Werribee is proud to announce, after incredible support from the playing group, that Nick Coughlan will continue to captain the football club in 2024.

The announcement was made to the playing group and staff at Thursday night’s training.

The 27-year-old star defender will take the reins once again following his appointment as sole captain last year, with his leadership, not only leading him to captain the VFL 2023 Team of the Year on an individual level, but also played a large role in the club’s record-breaking season, achieving 17 wins in a row and a grand final birth. 

Coughlan has played 73 games for the club since joining in 2018, with his next appearance set to be his 100^th at VFL level, and said he was incredibly humbled to be named captain; "Personally it is a huge honour to lead this club for a second year.”

“Last year was the most enjoyable years of footy I've ever had and we are confident on rolling that momentum on to this year.”

“All of the boys on the list are super excited about the year ahead under Jimmy and we can't wait to get into the real stuff."

Coughlan will be supported by Dom Brew, who has been named as the sole vice-captain. Supporting them in the leadership group will be Jack Henderson, Nick Hayes, Louis Pinnuck and Kye Declase for the second year running, as well as Jesse Clark, who has stepped up from head of the development group, and new recruit, and ex-Richmond vice-captain, Angus Hicks.

“We've obviously lost a few of our former stalwarts in [Michael] Sodomaco, [Tom] Gribble and [Matt] Hanson, but it just provides opportunities for new leaders to stand up in their place which I know this group will do”, Coughlan added.

New head coach Jimmy Allan highlighted that Coughlan was again, an outstanding choice to lead the club; “He was a standout choice in the player vote and even though he’s had an interrupted pre-season his impact on the group has still been significant.”

“He’s calm, level-headed, loves the footy club and has a great ability to educate and build relationships”. 

Speaking on the leadership group, Allan highlighted the stability; “Not a lot has changed from last year which is a sign that the guys in the group have the trust and respect of their teammates and coaches.” Further regarding the new additions to the group; “Jesse Clark has moved up from his position of an emerging leader to the senior leadership group, and the impact Angus Hicks has had since his arrival from Richmond has been recognised in his selection.”

Following the bittersweet chapter of our history that was the 2023 season, the story continues and this year we want you back to help us achieve a different ending.

Our board, our coaches, our players and our staff are ready to embark on a new season, united in our mission for the ultimate success. The question remains: Are you with us?

Sign up as a member for 2024 via INTIX here.