It was a weekend to remember for Werribee-listed players, as Mace Cousins (Darley), Anthony Depasquale (Kyabram) and Fergus Pinnuck (Cobram) each played key roles in premiership triumphs for their local clubs. Congratulations to all three on their premiership success.

They’re joined in this week’s edition by two more teammates who remain in the hunt for silverware, with Jackson Grundy (North Warrnambool) and Liam Kershaw (St Joseph’s) set for grand final appearances this Friday.

PREMIERSHIP SUCCESS

Ballarat Football Netball League:

Mace Cousins - Darley
Cousins was a standout as Darley claimed the BFNL premiership with an 11.13 (79) to 6.9 (45) win over Sunbury at City Oval, Ballarat. Named among the best, he picked up 17 disposals, 11 contested possessions, eight marks, including another huge five intercept grabs, and even hit the scoreboard with 2.1. Both goals came in the opening term, his first two of the season, and helped set up a 47 to 0 quarter-time lead.

It was Cousins’ second premiership in three years, a reward for a season where he excelled at both levels, winning Werribee’s Defensive Player of the Year at the recent Bruce Montgomery Trophy night. The flag also marks an incredible return to football after he missed the entirety of 2024 with a back injury.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Anthony Depasquale - Kyabram
Depasquale became a senior premiership player as Kyabram defeated Rochester 13.13 (91) to 8.14 (62) in Sunday’s grand final at Deakin Reserve. The dynamic forward gathered 15 disposals, six marks and two inside 50s, and added 1.1 to continue his streak of kicking a goal in every game for the Bombers in 2025, helping seal the 29-point victory.

The flag caps a strong year where Depasquale earned a VFL debut with Werribee, featured in eight games and kicked six goals, while also returning from a back injury in time to lead Kyabram’s charge.

Murray Football League:

Fergus Pinnuck - Cobram
Pinnuck helped deliver one of the great Murray FNL upsets as Cobram edged out previously undefeated Congupna 8.6 (54) to 5.21 (51) in the grand final at Moama Reserve. He finished with 16 disposals, eight contested possessions, four rebound 50s, and a couple of clearances and inside 50s.

The win was Cobram’s first premiership since 1998, toppling a Congupna side chasing back-to-back flags and riding a 32-game unbeaten streak. Despite Congupna generating a staggering 26 scoring shots to Cobram’s 14, Pinnuck and his teammates stood tall to secure a famous three-point triumph.

UPCOMING GRAND FINALS

Hampden Football Netball League:

Jackson Grundy - North Warrnambool
Grundy will line up in his fifth consecutive grand final this Friday when North Warrnambool face Koroit at Reid Oval, Warrnambool. It is a remarkable achievement for the Eagles midfielder, who will be hoping to help his side break a run of four straight defeats on the big stage.

North Warrnambool had last weekend off after defeating Koroit by five points in the semi-final a fortnight ago. That match marked Grundy’s first game since Round 17 of the HFNL season, and he made an immediate impact with 15 disposals, four clearances and six tackles, along with a crucial last-quarter goal to book their place in the decider.

The grand final appearance caps a year in which he made his VFL debut in Round 1, playing five games for Werribee in 2025.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Liam Kershaw - St Joseph’s
Kershaw and St Joseph’s will look to finish their top-of-the-ladder campaign with a flag when they take on St Mary’s in Friday’s GFNL grand final at GMHBA Stadium.

It has been a breakout season for Kershaw, who became Werribee’s 17th debutant of 2025 while also playing 13 games for St Joseph’s either side of his VFL appearances. He was influential in St Joseph’s 13.8 (86) to 10.9 (69) semi-final win over Colac, finishing with 10 disposals, three marks, four one-percenters and two rebound 50s to earn a place among the best players.

Now, the first-year senior looks to cap his development with a premiership medal in what has already been a memorable 2025.