As Werribee, along with the rest of the competition, enjoyed the league-wide bye for the State Game, 21 players took the field across 11 different leagues over the weekend, with a number, including a number of exciting new recruits, opening their 2026 campaigns while others took the opportunity to get valuable match minutes.

Read how the Werribee boys fared across the local leagues.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Xavier Ivisic - St Mary’s

In his first game since being recruited by Werribee off Geelong’s AFL list for the 2026 season, Xavier Ivisic made an immediate impact for his new local side, St Mary’s. The outside midfielder finished with 28 disposals, six marks and a massive three goals in a standout display on the wing. His 28 touches included 15 contested possessions, and he worked hard in both directions and proved a dangerous option forward of the ball to help St Mary’s to a 69-point win over Colac.

Josh Sanders - St Mary’s

Also in his first game for St Mary’s alongside Ivisic following his move from Lara in the off-season, Josh Sanders impressed across half back with a 29 disposal game in the dominant win. His defending was also a highlight, shown with his 12 intercept possessions, while he used the ball well going forward and even hit the scoreboard with a goal.

Micah Robb - Colac

On the other side of that clash, Micah Robb returned to local football after an injury interrupted pre-season, featuring in Colac’s 69-point loss. Rotating through the midfield, wing and half forward, he finished with a team-high 24 disposals to go with 11 contested possessions, four tackles and three clearances, working hard across multiple roles.

Caidan Gardiner - Grovedale

After an interrupted pre-season following his move from Cairns to join Werribee, Caidan Gardiner made his first appearance of 2026 and his first game in Victoria in Grovedale’s season opener. Despite going down to South Barwon, the 209cm ruckman dominated at stoppage with 48 hitouts, while also finishing with 14 disposals, nine contested possessions and five clearances, showing his ability to impact both in the air and when following up at ground level.

Cooper Whyte - Grovedale

Playing in the middle alongside Gardiner, Cooper Whyte played his role as an inside midfielder and forward, finishing with 14 disposals and a goal. He was very strong in the contest and used the ball well, while defensively applying great tackle pressure, finishing with six tackles throughout the game.

Western Football Netball League:

Harry Maguire - Hoppers Crossing

Harry Maguire produced one of the standout performances of the weekend in Hoppers Crossing’s season opener, an 81-point win over Point Cook Centrals. The key forward worked well up the ground to pick up a massive 27 disposals and eight marks. He also hit the scoreboard in dominant fashion, kicking three majors to go with ten score involvements, having an outstanding day despite the conditions not suiting a key forward.

Rani Pavlidis - Werribee Districts

Making his senior debut as an 18-year-old for his junior club Werribee Districts, Rani Pavlidis impressed in front of a strong home crowd on a significant day for the club, with the match a grand final rematch as the side unfurled its premiership flag. In a 30-point win over Caroline Springs, he played as a permanent small forward in tough conditions and finished with 16 disposals, 10 contested possessions and two goals. Both of his majors came from classy snaps, with Pavlidis getting to dangerous crumbing positions and making the most of his opportunities in a strong first outing where he was among the best.

Ballarat Football Netball League:

Mace Cousins - Darley

Mace Cousins was outstanding in Darley’s opening game of the season, a thrilling two-point win over Sunbury in a grand final rematch. After trailing by 16 points midway through the final quarter, Darley kicked three late goals to steal the win, with Cousins playing a key role across half back. He finished with 25 disposals, 11 marks and nine intercept possessions, including a monster seven intercept marks, as Werribee’s 2025 Best Defensive Player was once again named in the best.

Tom Simpson - Ballarat

After making his Werribee debut earlier this season, Tom Simpson played his first official game with Ballarat following his move from Canberra. In their 13-point win over North Ballarat, he rotated through the midfield and finished with 12 disposals and four clearances, while his pressure at stoppage was a key highlight, finishing with seven tackles.

Hampden Football Netball League:

Myles McCluggage - South Warrnambool

Following up his strong Round 1 performance for the Roosters, Myles McCluggage put together another strong outing in South Warrnambool’s 23-point win over Cobden. Playing in the midfield, he finished with 28 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven clearances and nine inside 50s. While producing big numbers in the midfield, his defensive work was a highlight, laying a massive 15 tackles.

Archie Taylor - Cobden

On the other side of the four-goal loss, youngster Archie Taylor was named in the best in just his second senior game with Cobden in the past two seasons after spending time in the Talent League and representing Vic Country at the National Championships across 2025. Playing as a midfielder, he finished with 24 disposals, 14 contested possessions, five clearances, nine tackles and five inside 50s, while also kicking a goal, with his pressure and ability to explode from stoppage standout features.

Tylar Watts - Portland

In his first game for his new side Portland, Tylar Watts made an immediate impact in their 26-point win over Port Fairy. Playing a ruck and forward role, he finished with 27 hitouts, including 10 to advantage, along with 15 disposals, nine clearances, six tackles and a goal. He gave his midfielders first use at stoppage and was named among the better players in the win.

Riverina Football Netball League:

Harry Grintell - Narrandera

In his second game back from injury, Harry Grintell returned to his junior club Narrandera in their loss to MCUE Goannas. In a young side, he split his time between the midfield and forward, kicking one of the team’s three goals and being named in the best. He got plenty of work into his legs and played a selfless role, while his leadership and ability to guide younger teammates stood out across the day in the ten-goal loss.

Bellarine Football Netball League:

Tom Webster - Newcomb

In Newcomb’s narrow two-point loss to Anglesea, Tom Webster played an important role across half back in difficult conditions for a key position player. He finished with 10 disposals and was strong defensively, particularly in one-on-one contests, while also organising the backline well and showing composure when looking to move the ball.

Essendon District Football Netball League:

Tom Cappellari - Doutta Stars

In just his second game with Doutta Stars, Tom Cappellari was one of the positives in their loss to Airport West. Rotating between midfield and forward, he added class to the new group, using the ball well with his 22 disposals, including 11 contested possessions, and hitting the scoreboard for a goal, as they fell 13 points short to a strong Airport West outfit featuring Werribee legends Matt Hanson and Bior Malual.

North Central Football Netball League:

Zane Keighran - Calder United

With Strathfieldsaye having the bye, Zane Keighran returned to Calder United, the side he won a premiership with in 2025, for their opening game of the season. In their loss to Wedderburn, he started across half back before moving into the midfield and finished with 19 disposals and five inside 50s. In difficult conditions on Saturday, his running patterns from half back were strong, and he adjusted well when thrown into the midfield after an injury, with his contest work also a feature.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:

Foster Gardiner - North Albury

In North Albury’s 42-point loss to Wangaratta Rovers, Foster Gardiner brought strong intent and a team-first approach. He finished with 17 disposals and five marks, competing well around the contest and providing some strong moments.

Cooper Hall - Lavington

Cooper Hall built on his first senior game last week in Lavington’s seven-point win over the Wodonga Bulldogs. The 18-year-old midfielder was impressive at stoppage and finished with 15 disposals, including 10 contested possessions and three clearances.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Anthony Depasquale - Kyabram

In Kyabram’s loss to Shepparton Swans, Anthony Depasquale was a strong presence forward of the ball, spending the majority of his time inside 50 while also rotating through the midfield. He finished with 11 marks, following up his 14 in the season opener last week, and kicked two goals, which could have been more with three behinds. He continued to present strongly as an aerial target throughout the game.

Reuben Rode - Kyabram

In the same game, Reuben Rode showed positive signs with his pressure around the contest, finishing with five tackles and four marks. His defensive work rate stood out as he continues to build into his role with his new side.