The 999th player in Werribee Football Club’s history will run out onto the ground this weekend, with Mitch Lloyd set to debut in Saturday night’s ANZAC Day clash against Williamstown at DSV Stadium.

Lloyd’s Werribee debut comes on one of the biggest occasions of the home and away season, with the 19-year-old key defender named as one of two inclusions for the prime-time blockbuster under lights.

Arriving at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval ahead of the 2026 season, Lloyd quickly built a case for selection following a breakout year with University Blues in the VAFA. The composed intercept defender claimed the competition’s Rising Star Award in 2025, averaging 18 disposals, eight marks and three rebound 50s per game while establishing himself as a key pillar in defence.

His push for selection was highlighted last weekend in unique circumstances. After warming up as an emergency for Werribee against Frankston, Lloyd made his way across Melbourne and arrived during the first quarter at Melbourne University Oval for University Blues’ season opener. Entering the game at quarter time with no lead-in, he made an immediate impact with 14 disposals, six marks and four tackles, while defending strongly to underline his ability to perform under pressure.

His journey to this point has already included a taste of VFL football. In 2025, Lloyd made his VFL debut after being called up by Geelong as a late inclusion on game day for their Round 1 clash with Sandringham, arriving at Trevor Barker Beach Oval shortly before the opening bounce and entering the match in the second term. He adjusted seamlessly, finishing with eight disposals and four marks while holding his own across half-back.

He went on to play four VFL games for Geelong across the 2025 season, averaging eight disposals and three marks per game.

Lloyd’s football journey began with Koroit in the Hampden Football Netball League before progressing through the GWV Rebels program in the Coates Talent League. After making the move to Melbourne to study at Deakin University, he continued his development at University Blues while also gaining valuable experience within Geelong’s VFL program.

Saturday night’s clash sees Werribee take on arch rivals Williamstown, with the sides having shared the past two ANZAC Day meetings, while also splitting their season series in both 2024 and 2025.

The game starts at 7:05pm, with the match streamed live and free on afl.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.

Lloyd is one of two inclusions for the ANZAC Day clash, with 70-gamer Harry Grintell also returning for his first VFL game of 2026 after an injury-interrupted pre-season. The two outs are Josh Kellett, who sustained a knee injury against Frankston, and Wil Kliszewski.