Werribee returned to the winner’s list with a come-from-behind ANZAC Day victory over Williamstown, and the positives didn’t stop there.
There were plenty of standout performances at local level too, with 20 Werribee-listed players in action across various leagues.
Read how they all fared in the fourth edition of our 2025 Local Player Report.
Ovens & Murray Football Netball League
Foster Gardiner - North Albury
Foster Gardiner was named among the best in North Albury’s historic ANZAC Day win over Albury, the Hoppers’ first on the occasion in 17 years. Playing across half forward, Gardiner found plenty of the footy and ran out the game strongly, playing his role well to finish with eight marks. He also hit the scoreboard for the second week in a row and continued to apply strong pressure throughout.
Archer Gardiner - North Albury
In North Albury’s win, Archer Gardiner impressed through the midfield and on the wing, combining with brother Foster for 50 disposals. He started strongly as the Hoppers jumped out to a 24-7 lead at quarter time, and his speed and pressure around the contest were standout features of his performance.
Ray Murphy - Corowa Rutherglen
Ray Murphy continues to build form following an 11-month injury layoff last year. He showed strong signs in the midfield, particularly with his positioning and drive around stoppages, finishing with seven clearances in Corowa’s loss to Yarrawonga. Murphy also ran out the game well, racking up 10 disposals in the final quarter to cap off a solid all-round performance.
Jedd Longmire - Corowa Rutherglen
Jedd Longmire was another standout in Corowa’s loss, impressing around the contest with 12 contested possessions. The midfielder used the ball efficiently, going at 78% disposal efficiency, and also hit the scoreboard with his first goal of the season across any level.
Geelong Football Netball League
Noah Tullio - Newtown & Chilwell
In his first senior game for Newtown, Noah Tullio looked a class above early and was lively in the forward half before suffering an ankle injury early in the second quarter. Despite the setback, the small forward played out the game and finished with 15 disposals and three inside 50s in a 68-point loss to St Mary’s.
Tylar Watts - Leopold
Tylar Watts was named among the best as Leopold claimed a dominant 76-point win over Colac. In a tough ruck battle, Watts stood out with his follow-up efforts, pressure around the contest, and aerial presence. He took six marks, with more than half being intercepts, and pushed forward to hit the scoreboard with two goals.
Charlie Byrne - Newtown & Chilwell
Charlie Byrne was a standout in defence for Newtown despite the heavy defeat. He was composed with the ball in hand, using his 17 kicks smartly to set up play from the back half. Byrne also read the ball well in the air, finishing with 10 marks, including three intercepts.
Ben Kellett - South Barwon
Ben Kellett was named South Barwon’s best player in their narrow 11-point loss to the undefeated St Joseph’s. The ruckman led from the front, winning the ruck battle, applying strong pressure with six tackles, and topping his side for clearances. His follow-up work around the ground was again a highlight, earning him Werribee’s Local Player of the Week.
Liam Kershaw - St Joseph’s
Liam Kershaw continued his strong form and was named in the best in St Joseph’s win over South Barwon. The youngster played an impactful wing role, holding his width well, using the ball cleanly, and was influential in many contests.
Cooper Ward - St Joseph’s
Cooper Ward took a step forward, playing alongside Kershaw in St Joseph’s win over South Barwon. Playing half-forward, Ward found more of the ball and showed sharp moments throughout the game as he continues to grow into his role with his new club.
Western Football Netball League
Wil Kliszewski - Yarraville Seddon Eagles
Wil Kliszewski delivered a standout performance in Yarraville’s dominant win over Sunshine. The young key forward was a strong target all day, clunking 11 marks, including eight contested, and finishing with a game-high five goals. Named among the best, Kliszewski continues his impressive start to the season, consistently making his presence felt in the Eagles' forward line.
Tom Stapleton - Parkside
On a tough day for Parkside, who managed just six goals in a heavy loss to Caroline Springs, Tom Stapleton battled hard from start to finish. The big man remained competitive throughout, registering five one-percenters in a performance that reflected his effort and resilience despite the scoreboard.
Northern Football Netball League
Cam Wild - Hurstbridge
Cam Wild was named among the best in Hurstbridge’s draw with North Heidelberg, making an immediate impact in his return after three weeks out. Tasked with a key role on a dangerous opposition midfielder, Wild not only limited his influence but finished with more of the ball himself. He also made an impact offensively, pushing forward from the midfield to hit the scoreboard.
Essendon District Football League
Reuben Rode - Greenvale
Returning from a pre-season injury, Reuben Rode made an immediate impact in his first game back, helping Greenvale to a five-point win over Pascoe Vale. Named among the Jets’ best, Rode was lively around stoppages, showed strong clearance work, and applied great pressure with seven tackles. He used his speed well and made smart decisions with the ball to finish with 25 disposals in an impressive return.
Hayden Gill - Deer Park
Hayden Gill played a mix of high forward and ruck in Deer Park’s five-goal loss to Maribyrnong Park and showed strong effort around the contest all day. After taking a knock to the elbow in the second quarter, Gill returned to compete well, presenting as a strong target up forward and contesting hard in the ruck.
Bellarine Football Netball League
Luke Preece - Drysdale
Luke Preece continued his strong defensive form in Drysdale’s 10-goal win over Portarlington. Named among the best once again, Preece adapted well to the wet conditions, didn’t lose a one-on-one contest, and used the ball cleanly out of defence, finishing at 87% efficiency.
Jack Henderson - Barwon Heads
Jack Henderson showed his potential, with the young key forward producing several standout moments in a narrow loss to Geelong Ammos. Henderson took a number of contested marks, and finished the ANZAC Day clash with one goal.
Victorian Amateur Football Association
Harry Miller - Williamstown CYMS
Harry Miller showed plenty of promising signs in Williamstown CYMS’ 20-point win over Fitzroy. The small forward impressed with his aerial work, particularly his lead-up marking and ability to present as a target, capping off his performance with a goal.
Goulburn Valley Football League
Dom Gugliotti - Mooroopna
Dom Gugliotti was a solid contributor in defence despite Mooroopna’s loss to Shepparton, as John Lamont’s side slipped to 0–4. Gugliotti competed strongly and played with freedom out of the backline, finishing with 18 disposals and six marks in a composed performance.
Ballarat Football Netball League
Rye Penny - Bacchus Marsh
Rye Penny produced his best performance of the season in Bacchus Marsh’s competitive loss to Darley. Playing off half back, Penny found a strong balance between defence and attack, providing plenty of drive while rarely losing a contest. He also handled the wet conditions well, using the ball cleanly throughout the day.
