Reigning Norm Goss Medallist Werribee’s Jack Henderson has realised his AFL dream, joining Melbourne Football Club through the AFL’s Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).

Henderson had been training in Western Australia with West Coast but officially signed with the Demons on Tuesday in a pre-season SSP twist.

Melbourne recruited the 25-year-old midfielder after a list spot opened due to forward Shane McAdam’s season-ending achilles injury.

His signing continues Werribee’s strong draft record, enhancing the club’s reputation as a standout development program. Henderson’s recruitment along with Riley Bice (Swans) and Aidan Johnson (Melbourne) makes 2024 the most successful VFL off-season for any standalone club since 2018.

Henderson also extends the Werribee-Melbourne connection, linking up with 2024 premiership teammate Aidan Johnson and former Werribee coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams, now Melbourne’s Head of Development.

Henderson played all 21 games in 2024, marking the fifth time he has completed a full VFL season in his seven-year career. In a year filled with accolades he earned a second VFL Team of the Year selection, represented the VFL in the state clash against the SANFL and was awarded Werribee Football Club Life Membership after reaching the 100-game milestone.

Henderson signed with Werribee in 2018 from the Geelong Falcons and quickly caught the attention of coach John Lamont, who praised the young gun in pre-season: "He’s a good kick, has good speed, and finished in the [Falcons] top 10 in the best and fairest in a premiership year, so we think he can have a positive impact in 2018.”

In his first season Henderson certainly made an impact, playing all 18 games as a lockdown defender and earning Werribee’s Best First-Year Player award while taking on AFL talents like Gryan Miers and Shai Bolton.

Speaking on radio following Henderson’s invitation to train with Melbourne last week, Werribee’s senior coach Jimmy Allan praised the midfielder’s approach; “With Hendo it wasn’t a matter of I need to go out and put on a show to get drafted. He just did what he did every week and did whatever we asked of him,” he said. “I think that’s what AFL clubs are looking for. They’re looking for guys who can play roles and fit into different systems. Jack will do that whether he gets an opportunity to play in the midfield, forward or down back.”

Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna echoed Allan's praise for Henderson; "From our point of view, we’re in unison about the quality of the person he is, the humble manner in which he goes about things, and his work ethic—he's an incredible, selfless person on and off the field.

He added, "We couldn’t be prouder. We’ve believed in him for a few years, and it’s great to see the recognition he and the Werribee Football Club deserve."