The reigning VFL premiers will feature a host of new faces in their Grand Final rematch to kick off the season, with nine Werribee players set to make their club debut at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.

More than half of the nine will be playing their first VFL game, with Myles McCluggage, Jackson Grundy, Brady Wright, Ben Kellett, and Noah Tullio making their debuts.

Rounding out the debutants are Ryan Eyers, Jake Lohmann, Jedd Longmire, and Mace Cousins, who will all run out in the Big W for the first time.

In a good story for the town of Werribee, Noah Tullio, who grew up playing for Werribee Districts as a junior will make his VFL debut at 18 years of age, after a strong season with the Geelong Falcons last year.

Brady Wright is another young talent set to take the field for his first VFL game. The 20-year-old key forward has climbed the ranks after a standout pre-season. He made an immediate impact in a practice match against the Bullants, coming on at halftime to kick two goals and take two contested marks in the third quarter.

Jackson Grundy earns his first VFL opportunity after an impressive pre-season, having played all four practice matches. The 23-year-old inside midfielder arrives from North Warrnambool in the Hampden Football Netball League, where he reached the 100-game milestone in 2024.

Ben Kellett secured his debut after a strong showing in last week’s practice match against Footscray. A North Warrnambool product, he played two years of senior football alongside Grundy before moving to Geelong, where he spent two standout seasons with South Barwon.

Myles McCluggage has timed his return to full fitness perfectly and will make his first appearance for Werribee in the season opener. The midfielder joined the club after a strong 2024 season with South Warrnambool, where he was named in the Hampden League Team of the Year.

Corowa Rutherglen teammates Jedd Longmire and Ryan Eyers will pull on the Big W together for the first time. Longmire arrives after serving as vice-captain of Collingwood’s VFL side, while Eyers, a key defender, made nine appearances for Geelong VFL.

Jake Lohmann will bring experience to the side as he plays for his third VFL team. Returning to Victoria after spending last season with Brisbane's VFL side, the midfielder will run out for his 33rd VFL game and first for Werribee.

Mace Cousins' first game for Werribee will be his first official game since 2023, a year in which he won Geelong VFL’s Best First Year Player award.

Speaking on the nine debutants, new Football Manager Kyle Hartigan said, “All these guys have come into the football club and made an immediate impact. They have all earnt the right to pull on the Werribee jumper for the first time.”

Hartigan added, “It's exciting to see the next wave of talent coming through, and we are looking forward to seeing what they all bring.”