Werribee capped off their preparations for the 2025 Smithy’s VFL season with a 30-point win over Footscray at Whitten Oval.

In their final hit-out before launching their premiership defence, Jimmy Allan’s men proved too strong in warm conditions on Saturday, claiming a 12.4 (76) to 5.16 (46) victory.

Newly appointed captain Jesse Clark led the side out for the first time, with Werribee fielding its strongest lineup of the pre-season after rotating players throughout the first three matches.

Werribee was sharp early piling on four first-quarter goals. Small forward Zac Banch was electric early, kicking two while Werribee local Noah Tullio snapped his first goal in club colours with a clever kick out of the pack. Hudson Garoni, continuing his impressive form from last season—where he was the only player in the VFL to kick a goal in every game—also found the scoreboard.

Holding a narrow three-point lead at quarter time, Werribee tightened up defensively in the second term, keeping Footscray goalless to extend their advantage to 12 points at the main break.

Bior Malual, who has been in strong form this pre-season, floated forward from the wing to slot a goal, while Collingwood recruit Jedd Longmire calmly converted a set shot to add to Werribee’s tally.

Second-year midfeilder Jake Smith, who was prolific in the first half, opened the second-half scoring with a set shot goal, before defender Louis Pinnuck pushed forward to soccer home what might be the easiest major of his career from the goal line.

The warm conditions didn’t slow Werribee, as they surged home with a four-goal-to-none final quarter. Hudson Garoni capped off his pre-season with two late majors, while Zac Banch added another, both finishing as the game's leading goalkickers with three each.

FINAL SCORE:
Footscray: 3.4 3.7 5.13 5.16 (46)
Werribee: 4.1 6.1 8.2 12.4 (76)

GOALS:
Werribee: Z. Banch (3), H. Garoni (3), J. Longmire, B. Malual, L. Pinnuck, J. Smith, N. Tullio, F. Young

IMAGE GALLERY – VIEW HERE

Next Match – Round 1
Southport vs Werribee
Saturday March 22, 12:05PM*
Fankhauser Reserve, Southport
*Local Time