As 2025 approaches, on-field signings aren’t the only moves taking place, there’s plenty happening off-field too, with the Werribee Football Club welcoming three new additions to its full-time staff.

Sam Wharton joins his second VFL club as our Operations Coordinator, Abbey Gardner replaces Michael Gate as Venue Coordinator, while Caleb Hurley transitions from a placement student to our Operations Support Officer after a year with the club. 

Sam Wharton, a Werribee local, joins us after three years as Communications and Promotions Manager at the not-for-profit charity Reclink Australia, with which the Werribee Football Club has had a long-standing partnership.

Before his time with Reclink, Wharton had a background in the VFL, spending seven years with fellow standalone club Port Melbourne. With the Borough Sam worked in a number of roles across administration, media and operations, bringing a wealth of experience to our football club.

Wharton comes in to replace the outgoing Zach Thornton; "I already feel very privileged to be welcomed so warmly into the Werribee Football Club, especially off the back of the incredible recent Premiership success,” Sam said. 

"I'm thrilled to be able to work alongside fantastic people such as Mark Penaluna and Justin Abrams to continue building on the excitement generated within the football club and in the wider Wyndham community over recent years.

Caleb Hurley follows in the footsteps of previous Operations Support Officers Harley Kilby and Em Gardner. After completing a work placement at Avalon Airport Oval during the 2024 season he has been offered a full-time position. 

During the course of his studies, Caleb spent time at Werribee in both the operations space and with the community team, whilst also gaining valuable placement experience at the Richmond Football Club and Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

Now a Richmond Institute graduate, Caleb replaces the outgoing Harley Kilby, saying, “I can’t thank Werribee enough for all the opportunities they have given me and all the support they have given me on this journey so far."

"I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.”

Abbey Gardner completes our trio of new office additions as we head into the 2025 season, joining as the new Venue Coordinator.

Like Wharton, Gardner brings in a wealth of experience into the club, holding six years of hospitality management experience prior to joining, and she will split her time between managing Werribee Football Club’s venue operations and overseeing Chirnsides by the River.

“It’s been great settling into my new role here at Werribee, and I’m excited for change as I jump into my first position in the sports industry.”

"I'm excited for the opportunity to contribute at Werribee as we continue to build into 2025."