A five-goal final term wasn’t enough for Werribee, as they fell to Southport to open the 2025 Smithy’s VFL season.
Facing off at Fankhauser Reserve in a game played in all weather conditions, the two sides delivered yet another thriller, their fourth in two seasons. With just a point separating them at the 20-minute mark of the final quarter, Southport’s experience proved decisive late, as they pulled away to secure an 18-point win, 13.11 (89) to 10.11 (71).
Werribee’s side featured nine new faces, as well as Tylar Watts who played his fourth game for the side and first since 2019. Of the debutants, five made their VFL debuts: ruckman Ben Kellett, key forward Brady Wright, small forward Noah Tullio, wingman Myles McCluggage, and contested bull Jackson Grundy. It was also Jesse Clark’s first official outing as captain after taking over the role from the retired Nick Coughlan.
The visitors struck first through Brady Wright, who joined the first kick first goal club, with a composed set shot to open Werribee’s account for 2025.
The opening term was an arm wrestle, with both teams managing just a single goal. Southport registering 1.6 to Werribee’s 1.2 to take a four-point lead at the first break.
Werribee opened the second quarter with the first goal once again, as Hudson Garoni got his season underway with a bouncing finish from outside 50. Southport responded to reclaim the lead midway through the term, but Brady Wright emerged, slotting back-to-back goals to cap off a three-goal first half and give Werribee a 10-point lead at the main break.
After playing as a half forward last season, Jack Riding got a taste of the midfield, and in the first half was leading all possession winners with 17 disposals and five tackles. Young guns Jaelen Pavlidis and Jake Smith both started in strong fashion, finding 13 disposals each to the main break.
Southport came out of the main break with the first goal in the opening two minutes, before Bior Malual squeezed through a set shot goal to end a great end-to-end passage of play. However, from there, Southport seized control, piling on six unanswered goals to open up a 24-point lead early in the final term.
Flynn Young sparked Werribee’s fightback, kicking two quick goals, before Jake Smith added another on the run to bring the margin back into single digits.
Southport answered through Brock Aston but Werribee kept coming. Malual slotted his second, and Zac Banch—who had looked dangerous all day—finished off another coast-to-coast goal, reducing the deficit to just one point midway through the final quarter.
With the game on the line, Southport’s experience shone through as they wrestled back control, kicking the final three goals to secure an 18-point victory.
Malual was a standout, carrying his strong pre-season form into the match with 22 disposals, eight marks, and two goals.
Harry Grintell, who has proved to be a capable swingman for Werribee played a strong game with 20 disposals and six marks. Ryan Eyers, playing his first game for the club since crossing from Geelong, made an instant impact in defense and was named among Werribee’s best.
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FINAL SCORE:
Werribee: 1.2 4.7 5.9 10.11 (71)
Southport: 1.6 2.9 8.9 13.11 (89)
GOAL SCORERS:
Werribee: B. Wright (3), B. Malual (2), F. Young (2), Z. Banch, H. Garoni, J. Smith
Southport: Z. Foot (4), J. Gore (3), B. Aston, W. Buzza, J. Dawson, H. Dixon, S. Lowson, M. Manteit
BEST PLAYERS:
Werribee: B. Wright, R. Eyers, B. Malual, H. Grintell, F. Young, J. Smith
