Four more of Werribee’s most important players are returning next season with Mattt Hanson, Nick Coughlan, Lou Pinnuck and Keegan Gray all re-signing with the club.  

Four-time Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner Hanson is just six appearances away from notching 100 games in black and gold having been at the club since 2015. 

Former Murray Bushrangers Coughlan and Pinnuck formed one of the team’s most exciting combinations in 2022 with their intercept marking and rebound from defence. 

Pinnuck played all 18 games and was crucial as the team’s second or third main defender, while vice-captain Coughlan was brilliant upon his return to the side after missing the first six games of the campaign. 

Gray, who lined up in a career-best 15 games this year, was also an important part of the backline at times while also providing plenty of drive on the wing.

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was delighted to have all four re-commit. 

“Matt missed some games through injury again this season, but his credentials speak for themselves and we look forward to him remaining a key part of our midfield in 2023, he said. 

“Cogs is extremely important to our set-up as a team, he’s the defensive general down back and is fantastic at directing and getting the best out of his teammates. 

“Lou had an outstanding year and is now a really experienced player at this level with next season to be his seventh year at the club.  

“Keegan’s strongest assets are his run and disposal by hand and foot, and he has the potential to go to another level by rounding out the rest of his game.” 

Meanwhile, the club has farewelled assistant coaches Tom Perrett and James Saker. 

Perrett has moved on after three years at Avalon Airport Oval, his first two as the backline/defensive coach before taking charge of the team’s forwards this past season. 

Former Werribee defender Saker returned to the club in 2022 stepping into Perrett’s previous position. 

He will make his return to senior coaching in 2023 with Bell Park in the Geelong Football League.