While it was a tough week for Werribee at VFL level with a 76-point loss to Casey, there were plenty of standout performances at local level. Several Werribee-listed players returned from injury in impressive fashion to headline the action.

Read how the nine Werribee boys performed across six local leagues in the 15th edition of the Weekly Player Report.

Hampden Football Netball League:

Jackson Grundy - North Warrnambool
Returning for his first game after a long layoff from an injury sustained during the state game bye, Jackson Grundy didn’t miss a beat alongside Michael Barlow in the midfield in North Warrnambool’s thrilling one-point loss to Warrnambool. Splitting his time between midfield and forward, Grundy delivered a best-on-ground performance with 28 disposals and six clearances, and made an impact on the scoreboard with three goals in an outstanding comeback display.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Anthony Depasquale - Kyabram
After a run of eight consecutive VFL games for Werribee, Anthony Depasquale returned from injury with a game for Kyabram, and starred in a massive 164-point win over Tatura. Playing primarily forward, he finished with 25 disposals, seven tackles and continued his strong goal kicking form locally, also booting three goals for the game, working his way into the game after a slightly rusty start.

Western Football Netball League:

Wil Kliszewski - Yarraville Seddon
Wil Kliszewski put together another strong game for Yarraville Seddon, earning a spot in the best in a big win over Caroline Springs, coming out 20-point winners in a top-four clash. Normally a key forward, Wil spent the entire game in the ruck against the competition’s premier big man, last year’s league best-and-fairest winner, and more than held his own. Kliszewski finished with 10 disposals (eight contested), five tackles and 25 hitouts, with his follow-up work at stoppages a highlight in a strong showing.

Ballarat Football Netball League:

Isaac Nixon - Bacchus Marsh
Coming off a stretch of three three-goal hauls and a five-goal performance at interleague, Isaac Nixon was again a dangerous presence up forward in Bacchus Marsh’s 35-point win over North Ballarat. He took 11 marks from 17 disposals and kicked 1.5, with inaccurate kicking the only thing stopping a big day out.

Rye Penny - Bacchus Marsh
Rye Penny delivered one of his strongest games of the year across half-back, gathering 14 disposals and standing out both offensively and defensively. His defensive efforts included five spoils and a pair of intercept marks, and his drive off half back was a standout.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:

Jedd Longmire - Corowa-Rutherglen
Jedd Longmire was a standout as Corowa-Rutherglen defeated Albury for the first time in 17 years with a commanding 50-point win. The midfielder combined his trademark aggression with composure going forward, finishing with 18 disposals (seven contested), six clearances, four tackles and one goal. He was named in the best for his consistent four-quarter effort.

Raymond Murphy - Corowa-Rutherglen
Ray Murphy also played a key role in the historic win, finishing with 15 disposals (seven contested), six inside 50s and three tackles. He was involved in eight scoring chains and linked up well with teammates on the outside while applying his trademark defensive pressure. Murphy was also named among Corowa-Rutherglen’s best players on the day.

Archer Gardiner - North Albury
Archer Gardiner returned after a few weeks off and showed glimpses to break the game open in North Albury’s narrow eight-point loss to Lavington. He finished with 11 disposals and five tackles, with his defensive pressure again a highlight, as it is weekly for the Gardiner brothers.

Essendon District Football League:

Reuben Rode - Greenvale
Reuben Rode stuffed the stat sheet in Greenvale’s high-scoring loss to Airport West. Splitting his time between midfield and forward, Rode racked up 27 disposals (16 contested), nine clearances, seven tackles and kicked a goal. Despite the added attention from his opponents, he continued to push forward and provide drive all day.