Werribee is on the winner’s list in 2024 after a telling 53-point victory down the highway at Geelong.

At GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, despite a tight first half, where Werribee held a two-goal lead over the Cats at the main break, a strong four quarter effort allowed Werribee to kick away to a compelling, 7.8 (50) to 16.7 (103) win.

Harry Grintell kickstarted Werribee’s 2024 with the first goal of their season, while a Kye Declase goal from well outside 50 metres in the dying stages made it an eleven-point lead at quarter time. New recruit Riley Bice was impressive off half-back in his first quarter for the club, while Jack Henderson led the way with eight disposals.

Geelong made a fast start to the second quarter, drawing level midway through the term, however a return goal for Jay Dahlhaus and Hudson Garoni’s second major for the afternoon closed out the half to give the Big W a 12-point lead. In his 100^th VFL game, captain Nick Coughlan was leading from the front, with a team-high 15 disposals at the main break, while Hudson Garoni had eight marks to go with his multiple goals.

A four goal to one third quarter gave Werribee some breathing room, in a term highlighted by key pillars down either end. Aidan Johnson converted a set shot to give him his first career goal, while defender Nathan Cooper continued his 2023 form and stood tall in the back line.

A strong finish saw Werribee kick seven last term goals, including a five unanswered goal run to close out the game, where small forward Connor Thar bobbed up for two snaps and defender Louis Pinnuck converted a long-range set shot from beyond the 50-metre arc to take Werribee to top of the ladder to close out round 1.

2023 Bruce Montgomery trophy winner Dom Brew continued where he left off, with a 30 disposal and 15 tackle game to kick off the new season. Fellow midfielders Kye Declase and Daly Andrews each picked up 27 disposals, with Andrews accumulating 5 clearances and 5 tackles to go with it, in an impressive club debut after making the switch from Williamstown. 

FINAL SCORE
Geelong 2.2 4.4 5.6 7.8 (50)
Werribee 4.1 6.4 9.6 16.7 (103) 

GOALS
Geelong: J. Willis 2, T. Murray 2, S. Neale, M. Knevitt, K. Bradtke
Werribee: H. Garoni 4, C. Thar 2, H. Grintell 2, J. Dahlhaus 2, L. Pinnuck, S. Paea, A. Johnson, J. Henderson, N. Hayes, K. Declase 

BEST
Werribee: N. Coughlan, D. Brew, C. Whyte, K. Declase, J. Dahlhaus, S. Conway

PHOTO GALLERY: View Here

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.