Werribee has wrapped up its preparations for the 2024 Smithy’s VFL season after a fourth practice match against Footscray. 

Taking on the Bulldogs at Whitten Oval, after a tight first three quarters, Footscray ran away with victory, with a 43-point, 14.15 (99) to 8.8 (56) win in Jimmy Allan’s final rehearsal before officially kicking off his VFL coaching tenure.

A strong first quarter saw Werribee take the lead as they headed into the first break. Angus Hicks, freshly appointed to the leadership group during the week, kicked his first goal for the club in his first appearance, with Connor Thar also continuing to find the goals.

New-recruit Daly Andrews kept up his strong pre-season form with what would’ve been a goal of the year contender, with a running goal from the boundary line, and Darcy Bennett’s second goal to close out the half, made it a two-goal deficit at half-time. On a sour note, this would be the last action of Darcy Bennett’s afternoon, with him sustaining a hamstring injury in these dying moments to the quarter.

A strong third quarter kept the 3QT margin within touching distance, before Footscray ran away with the win in the last quarter, as Werribee now shifts it focus to Geelong for a round one matchup at GHMBA Stadium on Saturday March 23. 

IMAGE GALLERY – VIEW HERE

Next Match – Round 1
Geelong vs Werribee
Saturday March 23, 2:05PM
GMHBA Stadium, 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.

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 is proud to announce, after incredible support from the playing group, that Nick Coughlan will continue to captain the football club in 2024.

The announcement was made to the playing group and staff at Thursday night’s training.

The 27-year-old star defender will take the reins once again following his appointment as sole captain last year, with his leadership, not only leading him to captain the VFL 2023 Team of the Year on an individual level, but also played a large role in the club’s record-breaking season, achieving 17 wins in a row and a grand final birth. 

Coughlan has played 73 games for the club since joining in 2018, with his next appearance set to be his 100^th at VFL level, and said he was incredibly humbled to be named captain; "Personally it is a huge honour to lead this club for a second year.”

“Last year was the most enjoyable years of footy I've ever had and we are confident on rolling that momentum on to this year.”

“All of the boys on the list are super excited about the year ahead under Jimmy and we can't wait to get into the real stuff."

Coughlan will be supported by Dom Brew, who has been named as the sole vice-captain. Supporting them in the leadership group will be Jack Henderson, Nick Hayes, Louis Pinnuck and Kye Declase for the second year running, as well as Jesse Clark, who has stepped up from head of the development group, and new recruit, and ex-Richmond vice-captain, Angus Hicks.

“We've obviously lost a few of our former stalwarts in [Michael] Sodomaco, [Tom] Gribble and [Matt] Hanson, but it just provides opportunities for new leaders to stand up in their place which I know this group will do”, Coughlan added.

New head coach Jimmy Allan highlighted that Coughlan was again, an outstanding choice to lead the club; “He was a standout choice in the player vote and even though he’s had an interrupted pre-season his impact on the group has still been significant.”

“He’s calm, level-headed, loves the footy club and has a great ability to educate and build relationships”. 

Speaking on the leadership group, Allan highlighted the stability; “Not a lot has changed from last year which is a sign that the guys in the group have the trust and respect of their teammates and coaches.” Further regarding the new additions to the group; “Jesse Clark has moved up from his position of an emerging leader to the senior leadership group, and the impact Angus Hicks has had since his arrival from Richmond has been recognised in his selection.”

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.