Werribee co-captain Tom Gribble is now a two-time J.J Liston Trophy winner after a stunning victory in this year's VFL best-and-fairest.

Gribble became the first Werribee player to win the league's top honour twice and just the fourth player to win the award back-to-back having topped the last Liston Trophy count in 2019. 

The 27-year-old polled 30 votes to finish eight ahead of Southport Sharks teammates Jacob Dawson and Boyd Woodcock. He received votes in 12 matches, which included eight best-on-ground performances.

Gribble averaged a career-high 33.2 disposals per game in 2022 and led the VFL in total disposals with 597. He also ranked first for inside 50s (100) and was second for clearances (132) and contested possessions (249).

Gribble said it was incredible to win the award for a second time after drawing motivation from a challenging year off in 2020 and several other factors.

“It’s sort of hard to put into words really, I thought 2019 was a bit mind numbing but this is equal to that…it’s a great honour,” he said.

“I think the harbouring of the ambition to go on and play AFL footy has held me in good stead to find continual improvement within my game and I was also a little disappointed with how I played last year.

“Coming off the year off and my dad passing I didn’t play as well as I would have liked even though it was only a nine-game season.

“That spurred me on to get cracking a little bit earlier in terms of starting preseason, so the whips were cracking for me in August and then the captaincy also added another layer.

“I probably put more pressure on myself to perform and I did have a few conversations with Mick (Barlow) throughout the middle part of the year, in particular to just release and not put so much pressure on myself.”

Prior to being crowned the league's best-and-fairest Gribble was named in the centre in the Team of the Year and was joined by Werribee teammates Kye Declase (wing) and Shaun Mannagh (half-forward).

Declase averaged 22.3 disposals per game this year and tallied the second most marks in the competition (137) while adding 21 goals for the campaign.

Mannagh was Werribee's second leading goal kicker this season with 27 majors and topped the league with 30 goal assists to go with 19.6 disposals per game.

Werribee timekeeper Scott Bishop was also recognised on the night receiving the Alex Gillon Award as the VFL Volunteer of the Year.

The long-time servant has filled the role as Werribee's timekeeper at both home and away matches for the past 23 years, overseeing more than 650 games in that time. 

See the full list of award winners HERE.

The outstanding performers from the 2022 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW seasons will be recognised when the 2022 VFL and VFLW Awards are announced on Monday evening.

The event will be held at Palladium at Crown on Monday September 12, starting at 7:00pm AEST and hosted by Nigel Carmody and Libby Birch. 

Among the awards that will be announced are:

• J.J Liston Trophy (VFL Best and Fairest)
• Lambert-Pearce Medal (VFLW Best and Fairest)
• rebel VFLW Team of the Year
• Smithy’s VFL Team of the Year
• rebel VFLW Coaches MVP
• Smithy’s VFL Coaches MVP
• Rohenna Young Medal (VFLW Leading Goalkicker)
• Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal (VFL Leading Goalkicker)
• Debbie Lee Medal (VFLW Rising Star)
• Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal (VFL Rising Star)
• Ann Rulton VFLW Volunteer of the Year
• Alex Gillon VFL Volunteer of the Year
• Life Membership
• Umpires of the Year

Live stream the night HERE.

With finals football well and truly in full swing across Victoria, see which Werribee-listed players enjoyed wins and who the best performers were with their community clubs last weekend. 

WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Harrison White – Werribee Districts (Semi Final)
Played a starring role on the wing and across halfback in a four-goal win over Deer Park. Utilised his speed while his line breaking run was crucial to Districts' set up. Finished as one of the highest possession getters and best on ground honours.

Connor Thar – Werribee Districts (Semi Final)
Made a solid return after eight weeks out and showed good poise when in possession. Hit some nice passes when playing forward and will be better for the run ahead of another do-or-die clash.

Lochie Smart – Deer Park (Semi Final)
Flashed his abilities early in the match against Werribee Districts but like the Lions in general, failed to take his chances. Snapped a nice goal in the last quarter when the result had been all but confirmed. 

