Werribee sewed up the fifth minor premiership in their club history with a 11-point win over Box Hill to close out the home and away season away.

Werribee sealed the minor premiership for the first time since 2005 after a strong first half set up the two goal victory over the Hawks on Sunday.

Coming into the clash behind Footscray on the ladder, Werribee came into Sunday needing the four points to go into finals on top of the ladder and responded by kicking five of the first six goals to set the tone early.

Bior Malual and Jack Henderson were a class above in Sunday’s clash and were standouts for Werribee. Malual earned himself the Totally Workwear Player of the Round with a 17 disposal, ten mark outing which included seven goal involvements, three goal assists and a goal. Henderson led the way on the inside, finding 27 disposals and nine clearances.

Riley Bice continued his strong form, accumulating 26 disposals and eight marks across half-back. Fellow defenders Louis Pinnuck (19 disposals and 12 marks) and Jesse Clark were also instrumental in the tight win, while Sam Paea impressed in the backline in his return after a shoulder injury in Round 5, taking eleven marks in his 15 disposals. 

Sam Conway was strong in the ruck, providing Werribee's midfielders with first use by winning 36 hitouts, while also winning five clearances himself.

Werribee got off to the best possible start, with Jay Dahlhaus dribbling home the first goal within 90 seconds, igniting a burst of three goals in the opening six minutes. Flynn Young then slotted his first goal of the afternoon, and Dahlhaus added his second major, bringing his season tally to 29.

The rest of the first quarter turned into a hard-fought contest, as Box Hill managed to halt Werribee’s momentum, scoring the only goal in the next 25 minutes to trim the Tigers’ lead to 13 points by the first break.

Werribee came out firing after quarter-time, with Cooper Whyte and Zac Banch both finding the big sticks in the opening six minutes. Banch found his second five minutes later a coast-to-coast goal starting with Sam Paea in defence. It was goal for goal for the remainder of the second quarter which saw Werribee kick away to a 33 point lead at the main break. Harry Grintell kicked his first major in ten games thanks to a piece of Bior Malual brilliance, before Malual found himself lining up for goal and converting truly from 30 metres out.

After back-to-back Box Hill goals after half-time, Malual again found a free teammate inside 50, and Hudson Garoni nailed the set shot for his first of the afternoon. This goal extended Garoni's scoring streak making him the only player in the VFL to kick a goal in all 18 games.

Two late goals to Box Hill reduced Werribee’s lead to 15 points at three quarter time. The Hawks upped the pressure to the start the final quarter, themselves needing the four points to earn a double chance in finals. However, following a tense opening ten minutes of the last term Jay Dahlhaus  snapped truly for his third of the day and put the minor premiers in good stead. Box Hill kicked the final two goals of the quarter but it would be too little too late as Werribee ran out as 11 point winners. 

With Werribee having the bye in the VFL it saw nine players get the chance to pull on the boots and represent the club at local level, with several returning from injury making a strong case for selection as the team heads into another finals campaign. Read how they performed in this week’s Local Player Report:

Essendon District Football League: 

Sam Paea - Aberfeldie
Paea had a huge day as Aberfeldie had a thrilling win over Avondale Heights. The key forward, playing a split of forward and ruck booted six goals, including three crucial majors in the final quarter to secure the win after leading by just three points at three-quarter time. Paea also gathered 15 disposals at an impressive 87% efficiency, took eight marks, and won several clearances in the ruck. 

Cam McLeod - Aberfeldie
The half-back had a strong game offensively alongside Paea in Aberfeldie’s win. After making his first VFL appearance of 2024 last weekend against Southport, McLeod gathered an effective 17 disposals in his return to the True Blues, alongside six marks and three inside 50s.  

Reuben William - Keilor
Was apart of Keilor’s first loss in 713 days as Airport West got the victory by 13 points, as the Blues last quarter fightback was not enough. William was named in the best and was very efficient with his touches while playing a big role defensively. 

Geelong Football Netball League: 

Connor Thar - Lara
Thar had another strong game in the midfield as Lara went down to Bell Park. Named in the best, he collected 28 disposals, with his contested work a highlight, finding 16 contested possessions and 10 clearances as he strings together strong games in his return from injury in the GFNL.

Victorian Amateaur Football Assocation: 

Harrison Miller - Williamstown CYMS
Miller showed his class as the CYs had a big win over Beaumaris. Named in the best, the small forward kicked three goals, as well as finding 20 disposals, where he went at an effective 75%, and took seven marks. 

Zayne Galea - Williamstown CYMS
It was a big day for our two CYs’ train-ons, as Galea dominated in the air and had a huge impact in Willy’s win. The key forward took 13 marks on his way to 19 disposals, and booted two goals as he continues to show impressive signs in the forward line. 

Western Football Netball League: 

Michael Selsby - Yarraville Seddon Eagles
On a disappointing day for the Eagles, who went down to Hoppers Crossing by 32 points at home, Selsby had a solid outing in the midfield. Was strong in the contest, collecting 12 contested possessions in his 18 disposals, went inside 50 seven times and won four clearances. 

Ubil Chol - Caroline Springs
With a big win over Altona, Caroline Springs put themselves two points behind Werribee Districts with two games to play before finals, and Chol had another strong defensive game, while not wasting a touch to go with several marks.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League: 

Hamish Gilmore - Albury Tigers
Gilmore was busy in defense for Albury, despite their heavy defeat to ladder leaders Yarrawonga. He gathered 23 disposals at 83% efficiency, took five marks, and made seven 1%’ers.