It was a weekend to remember for Werribee-listed players, as Mace Cousins (Darley), Anthony Depasquale (Kyabram) and Fergus Pinnuck (Cobram) each played key roles in premiership triumphs for their local clubs. Congratulations to all three on their premiership success.

They’re joined in this week’s edition by two more teammates who remain in the hunt for silverware, with Jackson Grundy (North Warrnambool) and Liam Kershaw (St Joseph’s) set for grand final appearances this Friday.

PREMIERSHIP SUCCESS

Ballarat Football Netball League:

Mace Cousins - Darley
Cousins was a standout as Darley claimed the BFNL premiership with an 11.13 (79) to 6.9 (45) win over Sunbury at City Oval, Ballarat. Named among the best, he picked up 17 disposals, 11 contested possessions, eight marks, including another huge five intercept grabs, and even hit the scoreboard with 2.1. Both goals came in the opening term, his first two of the season, and helped set up a 47 to 0 quarter-time lead.

It was Cousins’ second premiership in three years, a reward for a season where he excelled at both levels, winning Werribee’s Defensive Player of the Year at the recent Bruce Montgomery Trophy night. The flag also marks an incredible return to football after he missed the entirety of 2024 with a back injury.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Anthony Depasquale - Kyabram
Depasquale became a senior premiership player as Kyabram defeated Rochester 13.13 (91) to 8.14 (62) in Sunday’s grand final at Deakin Reserve. The dynamic forward gathered 15 disposals, six marks and two inside 50s, and added 1.1 to continue his streak of kicking a goal in every game for the Bombers in 2025, helping seal the 29-point victory.

The flag caps a strong year where Depasquale earned a VFL debut with Werribee, featured in eight games and kicked six goals, while also returning from a back injury in time to lead Kyabram’s charge.

Murray Football League:

Fergus Pinnuck - Cobram
Pinnuck helped deliver one of the great Murray FNL upsets as Cobram edged out previously undefeated Congupna 8.6 (54) to 5.21 (51) in the grand final at Moama Reserve. He finished with 16 disposals, eight contested possessions, four rebound 50s, and a couple of clearances and inside 50s.

The win was Cobram’s first premiership since 1998, toppling a Congupna side chasing back-to-back flags and riding a 32-game unbeaten streak. Despite Congupna generating a staggering 26 scoring shots to Cobram’s 14, Pinnuck and his teammates stood tall to secure a famous three-point triumph.

UPCOMING GRAND FINALS

Hampden Football Netball League:

Jackson Grundy - North Warrnambool
Grundy will line up in his fifth consecutive grand final this Friday when North Warrnambool face Koroit at Reid Oval, Warrnambool. It is a remarkable achievement for the Eagles midfielder, who will be hoping to help his side break a run of four straight defeats on the big stage.

North Warrnambool had last weekend off after defeating Koroit by five points in the semi-final a fortnight ago. That match marked Grundy’s first game since Round 17 of the HFNL season, and he made an immediate impact with 15 disposals, four clearances and six tackles, along with a crucial last-quarter goal to book their place in the decider.

The grand final appearance caps a year in which he made his VFL debut in Round 1, playing five games for Werribee in 2025.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Liam Kershaw - St Joseph’s
Kershaw and St Joseph’s will look to finish their top-of-the-ladder campaign with a flag when they take on St Mary’s in Friday’s GFNL grand final at GMHBA Stadium.

It has been a breakout season for Kershaw, who became Werribee’s 17th debutant of 2025 while also playing 13 games for St Joseph’s either side of his VFL appearances. He was influential in St Joseph’s 13.8 (86) to 10.9 (69) semi-final win over Colac, finishing with 10 disposals, three marks, four one-percenters and two rebound 50s to earn a place among the best players.

Now, the first-year senior looks to cap his development with a premiership medal in what has already been a memorable 2025.

With grand finals upon us, three Werribee-listed players are set for the biggest stage of their local seasons. Defender Mace Cousins (Darley) and forwards Anthony Depasquale (Kyabram) and Fergus Pinnuck (Cobram) are all set to play in grand finals this weekend as they look to finish their seasons on the ultimate high. They’re joined in this week’s wrap by a group of Werribee teammates who continued their local finals campaigns over the weekend, in the 24th edition of the Weekly Player Report for 2025.