Saad El-Hawli & Spencer Johnson – Altona (Semi Final)
Both played key roles a thrilling win over minor premiers Caroline Springs to help Altona advance to this year's WRFL decider. The duo was influential in a six-goal to three second half that helped the Vikings secure victory by six points. 

This week: Preliminary Final – Caroline Springs vs Werribee Districts at Avalon Airport Oval, Saturday 10 September, 2:15pm.

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Matt Keast – St Mary’s (Qualifying Final 2)
Had 23 disposals and five tackles as the Saints booked their place in this year’s grand final courtesy of a 30-point triumph over Newtown & Chilwell. Got better as the game went and played an important role in the final term when given a task to help get his side over the line.

Joe Maishman – St Mary’s (Qualifying Final 2)
Was very good when the game was in the balance during the third quarter and early in the last against the Eagles. His ability to burst from stoppage was a highlight and appears to be hitting his best form with a grand final just around the corner.

Gennaro Bove – Newtown & Chilwell (Qualifying Final 2)
Went goalless against St Mary’s but gets another crack at it this weekend as the Eagles take on Leopold with a grand final berth on the line.

Logan Wagener – Leopold (Semi Final)
Solid yet again with his midfield contributions seeing the Lions win through to the preliminary final with a convincing 70-point victory over Colac. Finished the day with 23 disposals including 16 kicks.

This week: Preliminary Final - Newtown & Chilwell vs Leopold at Windsor Park, Saturday 10 September, 2:10pm.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Reuben William – Airport West (Division 1 Grand Final)
Local Player of the Week
Best on ground in a winning grand final as the Eagles defeated Coburg West by 32 points. Was fantastic around the contest early and a standout contributor across all four quarters to earn the David McWilliam medal. Collected 22 disposals, seven marks and six tackles in a brilliant display.

This week: Premier Division Grand Final - Aberfeldie (Lucas Rocci & Sam Paea) vs Strathmore at Windy Hill Essendon, Saturday 10 September, 2:15pm.

OVENS AND MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Tom Boyd – Wangaratta Rovers (Elimination Final)
Played a pivotal hand kicking four goals in a 22-point Elimination Final win over Myrtleford. Boyd and former Werribee player Alex Marklew combined for nine of the Rovers’ 14 majors with the pair capitalising on some slick ball movement particularly during the middle two terms.

This week: Semi Final - Wangaratta Magpies (Dan Sharrock) vs Yarrawonga at John Foord Oval Corowa, Saturday 10 September, 2:00pm.

This week: Semi Final - Albury vs Wangaratta Rovers at Martin Park Wodonga, Sunday 11 September, 2:00pm.

As home and away seasons draw to a close and final get underway in competitions across the state, see who all the top performers were and who enjoyed wins with their community clubs last weekend. 

WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Saad El-Hawli – Altona (Qualifying Final) – Local Player of the Week
His second half play was a big reason the Vikings were able to overcome a 23-point deficit at halftime before going on to beat Deer Park by 21 points. Had 17 quality possessions at 82% efficiency.

Spencer Johnson – Altona (Qualifying Final)
Was also one of the best for the Vikings after another good week down back. Did a job defensively to go with 21 disposals (18 kicks), including five rebound 50s.

Lochie Smart – Deer Park (Qualifying Final)
Held to just one goal in the loss to Altona but had his moments throughout the contest. Finished with 14 disposals and three tackles.

Harrison White – Werribee Districts (Elimination Final)

Had a strong second half as Districts fought back to beat Hoppers Crossing by seven points. Played on the wing and behind the ball and on several occasions opened the game up for crucial scores. His 15 disposals included four clearances and four inside 50s.

Sam Clifford – Hoppers Crossing (Elimination Final)
One of the best for the Warriors in their loss to Werribee Districts. Timed his runs nicely for handball receives and was hard at the footy collecting 23 disposals with 19 kicks.

This week: Altona vs Caroline Springs at Avalon Airport Oval, Saturday 3 Sepetmber, 2:15pm.

