Werribee Football Club is delighted to welcome Brooke Lochland in the role of Community Manager. 

Lochland, an AFLW player with the Western Bulldogs, will oversee the club’s football development programs and work closely with organisations such as Wyndham City Council, Western Region Football League, AFL Victoria, The Salvation Army, Reclink Victoria and local schools.

She arrives in the role having most recently worked as a coach with the Simon Black Football Academy and has previous experience in the fitness industry alongside a lengthy career as a professional athlete, first as a long track speed skater before joining the ranks of AFLW in 2016.  

Brooke said she was thrilled to accept the position and looks forward to helping grow football participation across Wyndham.  

“This is always something I wanted to do, and Werribee is a great club with great people involved and I can’t wait to really get stuck into the role,” she said. 

“From what I’ve seen the club values the community and what they do in the community and I’m excited to continue the great work that Hamish and Mar have done over the last few years.”  

Outgoing manager Hamish MacInnes will remain with the club and fulfil a part-time position in the community space while Mar Gattek continues in his role as Multicultural Development Officer.  

Werribee remains the only VFL club with a full-time Community Manager which it’s had since 2006.  

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said he anticipates Lochland having a significant impact in her new role.   

“We’re very excited to have Brooke join us and I’m sure she will do an outstanding job,” he said. 

“She comes here with a significant sporting background but also has a strong community feel and a lot of great ideas and really wants to assist the club grow in all areas.”