As the iconic VFL vs SANFL rivalry reignites this weekend, as part of the AFL’s Gather Round, the Werribee Football Club stands tall with seven of its players securing spots in the final 23-man team announced by the VFL today. 

Among them are defenders Nathan Cooper and Louis Pinnuck, who finished fifth and sixth respectively in last season’s best-and-fairest count. Each have made strong starts to the 2024 campaign, with Cooper picking up coaches votes in both of the first two games, playing pivotal shutdown roles, whilst averaging five marks and nine intercepts a game to start the season. Louis Pinnuck, who capped off the round one Geelong win with a huge last quarter goal from outside the 50-metre arc, has kicked off 2024 averaging 17 disposals and eight marks per game.

Veteran forwards Hudson Garoni and Nick Hayes were both selected after their strong starts to the 2024 campaign. Nick Hayes was rewarded Werribee’s Totally Workwear Player of the Week from round two, with 28 disposals, 11 marks, 9 intercepts and 5 clearances in a match-winning performance in Werribee’s three-point victory over Southport. Hudson Garoni, who won his third straight leading goalkicker award in 2023, booting 45 goals from 20 games, has began the 2024 campaign with six majors to his name, dominating in the air, averaging nine marks per game.

Stars’ Kye Declase and Jack Henderson will fill the midfield of the Smithy’s VFL State Team. Team of the year star Declase makes the team after averaging 25 disposals and kicking 25 goals in 23 games in 2023, and starring in a round one win over Geelong with 27 possessions and a huge goal of the year contender from 60 metres out. Jack Henderson enjoyed a career best season in 2023 and had continued his upward trajectory in the beginning stages of this 2024 season, averaging 23 disposals, six marks and seven tackles from the first two games.

Expressing his pride in the selected players, senior coach Jimmy Allan remarked, “The seven chosen players have begun the season in great form and thoroughly deserve their selections”. He continued by reflecting that Werribee holding a competition-high seven selected players is great recognition for the club.

This announcement follows the news of Dom Brew, the 2023 Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner, being appointed captain of the Smithy’s VFL State Team, and Werribee’s Gaetano Faranda being named the team’s high-performance manager, solidifying Werribee's strong presence throughout the side. Dom Brew has also continued where he left off from 2023, picking up 15 coaches votes across the first two rounds, averaging 30 disposals, 13 tackles and 8 clearances.

2024 AAMI STATE GAME
SANFL West End State Team vs Smithy’s VFL State Team
Saturday, April 6, 2024
12:40pm ACDT (local time) / 1:10pm AEDT
Stratarama Stadium, Glenelg
Broadcast live on 7Mate
Live stream on the AFL Official App, AFL.com.au and SANFL Now

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.