Dom Brew capped off another dominant season by securing the 2025 Bruce Montgomery Trophy as Werribee’s best and fairest player.

In a year where the midfield star broke into the club’s top ten for games played, Brew further etched his name into Werribee history, becoming just the third player to claim the award three years in a row, joining Travis Robertson and close friend Matt Hanson.

The count was tight early before Brew surged to the lead in Round 13 and never surrendered it, finishing with a 40-vote margin, the largest since Jarred Moore’s runaway victory in 2013.

Behind him, the race for the minor placings was as close as ever. Veterans Bior Malual and Hudson Garoni achieved career-best finishes as joint runners-up on 158 votes. Premiership midfielders Jake Smith and Jack Riding were right on their heels, sharing fourth with 157 votes, while in his first year as captain, Jesse Clark finished only two votes further back in sixth with 155.

After a J.J. Liston Trophy in 2024, Brew’s 2025 season saw him increase his career-best averages in disposals (28.9) and clearances (10.1), while also averaging 17.2 contested possessions and 9.5 tackles.

Best and Fairest voting is completed by senior coach Jimmy Allan and assistants Kyle Hartigan, Jarrod Young and Andrew Hodgson who award 0-4 votes to every player at the end of each game.

Hudson Garoni was also called to the stage to receive his fourth consecutive Leading Goalkicker Award, presented by forwards coach Andrew Hodgson. His 43 goals in 2025 placed him inside the top five of the ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal for the third straight year and lifted his career tally to 187 since debuting in 2019.

The Ray Smith Award for Best Club Person was also presented on the night. Named in honour of the late Werribee legend Ray Smith, who served in numerous roles including the club’s inaugural secretary from 1965 to 1975, this year’s award went to Operations Coordinator Dean Lee. Lee took on an expanded workload as the club searched for a new Football Manager at the beginning of 2025 and continued to support the football department even after relocating to the Northern Territory for work commitments.

Last year’s Ray Smith Award winner, Jimmy Masterson, was on stage to present the first award of the evening, the Property Award, which went to Jaelen Pavlidis. Tylar Watts received the Community Development Award, presented by Community Manager Majok ‘Shaggy’ Ngong.

First-year defender Luke Preece enjoyed a memorable night, collecting the Local Player Award for his brilliant season with Drysdale in the Bellarine Football League, a campaign that earned him an upgrade to the playing list and a VFL debut. He also received the Trainers Award, presented by head trainer Sam Borg.

Fellow first-year player Ryan Eyers also claimed two honours, taking out the Best First Year Player Award and the Trademark Award. Although an injury ended his season in Round 12, the key defender was leading the best and fairest count at the time after an outstanding first 11 games.

Another first-year recruit, Mace Cousins, who joined Eyers in making the move from Geelong’s VFL side, claimed the Best Defensive Player Award. Jake Smith, whose year was highlighted by a fourth-placed finish in the Bruce Montgomery Trophy count, received the Coaches Award from Jimmy Allan after a season in which he battled injury yet still managed to play every game.

Ruckman Sam Conway collected the Most Improved Player Award after taking his game to another level in 2025, leading the entire competition in hitouts.

Meanwhile, two long-serving greats of the football club were inducted into the Hall of Fame: past player and Number 1 Ticket Holder Merv Hughes, and long serving timekeeper Scott Bishop. It was also announced the Timekeepers Room at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval is being named in Scott’s honour.

Another recognition for the club came on the night, with the team from the VFL Rewind Radio Program presenting Werribee with the Best Canteen Award, a great acknowledgement for Chirnsides by the River staff for their hard work.

Bruce Montgomery Trophy Top 10:

1. Dom Brew (198 votes)
= 2. Hudson Garoni (158)
= 2. Bior Malual (158)
= 4. Jack Riding (157)
= 4. Jake Smith (157)
6. Jesse Clark (155)
7. Harry Grintell (146)
8. Louis Pinnuck (142)
9. Sam Conway (140)
10. Ryan Eyers (129)

2025 Award Winners:
Property Award: Jaelen Pavlidis
Trainers Award: Luke Preece
Community Award: Tylar Watts
Best 1st Year Player: Ryan Eyers
Leading Goalkicker: Hudson Garoni
Local Player of the Year: Luke Preece
Coaches Award: Jake Smith
Most Improved Player: Sam Conway
Defensive Player: Mace Cousins
Trademark Player: Ryan Eyers
Ray Smith Best Club Person: Dean Lee
Life Membership (100 games): Bior Malual
Hall of Fame: Scott Bishop and Merv Hughes