At Local Level: Weekly Player Report - July 8
08 July 2026
At VFL level, Werribee extended its winning streak to six matches on Saturday, holding off Southport in a seesawing contest before two late goals sealed a 20-point victory at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval.
The 13.13 (91) to 10.11 (71) win improved Werribee's record to 9-3-1 and kept the club in second place on the VFL ladder.
Despite the Geelong and Bellarine leagues having the weekend off, 12 Werribee-listed players were still in action across local football, highlighted by Emerson Jeka's successful return from injury and a number of impressive individual performances.
Read how the Werribee boys fared in this week's edition of the Weekly Local Player Report for 2026.
Western Football Netball League:
Emerson Jeka - Altona
Jeka made a successful return from injury in his first match since Round 3 of the VFL season and his first local appearance of the year, helping Altona to a 46-point upset victory over Sunshine. The key defender gathered 24 disposals, eight marks, including five intercept marks, and eight rebound 50s in an impressive return. Moving freely throughout the afternoon, Jeka positioned himself superbly to impact aerial contests and consistently intercepted opposition attacks before cramping late in the final quarter.
Daly Andrews - Yarraville Seddon Eagles
After warming up with Werribee ahead of Saturday's VFL clash, Andrews produced a best-on-ground performance as Yarraville Seddon strengthened its grip on top spot with a 76-point victory over Point Cook. The midfielder booted three goals to go with 32 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six clearances and 12 score involvements in a dominant display. His improved ball use and ability to hit the scoreboard were standout features before cramping late in the third quarter, with the Eagles now sitting two games clear on top of the ladder.
Rani Pavlidis - Werribee Districts
Pavlidis played an important role in Werribee Districts' valuable nine-point victory over Caroline Springs. Spending more time through the midfield and at centre bounces, the small forward finished with 12 disposals, four contested possessions and two tackles while recording multiple direct goal assists. His clean hands in congestion, quick ball movement and ability to create for teammates were standout features in the important victory.
Essendon District Football League:
Tom Cappellari - Essendon Doutta Stars
Cappellari continued his outstanding run of form, earning best player honours in Essendon Doutta Stars' 66-point victory over Airport West. The midfielder amassed 33 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven clearances, six tackles and eight score involvements in another commanding all-round performance. His ability to consistently win the football and influence the contest around stoppages was again on full display.
Massimo Raso - Deer Park
Raso found some encouraging form at local level as Deer Park edged Aberfeldie by a single point in a thriller. Splitting his time between high forward and the midfield, he gathered 22 disposals, eight contested possessions, six intercept possessions and a goal while working tirelessly across all four quarters. His versatility and work rate were key contributors in the narrow victory.
Victorian Amateur Football Association:
Harrison Miller - Williamstown CYMS
Miller returned to his best despite Williamstown CYMS falling by five points to Beaumaris. Named among the best players in his strongest local performance of the season, Miller started in the midfield and responded brilliantly with 22 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six clearances and three goals. His balance between contested work and offensive impact around stoppages helped keep his side in the contest throughout the afternoon.
Mitch Lloyd - University Blues
Lloyd produced another outstanding defensive display as University Blues defeated Old Trinity in a low-scoring contest. Named among the best players, the key defender finished with 28 disposals, nine marks, eight intercept possessions and six one-percenters while also kicking his first goal of the season, one of just five for his side. His ability to both defend strongly and launch attacks from half back was a major feature of the win.
Riddell District Football Netball League:
Nash King - Wallan
King continued his excellent season as Wallan remained undefeated with an 11-0 record following a 65-point victory over Gisborne. Named among the best players, the midfielder amassed 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, nine clearances, seven tackles and a goal while spending the majority of the afternoon through the midfield. His consistency and influence around stoppages have made him a key contributor to Wallan's unbeaten campaign.
Wimmera Football League:
Cody Bryan - Horsham Saints
Bryan backed up last week's breakout performance with another excellent display as Horsham claimed Pelican Cup honours with a 75-point victory over Horsham Demons. Named among the best players, the versatile big man collected 20 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven marks, including five contested grabs, 14 hitouts and a goal. His aerial presence again proved a major weapon as the Saints continued their impressive season.
Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:
Cooper Hall - Lavington Panthers
Hall battled hard despite Lavington suffering a 25-point loss to Yarrawonga. Playing his role within the team's structure, Hall finished with 13 disposals, five contested possessions, seven tackles and six score involvements. While his numbers weren't as high as previous weeks, his pressure and willingness to do the basics well remained important positives.
Nick Newton - Lavington Panthers
Newton made a bright start despite Lavington's 25-point loss to Yarrawonga, finishing with 17 disposals, eight marks, five inside 50s and four intercept possessions. Spending the entire afternoon through the midfield, he provided plenty of drive around the contest, with his strong opening half laying the foundation for another encouraging performance.
Foster Gardiner - North Albury
Gardiner continued his consistent form despite North Albury's 15-point loss to Wodonga. The defender collected 11 disposals, five contested possessions, five tackles and four intercept possessions while again playing an important defensive role. He capped off another strong month of football with a disciplined performance across half back.