With Werribee’s VFL campaign now underway and the side returning home for the first time on the weekend, the local footy scene also kicked off, with 14 Werribee-listed players running out for their local clubs across eight different leagues on Saturday.

Read the first edition of our 2025 Local Player Report to see how those next in line are tracking after officially hitting the park for their opening games of the season.

Geelong Football Netball League

Liam Kershaw - St. Joseph’s
The new Werribee recruit got his season off to a strong start in the GFL season opener. The youngster was named in the best for the Joeys, and impressed both offensively and defensively on the wing.

Cooper Ward - St. Joseph’s
Kershaw’s teammate and fellow Werribee recruit made a strong start to 2025, contributing to St Joseph’s opening-round win. The 18-year-old forward hit the scoreboard with a goal and was lively around the ball, recording three inside 50s in the victory over Newtown.

Charlie Byrne - Newtown & Chilwell
Lining up against Kershaw and Ward in the only GFL clash of the opening round, Byrne played well despite his side falling short. Splitting his time between the wing and his familiar half-back role, he used the ball efficiently and applied strong defensive pressure to finish with four tackles.

Bellarine Football Netball League

Luke Preece - Drysdale
Named Werribee’s Local Player of the Week, Preece stood out in a nail-biting one-goal loss to Anglesea. The intercepting defender took five marks, with his aerial work a standout. Also named among Drysdale’s best, he registered 11 one-percenters and earned praise for his strong one-on-one efforts throughout the game.

Jack Henderson - Barwon Heads
Jack Henderson got his season off to a flyer as Barwon Heads cruised past Portarlington by nine goals. Looking dangerous all day up forward, the dynamic forward booted four goals and took 10 marks – including four contested – to be named among the best.

Goulburn Valley Football League

Dom Gugliotti - Mooroopna
After falling short in last year’s semi final, Mooroopna couldn’t get over the line in Round 1, falling to Mansfield by 38 points. Gugliotti, however, impressed in his first local game since joining Werribee, earning a spot in the best. The defender found plenty of the ball and used it superbly, going at 88% efficiency in a strong personal start to the season.

Anthony Depasquale – Kyabram
Following an injury-affected pre-season, Depasquale made a strong return, getting through a full game and making an immediate impact. He kicked a goal in the first quarter and set up multiple others before half time, later rotating through half-forward and deep forward to help Kyabram open the season with a win.

Western Football Netball League:

Spencer Johnson - Altona
Johnson returned for his first game since Werribee’s first practice match of the season and managed well as Altona went down to the reigning premiers, Hoppers Crossing. The defender was efficient with the ball, providing dash off half-back and taking six marks in a solid return.

Wil Kliszewski - Yarraville Seddon
The Eagles got their season off to a flying start with an upset win over Caroline Springs, despite a late five-goal surge from the opposition. Kliszewski, a young key forward recently invited to train with Werribee, was named among the best, making his presence felt both in the air and at ground level, finishing with six tackles and several strong contested marks

Tom Stapleton – Parkside
Parkside made a statement in their opening match, notching a nine-goal win over newly promoted Sunshine. Stapleton worked into the game well and ended with four marks in a solid outing.

Northern Football Netball League

Cam Wild - Hurstbridge
Wild found plenty of the footy as Hurstbridge went down in a thrilling encounter in their season opener, losing to Greensborough by three points. Wild, a damaging, inside midfielder, also booted a goal and laid nine tackles.

Victorian Amateur Football Association

Harry Miller - Williamstown CYMS
After escaping relegation last season, Williamstown CY’s opened their season in style with a 53-point win over Hampton Rovers. Miller was a constant threat up forward, finishing with six shots on goal. The small forward also received praise for his pressure and defensive efforts inside 50.

Ballarat Football Netball League

Rye Penny - Bacchus Marsh
Penny made a strong start to the season in Bacchus Marsh’s 53-point win over Lake Wendouree. Playing across half-back, he impressed with his aerial presence and ability to win one-on-ones, finishing with five marks, including several intercepts. After a knee scare early in the second half, Penny pushed forward and capped off his day with a goal.

Essendon District Football League

Cam McLeod - Aberfeldie
McLeod was named among the best in Aberfeldie’s 50-point win to open their 2025 campaign. Playing on the wing, he ran hard all day and contributed strongly with ball in hand.