Werribee is set to wrap up its schedule of four practice matches this weekend, with a return to the western suburbs to face Footscray this Saturday.

Just one week out from round one, Werribee have a chance to carry a three-game win streak into the 2024 Smithy’s VFL season when they take on the Bulldogs at Whitten Oval, with the first bounce at 1:00PM Saturday.

With the Bulldogs simultaneously kicking off their AFL season this weekend; the game will provide the chance for Werribee to test itself against some AFL-listed opposition as the team prepares for what on paper appears to be a challenging opening few rounds of the Smithy's VFL season. 

With fans showing out in force to the opening three practice matches and already carrying on that strong show of support from the 2023 season, football manager Ash Collins has encouraged fans to come down to Whitten Oval to support the team in this final dress rehearsal; “This weekend brings a great final test before the season. Entry to Whitten Oval will be free, and we would love to see as many of you Werribee fans there as possible”.

PRACTICE MATCH 4
Footscray vs Werribee
Saturday, 16th March, 1:00PM
Whitten Oval, Footscray

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.

Werribee Football Club’s Gaetano Faranda has been appointed high-performance manager of Smithy’s VFL representative team.

Faranda, who is serving his second year as high-performance manager of Werribee, joined the club last year and played a large role in the club’s record-breaking 17 game win streak, highlighted by Werribee using only 36 players for the season, considerably less than the VFL competition average of 49.

Faranda is going into his sixth year in the VFL system, previously spending time as the High-Performance Manager at Williamstown and the Head of Strength and Power at Box Hill.

The VFL side will take on the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) on Saturday, 6 April 6 at Glenelg’s Stratarama Stadium during AFL Gather Round. 

Faranda expressed his pride in representing the state and excitement about the return of the Big V. He also emphasised the honour of collaborating across the league, stating, "It’s an honour to get to work with other great professionals across the VFL."

He also attributes his success to the collective efforts of the entire Werribee team, stating, "This opportunity is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and players at Werribee."

Werribee’s Football Manager, Ash Collins, expressed his delight at Gaetano Faranda's well-deserved recognition. "I'm absolutely thrilled to see someone from our club receive such an honourable position representing the VFL," he remarked. "It's a testament to the dedication and hard work that GT has put in, and it's a great reflection of the positive direction our club is heading in."

The best VFL-listed players from the 21-team competition will be selected to represent the Big V, with an initial squad and leadership group to be announced soon.

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.

Werribee has kept up its winning form in the practice matches leading up to the 2024 season, with a 19-point victory over Geelong.

 Taking on the Cats at Deakin University, with four practice matches in as many weeks, Werribee rested a number of senior players for Friday night’s match. Despite fielding a younger line-up, they stood tall against Geelong, securing victory with a final score of 12.14 (86) to 10.7 (67).

Two Nick Hayes goal to kick off the match got Werribee off to a fast start. Momentum carried through the first half, highlighted by Corey Preston's first goal in the black and gold, and two successful set shots from Aidan Johnson, marking his successful return to the field.

A snap from the tightest of the angles from newest recruit, Mitch Chafer made the third a two-goal quarter for himself, as The Big W went into three quarter time with 24-point lead.

In the final quarter, Geelong strung together four consecutive goals to gain the lead with five minutes remaining. Yet, echoing a recurring theme from the 2023 season, Werribee demonstrated their resilience when the pressure mounted. Gennaro Bove capitalised on a Geelong error in the forward 50, regaining the lead after narrowly missing two opportunities earlier in the quarter. Mitch Chafer added a third goal to his tally for the night, while Sam Azzi's late goal secured his own multiple-goal performance, and ultimately a 19-point win.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 3.2 6.7 9.10 12.14 (86)
Geelong: 1.1 3.3 6.4 10.7 (67)

GOALS:
Werribee: M. Chafer 3, S. Azzi 2, A. Johnson 2, N. Hayes 2, G. Bove, C. Preston, C. Thar

PRACTICE MATCH 3 GALLERY – VIEW HERE

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.

Werribee is set to play their third practice match this weekend, with another trip south to Deakin University to play under the Friday night lights.

Following last weekend bringing that first taste of victory for 2024, with a 40-point triumph over Coburg, Werribee will be looking to make it two in a row when they take on Geelong, with the match kicking off at 6:30PM.

With four practice matches scheduled in as many weeks leading up to the season, Friday night presents an opportunity for Werribee’s coaching staff to get a further look at the depth of the squad with a number of less experienced players to gain some valuable game time as several senior players are rested.

Jimmy Allan expressed his satisfaction with the squad's progress; "We've had two really solid performances, so we'll consider resting those who've played both games this week, providing an opportunity for our young players to impress”. 

With free entry to Friday night's match, the head coach has urged fans to join and support the team, "We had great support at our first practice match at Deakin and we're looking forward to more of the same this Friday night – especially with the forecast calling for 28 degrees and sunny!"

The 25-man squad to take on the Cats will be named on Thursday night.

PRACTICE MATCH 3
Werribee vs Geelong
Friday, 8th March, 6:30PM
Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong

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.