Several players continue to push their case for VFL selection with strong displays at local level. See who all the top performers were and who enjoyed wins with their community clubs last weekend. 

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Joe Maishman – St Mary’s

Tallied 20 disposals with five clearances and five tackles in thrilling win over South Barwon. Had some pivotal moments in the last quarter as the Saints fought back from 20 points down at three-quarter time to claim victory by a point.

Matt Keast – St Mary’s

Also, a strong contributor in the win over the Swans with a consistent four quarter performance. Had 26 disposals, eight tackles and kicked a goal as St Mary’s moved to 14-1 on the year.

Gennaro Bove – Newtown & Chilwell (Local Player of the Week)

Had his best game of the season in trying conditions against St Albans. Collected 26 disposals, three tackles and a goal to be one of the best for the Eagles in a big win.

Sam Clohesy – St Joseph’s

Impacted by some hip soreness after quarter-time but still managed 15 disposals and four tackles in a 40-point victory over Grovedale.

Marty Brennan – Grovedale

Second best for the Tigers in their loss to St Joseph’s. Won his own ball and used it well in ordinary conditions. Also linked up well with his ruckman at stoppages. Had 24 disposals including six clearances and defended well when the opposition had possession.

Flynn Young – Grovedale

Found the going tough in his first outing in a month. Despite struggling with the conditions his work-rate couldn’t be questioned with five tackles the most notable feature of his game.

Logan Wagener – Leopold

Spent time in the midfield and as a high half-forward in a 32-point loss to Colac. Did some good things in both roles totallying 26 disposals and nine clearances.

Toby Mahoney – Bell Park

Started in the middle before moving on to the wing against North Shore. Had 14 disposals, four tackles and a goal in a 26-point triumph.

Sam Witherden – North Shore

Being a bigger body helped in heavy conditions as he gathering 25 disposals, with six clearances and five inside 50s. Was one of the best for the Seagulls for the fifth straight week.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Sam Paea - Aberfeldie

Played well in conditions that didn’t favour key forwards. Despite not pulling in as many marks as usual still contributed two goals and some good pressure as the Abers downed Glenroy by 96 points.

Reuben William – Airport West

Played two strong quarters on the wing before moving into the midfield later in the match. Bagged two goals and finished with 22 disposals and four tackles in a 79-point win over Tullamarine.    

VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Harry Stubbings – Old Scotch

An encouraging performance doing a bit of everything in a 25-point loss to Collegians. Kicked two goals from his 18 disposals and laid 10 tackles.  

OVENS AND MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Jack Driscoll – Lavington

Played a big role in an important victory over Corowa Rutherglen. Tested his opponent running him around the ground and took some impressive pack marks. Finished with 17 disposals, 8 marks, 15 hit-outs and a goal to be one of the Panthers’ best.

Daniel Sharrock – Wangaratta Magpies

Led the way in the midfield against Albury and also played behind the ball at times where he got in some good spots as an extra. Tallied 27 disposals, seven clearances, six inside 50s and four tackles in a 40-point win.

Tom Boyd – Wangaratta Rovers

One of his quieter games this season for the Rovers with just nine disposals and four marks in a close loss to Myrtleford.

GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Bior Malual - Seymour

Best on ground in a 33-point defeat of Kyabram with 30 disposals and nine marks. Played mostly on the wing with some stints on the ball in the each of the first three quarters. Also helped provide direction for Seymour’s younger players.

BENDIGO FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Brady Rowles – Eaglehawk

Had 19 disposals, nine marks and five tackles in an 84-point triumph over bottom placed Maryborough to remain fifth on the ladder.

RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Ariek Lual – Melton Centrals

Started at full forward but moved into the midfield where he was a class above offering plenty of run and carry. Also marked well overhead in slippery conditions to be amongst the best players in a 59-point win over Western Rams.

Werribee will begin the final leg of the home and away season with a return to Avalon Airport Oval to face Footscray on Saturday.

The two teams from the west and former alignment partners will play for the HealthWest Cup in the first meeting for premiership points since Round 7, 2019.

After losing late to Box Hill two weeks ago Werribee (8-6) will return from the bye ready to recapture its winning form and hopefully push back into the top eight.

Footscray were downed by league leaders Casey in Round 18 but enjoyed a strong month prior to last week’s loss and currently sit 13th on the ladder at 6-9.

TEAM NEWS

Werribee has made five changes for the Round 19 clash headlined by the return of Bior Malual and Keegan Gray. Also joining them are mature midfielder Marty Brennan and key position players Ariek Lual and Sam Paea.

Out of the side this week are several notable names with the majority of omissions forced due to injury and illness with Matt Hanson, Nick Hayes, Josh Porter, Jay Dahlhaus and Tom Boyd all making way.

MATCH DAY DETAILS

Gates will open at 12:30pm. Home members get in free while away members receive half-price entry. Tickets for non-members are $10 for adults and $5 for concession. Kids under 16 free.

