In light of yesterday's AFL announcement regarding the 2021 VFL/East Coast Competition, Werribee Football Club president Martin Carter provides an update to members and supporters. 

The Werribee Football Club's licence to be a part of the 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition has been accepted.

We are delighted to be part of this very exciting new chapter in second tier football. We see Werribee as an integral part of the football landscape and look forward to playing our part on and off field. More details and thoughts coming soon.

AFL RELEASE

The AFL has today confirmed 22 licences for the 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition with clubs to be based in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria all confirmed to line-up in 2021.

The largest second-tier football competition in Australia is set to begin in April next year and will consist of a 16-round season, providing all players with a premium standard of football.

Confirmed licences

Standalone Second-Tier Clubs: Aspley, Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee, Williamstown

Standalone AFL Clubs: Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Footscray, Geelong Cats, Gold Coast SUNS, GWS GIANTS, North Melbourne, Richmond, Sydney Swans

Aligned Clubs: Sandringham, Box Hill Hawks, Casey Demons

The VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition will integrate into a streamlined calendar for men’s football with the 2021 NAB League Boys, with both seasons set to begin in April, running concurrently with the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

All clubs will have connections to community clubs and pathway programs, including a varied alignment to Under-19 NAB League Clubs for Victorian-based teams.

The name of the competition will be announced in the coming weeks with the competition to maintain a strong connection to the heritage of the respective Hard Yakka / Totally workwear VFL and Toyota NEAFL competitions and the communities who support them.

The VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition will sit alongside the SANFL and the WAFL in 2021 to provide players with the highest level of second-tier football. The AFL will continue to work with all AFL Clubs on their non-selected AFL players ahead of their respective 2021 seasons.

The AFL will continue to work closely with AFL NSW / ACT and AFL Queensland to ensure the continued development and progression of premier men’s and women’s competitions in the State and Territory.

The salary cap is set at $200,000 for standalone clubs and $100,000 for AFL and aligned clubs. As previously communicated, there will be no license fee payable by any club to participate in the 2021 Second-Tier Competition with the AFL to subsidise all approved Club travel for interstate matches.

A date for commencement of pre-season training ahead of the 2021 season will be advised in due course.

The AFL will continue to review all arrangements including return-to-train and return-to-play protocols in consultation with clubs, the various State Governments and respective Health Officers to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in this competition remains the priority.

In this edition, 25 years on, we remember the events of 1995. Then General Manager Ivo Havard gives the story from inside the club while Ken Gannon talks about being on the other side of what transpired. The Chirnside Park Rally and more.

The official podcast of the Werribee Football Club, hosted by Kevin Hillier

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Half a dozen Werribee Football Club players have journeyed north to take part in the 2020/21 Northern Territory Football League season which kicks off this weekend.

Dane McFarlane, Shaun Mannagh, Brodie Newman and former Werribee player Brydan Hodgson have all linked up with Premier League side Wanderers, while Dom Brew and Tom Boyd will line up for the Nightcliff Tigers in the top tier. All have completed a mandatory 14-day quarantine period and have been named for their respective side’s season opener.

First-year Werribee defender Jesse Clark will also feature in the competition for the Southern Districts Crocs and will be available for selection when he exits quarantine next week.

Werribee Football Manager Stuart Balloch said: “It’s great for these boys to have the opportunity to play some footy in 2020, in what has been a tough year on many fronts back home in Victoria.

“Getting match fitness up in the NT over the next few months will give them all a great platform to hit the 2021 VFL season with form and momentum.

“With limited exposure available this year due to COVID-19, being able to showcase their ability will also help them be identified on the talent player pathway, which is something Werribee was not able to provide in 2020 due to the pandemic.

“We wish them the best of luck, and look forward to welcoming them back home ahead of an exciting 2021 season.”