Werribee Football Club will unveil another debutant this Saturday morning, with Eli Pearce set to become the 1001st player to represent the club when he runs out against Carlton at IKON Park.

The 22-year-old becomes Werribee's 15th debutant of the 2026 season after earning his opportunity through a strong body of work at local level.

Pearce arrived at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval ahead of the 2026 season from Bell Park in the Geelong Football Netball League, following a standout 2025 campaign that saw him finish fifth in the league best and fairest after averaging more than 19 disposals and a goal per game.

The 194cm midfielder has taken his game to another level in 2026, averaging 23 disposals, 13 contested possessions and 1.5 goals per game across six matches. Despite missing a month with a hand injury, Pearce has returned in outstanding form, producing three consecutive performances of at least 20 disposals and two goals to earn his opportunity at VFL level.

His consistency was recognised earlier this season when he was selected to represent Werribee in the inaugural VFL Young Guns match, featuring alongside teammate Nash King against the Coates Talent League Young Guns.

A former Bendigo Pioneers product, Pearce played 19 Coates Talent League games across 2022 and 2023 before spending the 2023 season on Carlton's VFL list, making Saturday's debut against his former club an extra special occasion.

Pearce is one of four inclusions for Saturday morning's clash, joined by Lachie Charleson, Mace Cousins and Nick Newton.

Charleson returns after missing the past two matches with a shoulder injury and will face his brother in a family affair, while Cousins and Newton have also earned recalls.

The quartet replaces the injured trio of Zane Keighran, Harry Grintell and Jake Smith, while Myles McCluggage also comes out of the side.

Saturday's clash gets underway at 10:00am at IKON Park and will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports and Fox Footy.

MATCH DETAILS - ROUND 14
Werribee vs Carlton
Saturday, June 27, 10:00am
IKON Park, Carlton

Round 14 Match Centre

Watch live on afl.com.au