As Werribee run out to play the Northern Bullants this Saturday star midfielder Jack Henderson will become the second Werribee player in two weeks to reach 100 club games. 

The 100 game milestone and Werribee life membership awaits the durable midfielder who has played 99 of 100 possible games since his VFL debut.

Henderson has taken his game to another level this season following the departure of veteran on-ballers Tom Gribble, Matt Hanson and Shaun Mannagh. Henderson is averaging 23 disposals, six tackles and five clearances in the midfield, and has kicked 10 goals. Henderson’s consistency was  rewarded with selection in the Smithy’s VFL representative team as the Big V returned to state of origin footy against the SANFL earlier this year. 

Henderson signed for Werribee in 2018 the club’s first standalone season since 1999. A Geelong Falcons’ graduate, Henderson was originally from the New South Wales country town of Blighty and a junior with Deniliquin before moving south to attend Geelong College, where he won the school’s football best-and-fairest award. 

Henderson's first coach John Lamont was impressed during his first pre-season with the club stating "He’s a good kick, has good speed, and finished in the [Falcons] top-10 in the best and fairest in a premiership year, so we think he can have a positive impact in 2018." Consequently the young defender was awarded his VFL debut right away playing in Round 1 against Geelong. 

Playing as a lockdown defender in his VFL debut Henderon was matched against Geelong’s Gryan Miers in the Easter game at Torquay. He was named in Werribee’s best players, finishing with an efficient 11 disposals, five marks and five tackles. In his opening four games Henderson was also given the duties of marking AFL talent in Shai Bolton and Lachie Schultz, with the defender keeping Bolton goalless and restricting him to just eight touches in a stellar defensive performance that earned Henderson best-on-ground honours. 

His debut season was capped off by Henderson being awarded best first year player for Werrribee and playing all 18 games.

In 2019 coach Mark Williams moved Henderson forward, where he made an immediate impact, kicking four goals in Round 1 as Werribee won against North Melbourne. Henderson carried that goal kicking form throughout the season ending with 24 goals and named in the VFL Team of the Year. 

In 2020 with the VFL paused with COVID lockdown, Henderson took off to South Australia where he played eight matches for the SANFL's Sturt alongside his Werribee teammate Darcy Bennett. With the resumption of VFL football in 2021 he returned to Werribee and was the youngest inductee into the leadership group at the age of 21. It also saw his first exposure to midfield time, showcasing his speed and loose-ball gets and capped off the campaign with a third placed finish in the club best-and-fairest. 

Henderson has continued to feature in Werribee's leadership group each season from 2021 onwards. His consistency on the field has resulted in top-10 finishes in the club's best-and-fairest awards during those years. Additionally, in 2023, he was honoured with the Coaches Award for his outstanding contributions.

Senior coach Jimmy Allan spoke of Henderson’s character ahead of his milestone game; “Jack is a heart and soul player who has earned a great deal of respect at our football club. His work rate, courage, football nous and skill level make him a dream to play with and coach”.