Werribee star Jack Henderson is set to return for an eighth season with the club, re-signing for 2025 after a standout 2024 campaign. 

The Norm Goss Medalist, who joined Werribee ahead of the 2018 season, has been a mainstay in the lineup, playing 106 of a possible 107 games since his debut. 

The 25-year-old played in all 21 games this season, marking the fifth time he has completed a full VFL campaign in his seven-year career. In a year filled with accolades, Henderson earned his second selection to the VFL Team of the Year, represented the VFL in the state clash against the SANFL as the Big V returned to state of origin footy, and was awarded Werribee Football Club Life Membership upon reaching the milestone of 100 games against the Northern Bullants in Round 17.

Following the departures of key midfielders Tom Gribble, Matt Hanson, and Shaun Mannagh after the 2023 season, Henderson embraced a full-time midfield role in 2024. Reflecting on the increased responsibility after the Grand Final, he said, “A few departures of some very good players through the midfield opened up some opportunities for blokes like me to play more midfield minutes and probably not as much forward, which I’ve absolutely loved and I’ve grabbed it with both hands.”

With this added midfield responsibility he rose to the occasion in the finals, earning the club’s best finals player award and finishing strong in the best-and-fairest to secure a personal-best second-place finish in the Bruce Montgomery Trophy, just one vote behind Dom Brew. He capped off the season by winning the Norm Goss Medal in his 106th game, as Werribee clinched their first premiership in 31 years.

Henderson signed with Werribee ahead of the 2018 season after coming straight out of the Geelong Falcons system and quickly caught the attention of coach John Lamont, who in pre-season praised the young gun, 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.” Henderson certainly made a positive impact, playing all 18 games as a lockdown defender and earning Werribee’s Best First-Year Player award, playing crucial roles on AFL talent in Gryan Miers and Shai Bolton. 

In his second season incoming coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams switched Henderson to the forward line, 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 being named in the VFL Team of the Year. 

With the resumption of VFL football in 2021 Henderson was the youngest inductee into the leadership group at the age of 21. It also saw his first exposure to midfield time. 

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 each of the club's best-and-fairest counts during those years.  

Commenting on Henderson ahead of his 100th game mid-season, senior coach Jimmy Allan said “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”.

“On top of all that, he’s just a fantastic bloke.”