribution saw him presented with the Ray Smith Best Club Person Award in 2012 and later earning league-wide acclaim in 2022 with the Alex Gillon Award as the VFL Volunteer of the Year.
Before stepping into the timekeeper’s role, he spent several seasons volunteering in a range of administrative capacities at the club. His commitment to the game has extended beyond Werribee too, generously offering his services free of charge to other VFL clubs throughout his time in football.
Speaking on Bishop’s induction and unwavering work at the football club, CEO Mark Penaluna said “Having worked alongside Scott since 2003, I clearly understand the significance, loyalty, and trustworthiness that he brings to the timekeeper role.”
Penaluna added, “Anyone in football understands the importance of the timekeeper position, and very, very, very few put their hands up to take on that onerous responsibility.”
On Saturday night as well as the Hall of Fame induction, it was announced that the Timekeepers Box at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval is being named in his honour, a fitting tribute to his outstanding service.
Merv Hughes
Best known for his feats on the cricket field, former Australian Test fast bowler Merv Hughes has been Werribee’s Number 1 Ticket Holder since 1992, but his connection to the club runs much deeper.
Before his international cricketing career took off, Hughes pulled on the Werribee jumper between 1978 and 1984, playing 95 games as a key position player. He is officially Werribee Player #214.
Merv was also part of Werribee’s 1978 Lightning Premiership side, the club’s first piece of silverware, when it defeated Sandringham in the Grand Final at Junction Oval. Werribee was the only Division 2 club to win the competition during its eight-year existence.
Merv is still often seen supporting the team on game day, and last season, in 2024 he presented Louis Pinnuck with the number nine guernsey, his old number, ahead of Pinnuck’s 100th game.
As part of Merv Hughes’ Hall of Fame honour, former Werribee President Greg ‘Turtle’ Welsh shared the following reflection:
“Merv Hughes is clearly the most famous of all those who have played football for Werribee. His cricket talent and big personality have endeared him to millions of people around the world.”
“However, it is his contribution to this football club and community for which he is rightly recognised with his elevation to the Werribee Football Club Hall of Fame.”
“Merv started playing at Werribee as a teenager. A strong mark and booming kick, he played 95 quality games. Merv was invited to try out for Geelong, but by then he had decided cricket was his game.”
“Merv became a colossus on the world cricket stage, but he never forgot Werribee or the footy club. He has made himself available on many occasions, spoken at luncheons and events, and brought many special guests to the club, including the late Shane Warne and Dean Jones. Merv has been our number one ticket holder and ambassador for the club for more than 30 years now. He is proud to say he is a “Werribee boy.” We are proud to say that Merv Hughes is in our Hall of Fame.”
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