Michael Sodomaco heads the leadership group for 2021. 

A key cog at every football club is the leadership group, and with round one done and dusted, we take a look at the strong group of on-field leaders steering Werribee towards a second straight finals appearance.

Led by veteran captain of six years Michael Sodomaco, the leadership group is a mixture of experience and youth who will galvanise the playing group and set standards for the whole club.

Supporting Sodomaco is returning vice captain, Matt Hanson, with Tom Gribble and Nick Coughlan also joining him in sharing the role. Rounding out the group is Dominic Brew, Max Spencer and Jack Henderson, with the latter two stepping into the group for the very first time.

Sodomaco is honoured to captain Werrribee for the sixth straight season, and is proud of the journey the club has taken during his time in charge.

“Werribee Football Club has been a massive part of my entire adult life and I take great pride in leaving it in a better position than when I started. During my captaincy we've seen a huge transition from an aligned club to a standalone club in brand new facilities, and now in a new competition format. Now is the time to consolidate and become a club that is regularly challenging for the premiership,” said Sodomaco.

Season 2021 is set to be one quite like no other, with the expansion of the VFL into the northern states, a challenge which Sodomaco is confident the leaders of the club have embraced.

“One of the most important roles leaders play is to drive a clear vision for everyone to work towards. The new competition presents a number of unique circumstances that all teams will have to deal with. With a strong vision of what we're working towards, we can put steps in place to get there - whatever obstacles pop up,” he said.

The inclusion of youth to the group - in the form of 24 year old Spencer and 21 year old Henderson - excites Sodomaco, with both players seen as the future of the club.

“The two new additions to the group are Jack Henderson and Max Spencer, both of which have a bright future ahead of them at the club. I'm excited for them to get a taste of things this year because they'll be the guys to drive the club forward once us older blokes hang the boots up,” said Sodomaco.

Catch Sodomaco leading the Big W in the round two clash with Williamstown at Avalon Airport Oval this Saturday night. The first bounce is at 7pm. 

Article by Joseph Turmine.