After kicking off re-signing news with captain Jesse Clark on Wednesday, Werribee has continued to lock away its star talent, with young gun Jake Smith putting pen to paper for the 2026 season.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who was the youngest member of Werribee’s 2024 premiership side at just 19, elevated his game to another level in 2025.

Smith was one of only five players to feature in every game this year. With the departure of key midfielders from the premiership side, including Jack Henderson, he stepped up through the middle to average career highs of 20 disposals, five tackles and over four clearances per game.

His lift in output was reflected in the club’s Bruce Montgomery Trophy count, finishing equal fourth in the best-and-fairest despite battling a knee injury from Round 6 onwards. His consistency and team-first attitude were further recognised when he took out the 2025 Coaches Award, with senior coach Jimmy Allan full of praise for his performances.

“Jake is a pleasure to coach. He’s always asking how he can help, and it’s always about the team. To play the way he did this year, clearly hampered by injury, was a credit to his ability and character. He never considered waving the white flag and still performed at a level that he can be really proud of.”

The 185cm midfielder made an immediate impact to start the season, collecting 24 disposals and kicking a goal in the Round 1 Grand Final rematch against Southport. His finish to the year was just as impressive, surging from seventh after Round 16 to finish just one vote behind Garoni and Malual as runner-ups in the Bruce Montgomery Trophy

This late-season burst included a 25-disposal, three-goal assist game against Coburg in Round 17, before producing a career-best performance in the final game of 2025 with 34 disposals, 10 marks and five inside 50s, form he’ll look to carry into next year.

Speaking on his recommitment, Smith said, “I absolutely love the club and everyone involved. I am super keen, and there was no way I wouldn’t re-sign for 2026.”

He added, “I love the boys, and I know that we are all hungry to get stuck in and give it another crack next year.”

2025 marked Smith’s second season at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval, having joined the club ahead of 2024 as the third generation of the Smith family to represent Werribee in the VFL/VFA.

His grandfather Brian (WFC #8) was part of Werribee’s inaugural side and played 37 games between 1965 and 1967, while his father Karl (WFC #356) represented the club from 1988 to 1990.

In the premiership season, Smith broke into the senior side in Round 6 against Carlton. He impressed with 13 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles on debut, cementing his spot with 11 straight games before injury ruled him out of Round 19. He returned for the final home-and-away match and played a pivotal role through finals, including kicking a crucial snapping goal in the hail during the last quarter of the preliminary final when the margin was just two points.

Smith ended his debut season averaging 15 disposals, four tackles and four clearances per game, setting the platform for his breakout 2025 campaign.