Ballarat Football Netball League:

Mace Cousins - Darley
Cousins takes centre stage tomorrow as Darley face Sunbury in the BFNL grand final at City Oval, Ballarat, as he looks to make it two premierships in three seasons with the Devils. The minor premiers advanced straight through after finishing on top of the ladder with a 17–1 record, defeating East Point in the qualifying final and Sunbury by 38 points in the semi. Cousins, fresh off winning Werribee’s Defensive Player of the Year at last weekend’s Bruce Montgomery Trophy night, has been in outstanding touch throughout finals, collecting 22 disposals and nine intercept marks in the first final and 20 disposals and six intercepts in the second. Named among the best on field in both games, he set the tone for Darley’s back six. Sunbury advanced through last week’s preliminary final, edging out Melton by 14 points in a shootout, setting up a rematch with Darley for the flag.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Anthony Depasquale - Kyabram
Depasquale and Kyabram are set to take on Rochester in Sunday’s GVFL grand final at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton. After finishing on top of the ladder, the Bombers beat Rochester by 42 points in the qualifying final before dispatching Mansfield by 82 points in the semi, with Depasquale booting three goals from 18 disposals. The dynamic forward has been a reliable presence, kicking at least one goal in each of his seven games for Kyabram this year, whilst also earning a VFL debut and playing eight games for Werribee throughout 2025. Rochester booked their place in the decider by overcoming Mansfield in last week’s preliminary final, locking in a grand final showdown with the Bombers.

Murray Football League:

Fergus Pinnuck - Cobram
Pinnuck played a key role in Cobram’s 10.13 (73) to 9.8 (62) preliminary final victory over Mulwala. The hard-working forward gathered 16 disposals, five marks and five inside 50s, while hitting the scoreboard with two goals. After entering finals via the elimination route, Cobram have strung together three straight wins to book a grand final berth against undefeated Congupna at Moama Reserve tomorrow. Pinnuck and his teammates will draw confidence from their narrow loss to Congupna in the final round of the home-and-away season.

Hampden Football Netball League:

Jackson Grundy - North Warrnambool
Grundy returned for his first game since Round 17 of the HFNL season and helped North Warrnambool secure a grand final berth with a five-point win over Koroit. Named among the best, he collected 15 disposals, four clearances and six tackles, while kicking a crucial last-quarter goal in the thrilling victory. The Eagles now earn the week off before facing the winner of tomorrow’s preliminary final between Koroit and South Warrnambool in next Friday’s grand final at Reid Oval, Warrnambool.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Liam Kershaw - St Joseph’s
Kershaw was influential on the wing in St Joseph’s 13.8 (86) to 10.9 (69) semi-final win over Colac. He finished with 10 disposals, three marks, four one-percenters and two rebound 50s, and was named among the best. Minor premiers St Joseph’s now enjoy a week off before lining up in the GFNL grand final at GMHBA Stadium, where they’ll face the winner of St Mary’s and Colac.

Noah Tullio - Newtown & Chilwell
Tullio battled in tough conditions as Newtown exited finals with a 4.12 (36) to 8.13 (61) loss to St Mary’s in last week’s knockout semi. The small forward managed 11 disposals at 72% efficiency, four marks and two inside 50s, along with a behind. Despite the straight-sets exit, it was a valuable season for Tullio, who earned his VFL debut and put together a string of games for Werribee to start the year before injury, then worked his way back to feature at senior level across finals with Newtown.

Western Football Netball League:

Wil Kliszewski - Yarraville Seddon Eagles
Kliszewski produced a strong performance despite Yarraville Seddon falling agonisingly short of a grand final berth, going down to Caroline Springs 11.16 (82) to 11.9 (75). The forward gathered 13 disposals at 84% efficiency, including 11 contested possessions, and pulled down four contested marks. He also kicked 1.1. The Eagles led by two points at three-quarter time but couldn’t hold on, bowing out by just seven points in the preliminary final at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval.

Werribee Football Club enjoyed another strong presence at last night’s VFL Awards Night, where reigning Bruce Montgomery Medalist Dom Brew earned a third consecutive Team of the Year selection and President Martin Carter was recognised with VFL Life Membership.

Brew and Carter were both acknowledged on stage at Marvel Stadium, capping off a memorable evening for the club.

Just two days after claiming his third straight Bruce Montgomery Trophy as Werribee’s best-and-fairest, Brew added another honour by securing a third successive appearance in the VFL Team of the Year.

In a season where he moved into Werribee’s top ten for games played, Brew continued to build on an extraordinary run from 2023 to 2025, a period in which he has not missed a single match. The inside midfielder averaged career-highs of 28.9 disposals and 10.1 clearances per game, leading the competition in clearances while also topping the league for contested possessions and tackles.

He also equalled his career-best goal tally since 2019, highlighted by two clutch majors deep into the final quarter against Port Melbourne that helped secure Werribee’s Round 10 victory.

At the awards night, Brew also presented the 2025 winner, Southport’s Jordan Dawson, with the J.J. Liston Trophy, while finishing third in the count himself. He polled in 11 of his 18 games and finished 12 votes clear of his nearest Werribee teammate.

For the second year running, key forward Hudson Garoni was next best with nine votes, followed by midfielders Jack Riding (seven) and Daly Andrews (six). Ruckman Sam Conway (three), Harry Grintell (two), and Jay Dahlhaus, Bior Malual and Flynn Young (all one) also featured on the tally.

