As the countdown continues towards the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season, Werribee has completed its playing list with the additions of Cody Bryan and Nick Newton for the upcoming campaign.

The announcement comes following the club’s three pre-season matches and with only four sleeps to go until Werribee travels to Queensland to open its season against the Gold Coast Suns.

Newton, a 21-year-old defender, arrives at Werribee with VFL experience after previously spending time with North Melbourne’s VFL program.

Newton was part of the GWS Giants Academy during his junior career before joining the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League in 2023. During the 2023 season with the Bushrangers, he played 13 games and averaged just under 20 disposals per match.

During that year he was also given an opportunity at VFL level, making his debut for the GWS Giants in Round 9 against Sandringham, finishing with nine disposals.

He later joined North Melbourne’s VFL program, where he added three more games during the 2024 season. His best performance came in Round 19 against Williamstown, collecting 16 disposals and three marks playing across half-back.

Newton has also spent time at local level with the Lavington Panthers, a club familiar to Werribee supporters, with AFL draftees Shaun Mannagh and Aidan Johnson both previously coming through the same program. During the 2025 season he played 18 senior games for the Panthers, being named in the best ten times and kicking eight goals from the backline before signing with Werribee for the 2026 VFL campaign.

Newton has already impressed during Werribee’s pre-season preparations, featuring in two of the club’s three practice matches against Frankston and Footscray. Playing across half-back, his booming kick out of defence has been a standout throughout the pre-season.

Bryan, a 200cm ruckman, has earned his maiden VFL contract after four and a half seasons of senior football with the Horsham Saints in the Wimmera Football Netball League.

Originally playing two games with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the Coates Talent League in 2021 as a key defender, Bryan has spent the years since continuing his development at senior level with the Saints.

His 2025 season proved to be a breakout campaign, spending more time forward and finishing the year with 20 goals. His most notable performance came in the annual Pelican Cup clash against the Horsham Demons, where Bryan booted six goals. With the Saints trailing by 16 points at three-quarter time, he played a key role in the final-quarter comeback, kicking two goals before slotting a match-winning set shot after the siren to seal a two-point victory at Coughlin Park.

His form caught the attention of Werribee recruiters Mark Stone and Craig Young, earning him a trial with the club ahead of the 2026 season.

Bryan has also begun stepping into coaching, serving as an assistant coach with Horsham’s Under 17 side during the 2025 season.

His VFL opportunity has also come with plenty of dedication, regularly driving to and from Horsham to attend training sessions with Werribee throughout the trial period before earning his place on the club’s list for 2026.

With the squad now finalised, Werribee will now turn its full attention to the season opener against Gold Coast this weekend.

To view Werribee’s full 2026 playing list and read more about each player, click HERE.