Although Werribee couldn’t get the result in its first home game of the season on Easter Saturday against Geelong, the opening weekend of local footy saw a number of leagues begin their 2026 campaigns, with a host of Werribee names and new recruits putting together strong performances.

Read how the Werribee boys fared in the opening weekend of local footy for 2026.

Wimmera Football League:

Harry Grintell - Stawell Warriors

After battling injuries throughout the off-season, which brought to an end his run of consecutive games since the 2023 grand final for Werribee, Grintell returned for his first game of 2026 in Stawell’s Good Friday clash against Ararat. Named in the best in their five-point win, he finished with 17 disposals, six marks, seven inside 50s and eight score involvements, while also hitting the scoreboard with three goals. Playing as a high half forward working up to stoppage, he was clean with the ball and played his role well, with his minutes managed through rotations.

Bendigo Football Netball League:

Zane Keighran - Strathfieldsaye

The new recruit made his return from injury after missing the entire pre-season, playing his first game of 2026 and first for Strathfieldsaye in a high-scoring Good Friday win over South Bendigo. Keighran was influential across half back and through the midfield, finishing with 29 disposals, including 26 kicks, to go with 13 contested possessions, 11 intercept possessions and eight marks, five of those intercept. He also drove the ball forward with six inside 50s, using it well and competing strongly in front of a big crowd.

Hampden Football Netball League:

Myles McCluggage - South Warrnambool

McCluggage was busy through the midfield despite South Warrnambool’s loss to Koroit on Good Friday. Playing a mix of inside midfield and wing, he collected 23 disposals, laid eight tackles and recorded seven clearances. He used the ball well, making good decisions and bringing others into the game.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Liam Kershaw - St Joseph’s

In a terrific way to kick off his 2026 season, Kershaw was named in the best as St Joseph’s and Leopold got the GFL season underway as the standalone game of the round. Playing across half back, he collected 25 disposals at 72% efficiency, including 15 kicks, and took ten marks, six of those intercept. He also recorded 11 intercept possessions, providing strong rebound and defending well throughout.

Bellarine Football Netball League:

Archer Hanegraaf - Geelong Amateur

Hanegraaf was outstanding in Geelong Amateur’s dominant win over Modewarre, finishing with 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 15 kicks, seven clearances and six inside 50s, while also hitting the scoreboard with two goals and a behind. His cleanliness and composure in contest stood out, with his ability to impact both at stoppage and forward of the ball a key feature of his performance.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Anthony Depasquale - Kyabram

Off the back of a premiership with Kyabram last season, Depasquale opened his 2026 campaign in a Good Friday win for the reigning premiers. He was a strong aerial presence with a massive 14 marks, including five contested and six inside 50, while also hitting the scoreboard with three goals and two behinds from five shots. He looked dangerous at times and worked hard against his opponent.

Reuben Rode - Kyabram

Rode also featured in the win in his first game for his new local side Kyabram alongside Depasquale. He finished with 13 disposals at 77% efficiency, laid five tackles and contributed four score involvements, while also hitting the scoreboard with a goal. His pressure was a positive, with more to come as he builds into the season.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:

Cooper Hall - Lavington

In his first official game of senior football, the 18-year-old made an impressive start in Lavington’s win over North Albury. Playing through the midfield, he finished with 19 disposals, nine contested possessions and six clearances, while also contributing to eight score involvements and kicking a goal. After a quieter start, he worked his way into the game and showed strong signs with his ball use and development around stoppage at the higher level.