This week: Deer Park vs Werribee Districts at Avalon Airport Oval, Sunday 4 Sepetmber, 2:15pm.

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Gennaro Bove – Newtown & Chilwell (Qualifying Final)
Lined up as a small forward for the second week in row in a comfortable win for the Eagles defeating Colac by 62-points to set up a second week matchup with minor premiers St Mary’s. Finished with 11 disposals and two tackles.

Logan Wagener – Leopold (Elimination Final)
Another strong midfield showing in a 53-point win over St Joesph’s. Got a good amount of ball on both the inside and outside and took the right option to kick long or hit up a short target. Finished with 26 disposals to be one of the best for the Lions.

Sam Clohesy – St Joseph’s (Elimination Final)
Kicked one of just four St Joseph’s goals against Leopold in what was a disappointing result after entered the finals by upsetting minor premiers St Mary’s in their last home and away game.

This week: St Mary's vs Newtown & Chilwell at West Oval Reserve Oval, Saturday 3 Sepetmber, 1:30pm.

This week: Colac vs Leopold at West Oval Reserve Oval, Sunday 4 Sepetmber, 2:10pm.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Lucas Rocci – Aberfeldie (Qualifying Final)
Played forward and worked his way into the game nicely. Kicked two goals but had five scoring shots with his class and speed standing out. Finished the day with 16 disposals as Aberfeldie advanced to this year’s decider with a 52-point win.

Sam Paea – Aberfeldie (Qualifying Final)
Was one out as a tall for the game and provided a great contest in the air and on the ground. Helped set the tone early by jumping through one of Strathmore’s main defenders. Had 12 disposals and added two goals along with some good pressure and repeat efforts.

Darcy Cassar – Keilor (Elimination Final)
A good performance playing predominantly high half-forward and wing, in a 17-point loss to Pascoe Vale. Ran hard and showed the ability to win contests all day. Collected 26 disposals (20 kicks) including five inside 50s to finish amongst the Blues' best.

EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Tom McCaffrey – Balwyn (Elimination Final)
Played in a 73-point loss as Doncaster East piled on 11-goals to two in the second half to see the Tigers’ season come to an abrupt end. Contributed 12 disposals, four tackles and a goal.

OVENS AND MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Tom Boyd – Wangaratta Rovers (Round 18)
Played an important role in attack for the Rovers who defeated Albury for the second time this season. Had 13 disposals, four marks and two goals in the 43-point victory.

Nathan Cooper - Wangaratta Rovers (Round 18)
A handy addition for the Rovers defence to help them wrap up fourth position on the ladder. Strong defensively while gathering 17 disposals with nine marks.

Jack Driscoll – Lavington (Round 18)
Took some good marks up forward and bagged a couple of goals in a comfortable win over Wodonga Raiders. Battled in the ruck facing the competition’s best bigman.

Shaun Mannagh – Lavington (Round 18)
A best on ground performance in his only appearance for the Panthers in 2022. Led the way with a game-high seven goals and a team-high 28 disposals.

Hudson Garoni – Wodonga Bulldogs (Round 18)
Didn’t miss out on a day that saw the Bulldogs kick 23 goals in a 99-point victory over North Albury. Nailed four majors in a 16 disposal and six mark showing.  

Dom Brew – North Albury (Round 18)
Found plenty of football in his second outing with the Hoppers this season, racking up 37 touches and seven tackles to be one of the best in defeat to the Bulldogs.

This week: Wangaratta Rovers vs Myrtleford at Albury Sports Ground, Sunday 4 Sepetmber, 2:00pm.

GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Lou Pinnuck - Seymour (Round 18)
Played his first game for Lions and showed his class through the midfield in a 78-point win over Shepparton United. The margin wasn’t quite enough to secure a finals berth for Seymour as they missed out on the top six by just 0.19 percent.

VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Harry Stubbings – Old Scotch (Round 18)
A disappointing final round result for the Cardinal’s whose inaccuracy resulted in a 13-point loss at Caulfield Grammarians. Had some highlight moments including a run-down tackle in the first half.