Werribee has finalised its coaching line-up for the upcoming season, the first under new mentor Jimmy Allan.

Allan, who played 27 games for the club across two seasons before a brilliant career in the SANFL, will be assisted by fellow Werribee alums Kyle Hartigan and Jarrod Young with Matt Dowling promoted from his role as a development coach.

Assuming the position of backline coach is Hartigan who after three years at Werribee went on to play 135 games with Adelaide and Hawthorn.

The former AFL defender isn’t unfamiliar with the current Werribee playing group after providing specialist coaching with the team during the 2023 season.

Young, a former teammate to Allan, has been appointed midfield coach and is back at Werribee for the first time since a four-year stint as a player from 2005-08.

After a decade of football in the VFL, SANFL and NTFL, Young has been an assistant coach at Grovedale and a playing coach at Geelong Amateur. He wrapped up his playing days by leading Inverleigh to a Geelong and District premiership this year.

Meanwhile, Dowling has been elevated and will now oversee the forwards following an outstanding first 12 months working with the line as a development coach.

The club’s development manager remains Hamish MacInnes who heads up the position for a third straight year, while Mario Mathuranayagam resumes his role as a development coach with the defenders.  

Joining the club as a development coach is Mark Hanson who arrives following a successful playing career and more recently coaching roles with Point Cook Centrals.

Werribee football manager Ash Collins said the club was delighted with its coaches for the upcoming campaign.

“We’re really happy with the support we’ve put around Jimmy as he prepares for his first season,” Collins said.

“With 10 years in the AFL system Kyle will be an invaluable resource for all of us and will be huge for not only the defenders but the entire playing list.

“Youngy returns to the place he started his senior career and brings a wealth of experience from his time playing and coaching, so he’ll be great for our midfielders.

“We’re excited to see Matt step-up as he is an impressive young coach. He’s eager to improve his coaching skillset and will continue to provide great guidance to our forwards.

“Hamish will continue to play a key role with the young and emerging talent at the club and has already played a big part this preseason leading training while Jimmy made the move from Adelaide.

“The development coaches under him in Mario and Mark are terrific guys to have onboard. Mario has a great connection with our players and staff and Mark comes in ready to share his knowledge.”


IMAGE: (L-R) Jimmy Allan, Matt Dowling, Jarrrod Young and Hamish MacInnes.

The Werribee Football Club is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with Infinity Blue Barramundi.   

As Australia’s premium barramundi producer, Infinity Blue has teamed up with the club to be its exclusive nutritional sponsor.  

Since 2001, MainStream Aquaculture – the producers of Infinity Blue Barramundi - has been growing barramundi using sustainable farming technology that ensures the freshest, tastiest and highest quality product on your plate, every time. 

They have farms in Queensland, Victoria and the USA with their Wyndham location utilising pristine geothermally heated spring water, drawn from the same ancient aquifer that links Hepburn Springs and the Peninsula Hot Springs. 

Mainstream Aquaculture Managing Director and CEO Boris Musa said it was fantastic to be embarking on a journey to help elevate the health, performance, and success of the Werribee Football Club. 

“We are thrilled to announce that Infinity Blue Barramundi has officially teamed up with the Werribee Football Club as their exclusive nutritional sponsor,” he said.  

“Werribee is a club with an extensive history, strong tradition, and a very prosperous future. 

“A stand-out feature of the club is its dedication to excellence, and this pursuit of excellence on the field aligns seamlessly with Infinity Blue Barramundi's dedication to providing the highest quality nutrition for peak performance.” 

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said the new partnership was an exciting one.  

“It’s great to partner with Mainstream Aquaculture/Infinity Blue Barramundi who are committed to delivering a high-quality product,” Penaluna said. 

“It was terrific to tour their Wyndham farm recently and gain a better understanding of the company’s scale and their dedication to provide customers with the best fish while consistently improving their practices. 

“We’re thrilled to have them onboard as a new sponsor for 2024 and we look forward to their support over the next 12 months and beyond.” 

They have barely put their feet under the desk but it's time to hear from our new coach Jimmy Allan and new football manager Ash Collins and get some insight into the plans for the 2024 season. 

Produced by Howdy Partners Media (howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts) on behalf of the Werribee Football Club.

Post Production by Steve Visscher | Southern Skies Media

Werribee has addressed the loss of star onballers Tom Gribble, Matt Hanson and Shaun Mannagh with five midfield additions for the 2024 VFL season.  

Ex-Geelong AFL listed player Copper Whyte headlines the incoming signings and is joined by former Williamstown duo Daly Andrews and Corey Preston and youngsters Jaelen Pavlidis and Jake Smith who both have family ties to the club.

Whyte, the penultimate pick in the 2021 AFL Draft spent two years at Geelong and following an injury interrupted first season earned an AFL debut in 2023.  

Daly Andrews, who played his junior football in Werribee, has almost 50 games of state league experience under his belt including a stint with South Adelaide when COVID cancelled the 2020 VFL season. 

Arriving with Andrews is 20-year-old Corey Preston who played every game for the Seagulls over the past two campaigns after graduating from the Eastern Ranges. 

Jaelen Pavlidis also crosses from a rival VFL club having spent last season with Greater Western Sydney and joins the Big W almost three decades after his father John played at the club. 

Meanwhile, Western Jets best and fairest winner Jake Smith follows in the footsteps of his father Karl and grandfather Brian who both pulled on the black and gold during their playing days. 

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was thrilled to have all five players on board. 

“Cooper is an exciting addition having spent two years on an AFL list. We see him playing a number of different roles with his burst of speed and kicking ability, he’s got a really nice left foot. 

“Daly is midfielder with good speed and the ability to play both inside and outside. He joins the club after statistically his best year of state league footy and will be important for us with his experience.  

“CJ (Corey) is one of the top young players in the VFL with the ability to play multiple positions. He’s a nice kick of the football, takes the game on and plays with attacking flair.  

“We’ve tracked Jaelen for a couple of years now and are delighted to have secured his services after a solid season up in Sydney. He’s a hard running midfielder who can play a variety of roles.  

“Jake is a big-bodied midfielder who had a fantastic year in the Coates League and comes in with knowledge of our program having trained with us last season through our relationship with the Jets.”  


IMAGE: Jake Smith (left) and Jaelen Pavlidis (centre) during preseason training.