For those who can’t wait for the footy to return, the good news is it will be back sooner than normal in 2022.

The AFL has announced that an 18-game 22-round VFL season will begin on Saturday, March 26th.

The 2022 competition will feature 21 clubs (Victoria 16, Queensland 3, NSW 2) who will all have nine home games and four byes. The fixture will be released following the announcement of the AFL draw.

Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna welcomed the earlier start.

“It is terrific as it allows us to move forward with our club planning for membership, club events and match day activities," he siad.

"We have been so fortunate that our sponsors and members have stuck with us and I am sure we will present a high quality product that the people of the City of Wyndham are proud of, whether we are playing at Avalon Airport Oval, the Sydney Cricket Ground or The Gabba.”

The start of the new season can’t come quickly enough for the players and coaches, according to Football Manager Mark Micallef.

“We’re really pleased. This news gives us clarity on planning for our pre-season," he said.

"Our high performance team has done a lot of work already in getting our players conditioned to withstand the rigours of a full season after just nine games in the past two years.

"The players have returned to training and the entire football department is excited by the group we have assembled.”   

The Werribee Football Club is thrilled to announce that CB Motor Group is returning as the club’s major sponsor in 2022.  

It will be the 23^rd year that the car, boat and caravan dealership has been the club’s major sponsor.  

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said it was fantastic to again renew the long-standing partnership. 

“This sponsorship continues to be a significant one for the club we’re extremely grateful for the ongoing support of the Tino and Robyn, the extended Ballan family and their team,” he said. 

“We look forward to another year with CB Motor Group as our major sponsor and hope that our achievements on the field can be as successful as this partnership is off the field.” 

Founded as Ballan Holden in 1978, CB Motor Group now incorporates The Motor Place, The Caravan Place and The Boating Place.  

Tino Ballan said he was proud of the relationship that exists with the Werribee Football Club. 

“We are very happy to continue our association with the Werribee Football Club, it is a great club to be a part of,” he said. 

“We will be introducing some exciting offers to Werribee supporters in 2022 through our ACDelco service and parts program and thank all those supporters who have supported us over the years.” 

Werribee president Martin Carter said the club was very fortunate to have an incredibly loyal major sponsor.  

“Whilst 23 consecutive years of major sponsorship would be considered remarkable at any major sporting club, the fact that Tino, Robyn, Paul, Mark and the team have seen fit to continue on post two seasons totaling nine games throughout the COVID-19 landscape is phenomenal,” he said. 

“Personally, l know how much this sponsorship means to the Ballan family, and the friendship and relationship that the late great John Nicol forged with them has been the key driver of loyalty and longevity.” 

The club has received a big boost to its ruck department with Sam Conway making the switch from Williamstown to Werribee. 

Conway, 22, spent three years with the Seagulls and made his VFL debut in 2021 going on to play three matches while averaging 21 hit-outs per outing.  

The 203cm big man comes to Werribee with the opportunity to make the club’s number one ruck position his own, following Matthew Lobbe’s retirement.  

Conway said a big reason behind his move was the fact that he has exsisting friendships with several of his now teammates.  

“I’m excited to be on board with a good chance to lock down the ruck spot with Matthew Lobbe retiring,” he said. 

“I live in Geelong and played Falcons with a few of the guys including Jack Henderson who is one of my good mates, so that makes it an easier transition and I’m excited to join the group. 

“Playing a few games for Williamstown last season was good, I went up against Paul Hunter (St Kilda) for Sandringham in round 5 and that was a bit of an eye opener playing against a bloke with AFL experience. 

“It was just good to get that experience bashing and crashing against bigger bodies.” 

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was excited to see what Conway can produce next season. 

“Sam’s a big ruckman who’s got really good strength in the contest and plays the game with a very good temperament,” he said. 

“He’s a strong kid and he displayed last year for Williamstown that he can play at the level, and we look forward to seeing Sam try and take the mantle as our number one ruck for 2022 and beyond.” 

Werribee has signed young ruckman and Greater Western Sydney Academy product Jack Driscoll for 2022.

The developing big man split his time this past season with the GIANTS under 19s and playing senior football with home club The Rock-Yerong Creek and the Albury Tigers.

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said Driscoll who measures in at 200cm is an exciting prospect with good athleticism and skills for a player of his size.

“Jack's a highly talented young ruckman who has displayed good tap work, the ability to follow up extremely well and take a good mark down the line,” Micallef said.

“Jack came through the GIANTS Academy system and will now move down to Melbourne from the family farm up in country New South Wales.

“He’s dedicated to his craft and as a 19-year-old we see a lot of scope in Jack and think that he will grow really well in our program.

"We’re really excited to see what he can do in 2022.”

Driscoll said he was thrilled to be joining the club with its history and success developing players.

“I’m looking forward to moving away from home and always wanted to come to Melbourne to play good footy and try to get the best out of myself,” he said.

“I know Werribee’s been a pretty successful club in the past and has also had quite a few people drafted in recent years, so I’m keen to improve my game and play the highest standard I can.”