Visit match centre on afl.com.au

ROUND 19
Werribee vs Footscray
Saturday July 30, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Several players continue to push their case for VFL selection with strong displays at local level. 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

Enjoyed another good showing, this time in a 100-point win over bottom placed Sunshine. Played off half-back for the majority of the game before enjoying some midfield time late in the game. Tallied 25 disposals, eight marks and five tackles.

Akol Deng – Yarraville Seddon

One of the best for the Eagles in a 15-point upset of third placed Hoppers Crossing. Centre bounce ruck work and follow-up for possession or with tackle pressure was most again a feature. Had 12 disposals including five clearances along with 38 hit-outs.

Sam Clifford - Hoppers Crossing

Made his long-awaited return from a 12-month ACL injury and finished with 16 disposals for the Warriors in their loss to Yarraville Seddon.

Harrison White- Werribee Districts

Played mostly as a small forward in a six-point win over Deer Park. Didn’t waste a disposal while contributing two nice goals and applying great pressure in what was a low scoring game in tough conditions.

Lochie Smart – Deer Park

Started deep forward before moving into the midfield to provide the Lions with some much-needed energy and run. Gathered 20 disposals and kicked two goals in the narrow loss to Werribee Districts. Continues to make gains with his fitness.  

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Marty Brennan – Grovedale

One the best for Grovedale who survived a scare against Lara after kicking 10.20. Won the ball all over the ground and worked hard both ways. Collected 20 disposals including five clearances and five inside 50s in the six-point win.

Sam Clohesy – St Joseph’s

Featured in the best in a 40-point triumph over South Barwon. Had 20 disposals but most impressive was his aerial work clunking several strong pack marks. Worked well up and down the wing offensively and to provide defensive support.

Matt Keast – St Mary’s (Local Player of the Week)

Another good week collecting 27 disposals along with five tackles in a 58-point victory over North Shore to help the Saints remain two games clear on top of the ladder.

Joe Maishman – St Mary’s

Played a key role in setting up the Round 14 victory over North Shore with a big first half. Was good with the ball in his hands gathering 21 disposal, eight marks and three tackles in what was a comfortable win.  

Sam Witherden – North Shore

Among the best players in a losing effort against St Mary's. Finished with 28 disposals, 13 marks and three tackles in the defeat. 

Keegan Gray – Bell Park

Provided some good run and carry from half-back early in the game against Colac before getting a corky late in the first quarter. Moved forward and finished with two of the Dragons’ six goals in a 68-point defeat.

Toby Mahoney – Bell Park

Used the ball well against the Tigers with 16 disposals at 88% efficiency. Continuing to build consistency following his return from injury.

Gennaro Bove – Newtown & Chilwell

Had 17 disposals and four tackles in a 10-goal win over Geelong West with the result helping the Eagles remain just percentage behind second placed Colac.

VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Harry Stubbings – Old Scotch

Part of a 10-point win over University Blues with a couple of big moments including a courageous mark going back with the flight. Finished with 15 disposal and four marks.

OVENS AND MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Jack Driscoll – Lavington

Played well in a 53-point win over Wodonga Bulldogs with 22 disposals and 15 hit-outs. Also had seven marks on the day and kicked a goal.

BENDIGO FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Brady Rowles – Eaglehawk

Continues to play well in a half-forward role being the linkman through the middle of the ground while also adding good defensive pressure inside 50. Kicked a goal and was an important in a seven-point away win against a higher placed Golden Square outfit.

The Werribee Football Club is pleased to announce the reappointment of Michael Barlow as senior coach for another two seasons. 

Barlow’s two-year contract extension will see him remain at the helm of the club until at least the end of the 2024 season. 

“I have a huge admiration for the players, staff and volunteers within our club and their commitment to the program made this decision very simple for me,” Barlow said. 

“My connection to this club and league is significant and I’m excited for that to continue. To have recommitted for a further two years, I appreciate the vote of confidence shown in me from the Werribee board, CEO Mark Penaluna, football manager Mark Micallef, and most importantly my playing group led our captains Tom Gribble and Dom Brew.  

“My immediate focus is the next two months and preparing our group as best we can for the last four games of the home and away season. We will stay in the moment and look to further build on our strong football program.”

The second-year mentor and former Werribee player is 23 games into his coaching tenure after being appointed in December 2020 following Mark Williams’ return to the AFL with Melbourne. 

This year the club is firmly in the mix to play finals with Werribee currently occupying eighth spot on the ladder.

President Martin Carter said Barlow has an innate ability to relate to all walks of life something that resonates with the entirety of the playing list and those at the club.  

"Michael has a clear passion to continue to lead our club and what he has achieved at the helm this year, in his first full season is outstanding,” Carter said.  

“With Michael’s football intelligence, his relationship building skills, and his ability to develop an extremely competitive and united team we look forward to finishing the 2022 season on a high.”