While Werribee suffered their first loss in the VFL level since Round 5, there are positive signs showing at local level with 11 players representing the Big W across six leagues. Read about how they went in this week’s Local Player Report:

Geelong Football Netball League: 

Olivier Northam - St. Joseph’s
Northam returned to St. Joseph’s on the weekend after a four-week patch playing for South Adelaide in the SANFL and played a big role in St. Joseph’s win over Geelong West. The ruckman made his presence felt with 18 disposals, 14 contested possessions, three intercept marks, and 29 hitouts, showcasing his dominance both in the air and on the ground. 

Charlie Byrne - Newtown & Chilwell
Byrne was named in the best as Newtown had a thrilling seven point win over Grovedale. The half-back had a good game both offensively and defensively; using the ball well with his 21 disposals and seven rebound 50s. He also took five marks and played a key defensive role, ending with five 1%’ers and having the role on his Werribee teammate Mitch Chafer in the last quarter, where Byrne came out on top. 

Mitch Chafer - Grovedale
Chafer continued his goal kicking consistency as Grovedale fell just short to Byrne’s Newtown. The versatile forward added three goals to take his season tally to 23 from just the eight game, while also amassing 19 disposals, including 14 contested possessions, five marks and four tackles. 

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League: 

Hamish Gilmore - Albury
Gilmore put in a strong performance, despite Albury’s two-goal loss to Wodonga. The key defender notched a season-high 23 disposals at an impressive 87% efficiency, along with nine marks, including four intercepts.

Essendon District Football League: 

Wardell Lual - Airport West
Lual was named in the best for Airport West as the Eagles had a big win over Greenvale. The defender was strong in the marking contest, with nine marks and six spoils, and offered plenty of run from half-back, gathering 19 disposals at an efficient 84%.  

Sam Paea - Aberfeldie
Paea delivered a well-rounded performance in Aberfeldie’s thrilling five-point win over Strathmore. Splitting his time between forward and ruck, he collected 16 disposals at 75% efficiency, eight contested possessions, six marks (several contested), and went inside 50 five times. 

Reuben William - Keilor
William didn’t waste a possession as the ladder-leaders Keilor improved to a 15-0 record with an 109-point win over Avondale Heights. The half-back played at both ends throughout the afternoon to end with an efficient 14 disposals, with half being contested, took three marks and laid four tackles.

Hampden Football Netball League: 

Jay Rantall - South Warrnambool
Rantall continues to string together strong performances for South Warrnambool as the Roosters remain on top of the ladder with a 12 point victory over Cobden. Rantall’s contested work was again a highlight, as the midfielder found 20 disposals, including 14 contested possessions and seven clearances, laid six tackles and hit the scoreboard for an important goal. 

Victorian Amateur Football Association: 

Zayne Galea - Williamstown CYMS
Galea was named in the best as the CYs held on to a nine point victory over the Caulfield Grammarians. The key forward presented well all day to have a big influence on the win. He ended with seven marks, with five inside the forward 50, and booted two goals from ten disposals.  

Harrison Miller - Williamstown CYMS
After returning from injury last week, marking his first game since Round 3, the small forward backed it up with another strong performance. Miller competed hard all day, hit the scoreboard with a goal, and showcased strong forward pressure with five tackles.

Western Football Netball League:

Ubil Chol - Caroline Springs
Played a solid defensive game as Caroline Spring defeated Spotwood by four goals. The defender took four marks and had 5 1%’ers, along with 13 disposals where he used the ball well.