Werribee has locked in another premiership player, with Cooper Whyte the latest to recommit for the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season.

The 2025 campaign saw Whyte bring up his 50th VFL game in his second season at the club. He reached the milestone against North Melbourne at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval in Round 11, finishing with 17 disposals and a career-high 12 tackles.

After spending time in various roles throughout 2024, Whyte cemented himself as a full-time midfielder in 2025 and delivered his most consistent season to date.

He averaged career-high numbers across the board with 16.8 disposals, including nine contested possessions, to go with five tackles and 4.7 clearances per game.

Whyte also added scoreboard pressure to his game, booting goals in four of Werribee’s first six matches after kicking just four across the entire 2024 season. He stepped up in the big moments, kicking last quarter goals to help Werribee over the line in consecutive games against Williamstown and Frankston.

Speaking on his re-signing, Whyte said:

“I’m stoked to be going around again with the club. We’ve got a great group of staff and players going forward, and a lot to be excited about.”

Whyte played 16 games in 2025 after appearing in 20 the previous year and will enter the 2026 season with 56 career games, 34 of those in the black and gold.

The 2025 season marked Whyte’s second at Werribee, having joined ahead of 2024 following two years with Geelong in the AFL.

One of six debutants in Round 1 of 2024, Whyte made an immediate impression against his former club at GMHBA Stadium, collecting 11 disposals, six marks and seven tackles to earn a spot among Werribee’s best.

He showcased his versatility throughout his debut year, playing a mix of inside and outside midfield, as well as forward and defence. His adaptability was recognised at season’s end when he received the Coaches Award under senior coach Jimmy Allan, rounding out a debut year that finished with a premiership medal.