The night was equally significant for Carter, who was awarded VFL Life Membership in recognition for his ‘special service to the VFL or to football in general’

Carter began his journey with Werribee joining the club’s committee in 1992 and was part of the board during the club’s historic first VFA/VFL premiership in 1993.

He remained involved on the board across multiple periods, including serving as vice president in 2008 and 2009.

In 2015, following the sudden passing of John Nicol, Martin stepped in, in an acting capacity, until he was officially appointed President at the 2016 AGM. Martin’s presidency has been a period of stability and growth, including the club’s transition from an AFL-aligned model with North Melbourne to a fully standalone VFL team since 2018.

The pinnacle of Martin’s time as President came in 2024 when Werribee secured its second VFL premiership. An achievement reflecting the efforts of every level of the club and celebrated when Martin and CEO Mark Penaluna unfurled the flag at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval to open the 2025 season.

Martin’s VFL Life Membership caps off a year of personal recognition, following his induction into Werribee’s Hall of Fame earlier in the year.

Martin joins Simon Atkins, David Lyons, Donald McDonald, John Nicol, James Podsiadly, Len “Tiger” Ryan, Nathan Saunders and Ray Smith as figures associated with Werribee to have earnt VFL Life Membership, as well CEO Mark Penaluna and two-time J.J. Liston winner Tom Gribble who have received the honour in recent years.

Reflecting on the honour, Carter said it was all about the bigger picture:; “It’s about the community, it’s about how we drive each other, it’s about how we care for each other. They’re our values. Werribee, from top down to bottom up, are all the same. We’re in this to develop people, to develop them to be better people, as well as our players.”

As Werribee continues to celebrate its 60th year, two club greats have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Long-serving timekeeper Scott Bishop and joint Number 1 Ticket Holder and former player Merv Hughes join the seven inductees honoured earlier in the year.

Scott and Merv were inducted at the Bruce Montgomery Trophy presentation night, with CEO Mark Penaluna presenting Bishop’s honour early in the evening, while former President Greg Welsh later welcomed Hughes into the Hall of Fame.

Scott Bishop

A familiar face around Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval for more than two decades, Scott Bishop has been the club’s timekeeper since 2003, overseeing more than 700 games and travelling interstate with the team on every occasion.

Scott’s contribution saw him presented with the Ray Smith Best Club Person Award in 2012 and later earning league-wide acclaim in 2022 with the Alex Gillon Award as the VFL Volunteer of the Year.

Before stepping into the timekeeper’s role, he spent several seasons volunteering in a range of administrative capacities at the club. His commitment to the game has extended beyond Werribee too, generously offering his services free of charge to other VFL clubs throughout his time in football.

Speaking on Bishop’s induction and unwavering work at the football club, CEO Mark Penaluna said “Having worked alongside Scott since 2003, I clearly understand the significance, loyalty, and trustworthiness that he brings to the timekeeper role.”

Penaluna added, “Anyone in football understands the importance of the timekeeper position, and very, very, very few put their hands up to take on that onerous responsibility.”

On Saturday night as well as the Hall of Fame induction, it was announced that the Timekeepers Box at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval is being named in his honour, a fitting tribute to his outstanding service.

Merv Hughes

Best known for his feats on the cricket field, former Australian Test fast bowler Merv Hughes has been Werribee’s Number 1 Ticket Holder since 1992, but his connection to the club runs much deeper.

Before his international cricketing career took off, Hughes pulled on the Werribee jumper between 1978 and 1984, playing 95 games as a key position player. He is officially Werribee Player #214.

Merv was also part of Werribee’s 1978 Lightning Premiership side, the club’s first piece of silverware, when it defeated Sandringham in the Grand Final at Junction Oval. Werribee was the only Division 2 club to win the competition during its eight-year existence.

Merv is still often seen supporting the team on game day, and last season, in 2024 he presented Louis Pinnuck with the number nine guernsey, his old number, ahead of Pinnuck’s 100th game.

As part of Merv Hughes’ Hall of Fame honour, former Werribee President Greg ‘Turtle’ Welsh shared the following reflection:

“Merv Hughes is clearly the most famous of all those who have played football for Werribee. His cricket talent and big personality have endeared him to millions of people around the world.”

“However, it is his contribution to this football club and community for which he is rightly recognised with his elevation to the Werribee Football Club Hall of Fame.”

“Merv started playing at Werribee as a teenager. A strong mark and booming kick, he played 95 quality games. Merv was invited to try out for Geelong, but by then he had decided cricket was his game.”

“Merv became a colossus on the world cricket stage, but he never forgot Werribee or the footy club. He has made himself available on many occasions, spoken at luncheons and events, and brought many special guests to the club, including the late Shane Warne and Dean Jones. Merv has been our number one ticket holder and ambassador for the club for more than 30 years now. He is proud to say he is a “Werribee boy.” We are proud to say that Merv Hughes is in our Hall of Fame.”