Werribee has added another key name to its off-season re-signings, with forward Jay Dahlhaus the latest locked in for the 2026 VFL season.

The 2025 campaign was a significant one for Dahlhaus, who brought up his 50-game milestone in Round 18 against Richmond at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval. He was honoured for the achievement on Bruce Montgomery Trophy night by veteran teammate Louis Pinnuck.

This season also saw Dahlhaus take on added responsibility, being inducted into the leadership group for the first time in his career. He stepped into the role alongside former Geelong Falcons teammate Jesse Clark, who captained the side for the first time. Speaking on Dahlhaus’ leadership ahead of the season, Clark said:

“I think Jay will bring a lot of energy to the leadership group, and it’s something he’s definitely worked on the past couple of years, his leadership skills. I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes in the role, but I’m also really excited because he’ll bring a lot of energy.”

Dahlhaus’ 2025 season began in Round 2, after missing the Round 1 Grand Final rematch through injury. The small forward made an immediate impact, kicking a goal among his 14 disposals to help Werribee on their way to their first win of the season.

He went on to play 16 of the remaining 17 games, finishing with the second-most goals for Werribee for the second straight year. His season was highlighted by a career-best five-goal haul in a Round 6 win over top-four side Frankston.

Dahlhaus now sits on 52 games and 72 goals as he prepares to enter his sixth season at the club.

Speaking on his re-commitment for 2026, Dahlhaus said:

“Werribee is my home away from home. The club, the community, and the people are so special, and I’m extremely privileged to be a part of such a great group and club.”

He added:

“I know we will be back at our best in 2026. We are all driven to reach what we achieved in 2024 again, and I can’t wait to rip in.”

Dahlhaus joined the club in 2021 as an under-22 player and made his debut in Round 1 against Collingwood, recording 10 disposals, six kicks, and three inside-50 tackles. He was presented his guernsey by club life member and former coach Simon Atkins and debuted alongside fellow future 50-gamers Nathan Cooper, Nick Hayes, and close friend and now captain Clark.

After one more appearance in 2021, Dahlhaus earned promotion to the primary list for the 2022 season, claiming the final spot in Werribee’s 42-man squad.

He opened the 2023 season in the Round 1 side but was sidelined for the rest of the year due to injury. He returned in 2024 to play 19 games in a career-best season, finishing with 33 goals, almost doubling his previous best, and averaging 11 disposals, four marks, and three tackles a game.

Dahlhaus played a key role in the 2024 Grand Final victory over Southport, finishing with 13 disposals and kicking two crucial second-half goals in the six-point comeback win.