The cold, hard fact of football is that change is an accepted part of the game and player movement has become more fluid in recent times. VFL football can be a pathway, a destination or a conclusion depending on the age, ambition and talent of the player involved.

Werribee charted a course several years ago to build a core group of players to become the foundation for sustained success. Players like Michael Sodomaco, Matt Hanson, Tom Gribble, Nick Coghlan, Louis Pinnock, Jack Henderson and Dom Brew became those players and in recent times Garoni, Gray, Mannagh, Hayes, Cooper and Clark have joined that group. 

They have helped shape a club commitment and bond that culminated in the Grand Final appearance this season. That allegiance is best illustrated in the re-signing of 23 players since the final siren blew at Ikon Park. 

Football Manager Mark Micallef is acutely aware of the significance of this.       

“Retention at any level of football is crucial to success. To have 23 of our players already commit to the 2024 season shows how much belief they have in the direction the club is heading. Not one of the 23 hesitated in putting pen to paper. They believe and want to go one step further next year. That is testament to the culture the club has developed.”  

Negotiations with several other players are ongoing while exams, holidays and other personal business is addressed after a packed football program.