Werribee last week locked in its 42-man squad ahead of the commencement of the 2022 VFL season with Jay Dahlhaus signed to the club’s final list spot.  

Dahlhaus debuted for the club as an under 22 player in round one last year and now starts this season on Werribee’s primary list.  

The exciting small forward added size and explosiveness in the offseason before overcoming a preseason injury to impress in all four of the club’s recent practice matches. 

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said Dahlhaus had demonstrated a strong commitment to improve his body and game. 

“Jay had to work really had to earn his spot on the list in terms of his conditioning and getting his body ready for the rigours of VFL footy,” he said. 

“We set some targets for him at the end of last year and he’s gone out and achieved those with great enthusiasm.  

“Jay’s a great character, he’s a personality that provides great energy around our group and we’re excited to have his pressure and intensity around the contest.”  

Dahlhaus will retain the number 24 guernsey which he wore in his two games last year.  

In addition to the 42 players that make up the primary and development lists the club will carry an additional 12 players for the season.    

All 12 rookie players have been with the club for the duration of the preseason and can be brought onto either the primary or development lists at any stage in 2022.

Clubs can make a maximum of 16 list changes over the course of the season. 

Along with injury cover, the AFL’s COVID Top Up Players Contingency is another scenario which might open a list spot.  

Werribee along with the Northern Bullants have been aligned to the Sydney Swans who will have access to players from both clubs as part of the AFL COVID Contingency Plan.  

The Swans recently nominated Ollie Hanrahan, Shaun Mannagh, Nathan Cooper and Sam Paea as Werribee players they can call upon in the case that they fall below 30 available players of their own.