Werribee kicked off its pre-season with a three-week trial period, giving standout performers from local competitions and the Coates Talent League the chance to train alongside the squad. This program allows coaches to assess players through VFL-level fitness tests, game sense drills, and match-play scenarios.

The initiative has proven successful in the past, with Bior Malual and 2024 VFL Team of the Year squad member Jack Riding earning their spots after impressing during these trials.

18-year-old Noah Tullio is one of signings from the club’s recent trials, joined by Cooper Ward as the Geelong Falcons pair become the two youngest players on the list.

The 169cm Tullio had a very strong season as a pressure forward who can work into the midfield. He played 16 games for the Falcons, kicking 16 goals, being named in the best nine times and earning selection for Vic Country throughout 2024.

A Werribee local, the small forward played for Werribee Districts in his juniors before moving to the GFNL’s Newtown & Chilwell in 2015.

Coates Talent League teammate Cooper Ward joins Werribee after a standout campaign for the Falcons, where he finished fourth in their best-and-fairest and booted 27 goals in 16 games. The 18-year-old showcased his goal-scoring ability at senior level too, kicking 29 goals in his 16 games for Barwon Heads in the Bellarine Football League over the past two seasons.

Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval is already familiar territory for Ward, who produced a dominant seven-goal, 17-disposal, 11-scoring-shot performance against Oakleigh Chargers last July.

Nine other players from the trial process, including Fergus Pinnuck, brother of 100-game veteran Louis, will train with Werribee in 2025. This pathway saw Charlie Byrne emerge and make his debut during last season.

Rounding out the club's new signings is Liam Kershaw, who continues the Kershaw name at the club. Matt, his father, was assistant coach for five seasons under both John Lamont and Mark ‘Choco’ Williams.

A 194cm wingmen, Kershaw is another Geelong Falcon graduate and had a breakout season in 2024. He averaged 17 disposals and six marks per game earning a call up to the Young Guns program, a showcase of the state's best under 18 boys footballers. Kershaw joins Werribee with VFL experience under his belt, debuting for the Geelong Cats VFL side in Round 17.

Pictured: Liam Kershaw being presented with his Geelong guernsey ahead of his VFL debut in July, 2024.