Werribee’s list for the 2021 VFL and East Coast second-tier competition has begun taking shape with a core group of players recommitting to the club for a season like no other.

Long-standing skipper Michael Sodomaco will return to Avalon Airport Oval for an 11th year as he aims to join a select group of Werribee players to don the black and gold 100 times.

Three-time Bruce Montgomery trophy winner Matt Hanson returns for season 2021 in a massive boost for Werribee’s engine room. A fit-again Hanson is raring to go after injuries interrupted his previous two seasons at the club.

Nick Coughlan has recommitted to the club for a fourth year, with the swingman looking to recapture his stellar 2019 form which yielded VFL Team of the year honours and a podium finish in the club’s best and fairest.

Exciting wingmen Bior Malual and Kye Declase also enjoyed breakout VFL campaigns in 2019 and have extended their stay at Chirnside Park.

Rounding out this batch of re-signed Werribee players is veteran ruckman Matthew Lobbe who joined the club ahead of the 2020 season after more than a decade in the AFL system with Port Adelaide and briefly Carlton.

Lobbe will assume the role as playing ruck coach/midfield assistant .

Stay tuned for more player re-signings & the unveiling of new recruits in the coming days and weeks.

The Werribee Football Club is mourning the loss of Andrew Gribble, father of Tom, the club’s reigning Liston Medallist and Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner.

Andrew battled illness for an extended period and sadly passed away on Saturday.

“In his quiet and unassuming manner, Andrew was a wonderful contributor to our club, whether we played at Werribee, Williamstown or Wangaratta. We have been so fortunate to have Andrew and his family at our matches, attending club events and of course as financial members,” Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna said.

The club sends its sincere condolences to Andrew’s wife Sharon, daughter Molly and sons Tom and Noah.

The AFL today wrote to all VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Clubs to advise the AFL Commission had approved changes to the Laws of Australian Football to be implemented in the 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition.

AFL STATEMENT

Game Adjustments for the 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition

The largest second-tier football competition in Australia will feature rule innovations designed to protect and enhance the unique characteristics of Australian Football to ensure the game is the best it can be for all supporters.

The 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition will contribute to the evolution of Australian Football while maintaining the integrity of a second-tier competition where we award and celebrate the best players and teams.

AFL Executive General Manager Football Operations Steve Hocking said these changes are the result of continued analysis of the game and ongoing industry consultation.

“The evolution of the game has seen an increase in defensive structures and these changes combined are designed to provide a better balance between attack and defence while encouraging more open ball movement,” Mr Hocking said.

“We have some of the most skilful athletes in the world, and the three changes are designed to reduce the defensive capability of teams and open up the game, providing an opportunity for players to have more freedom to play on instinct and show off their natural flair.

“Our game is in good shape but we all want more of what makes our game great and while there are always great moments of brilliance in the AFL, these changes aim to increase those moments and provide more opportunities for players to showcase their talents and ultimately give supporters more of what they love.

“The Commission approved an adjustment to be implemented in the VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition that will see three players stationed inside 50 metres, including one player in the goal square, for all kick ins and boundary throw ins.”

The Commission has accepted the following game adjustments to be implemented in the 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition:

1 / Player Standing The Mark
The defending Player will only be permitted minimal lateral movement on The Mark. If the defending player moves off The Mark in any direction prior to “Play On” being called, a 50-metre penalty will apply. The defensive team is unable to substitute the Player on The Mark.

2 / Location of The Mark at Kick Ins
The Mark shall be set at 15 metres from the centre of the Kick-Off Line towards the centre of the ground at Kick Ins. This was previously set at 10 metres.

3 / Three players to be stationed inside 50 metres at each stoppage
A minimum of three Players from each team to be stationed inside 50 metres – including one pair in the Goal Square – at all Kick Ins and Boundary Throw Ins. The officiating Umpire will not recommence play until all players are in position. Where a team fails to comply at a Boundary Throw In, a Free Kick shall be awarded to the Player of the opposing Team at the point of the stoppage. Where the attacking team fails to comply at a Kick In, a 50-metre Penalty shall be awarded to the defending team.

The rule implemented specifically in the VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition will be closely monitored by the AFL Game Analysis Team.

The AFL will continue to work with men’s State League competitions and men’s and women’s community football Leagues across the country regarding the implementation of these rule changes.

The 2021 season will look a lot different to any before it, and naturally that means changes all ’round the club. President Martin Carter and CEO Mark Penaluna got together to answer some of the questions regarding the club moving forward into the new competition.

Will we still have same number of home games?
The season will include 16 home and away games, with 8 home games @ Avalon Airport Oval.

Is the club paying for interstate trips, flights and accommodation?
The AFL will cover return flights for our players and staff. Should we require overnight accommodation, this will also be covered via the AFL.

Can the club afford that?
There will be some interstate travel costs, however the AFL will cover the greater percentage of these.

Is this just a one year plan? Has the club any assurances re the future?
The AFL is very confident that this new competition will be successful and that we are a strong club in a major growth corridor.

Who runs this new competition?
Grant Williams has been announced as the AFL Talent Pathway Manager, which includes overseeing the VFL/ East Coast competition.

Do you know list size and make up yet (as in age of players)?
Yes. As a VFL Stand Alone Clubs our list size will be 40, which includes a minimum of 12 players under the age of 23.

Will this new competition make recruiting players harder or easier given interstate trips for players with jobs and study?
Time will tell, however, we are extremely confident that playing against 14 AFL clubs will be very attractive to potential recruits.

When will the fixture be released and what is the finals system?
This is expected to be announced prior to Christmas.