After a standout campaign that saw his emergence as a key midfielder, Jack Riding has put pen to paper to become Werribee’s latest re-signing for the 2026 VFL season.

Following a breakout year in 2024, Riding elevated his game again in 2025. Having spent the premiership season playing across half forward, he transitioned into the midfield this year and quickly became a key figure in Werribee’s engine room.

Across 17 games, he averaged a career-high 24 disposals per game, along with five tackles and five clearances, missing only Round 3 through injury. His disposal average was the second-highest at the club behind Dom Brew. Riding’s explosiveness around stoppages was a standout, ranking in the top five in the competition for inside 50s.

This strong output saw him named in the 40-man VFL Team of the Year squad for the second straight season in his new role. He finished the year in outstanding form, recording 32 or more disposals in four of his last seven matches, including equal career-high 36-possession performances against both Williamstown and the Northern Bullants, capping off a dominant finish to the season.

Riding’s late-season surge was reflected in the Bruce Montgomery Trophy count, where he stormed home from 10th place after Round 16 to finish equal fourth alongside Jake Smith on 157 votes, just one vote behind Hudson Garoni and Bior Malual, who were joint runners-up.

Speaking on his re-commitment, Riding said,

“I'm stoked to be part of the club for season 2026. I love the club and everything it’s done for me on and off the field, so it was ultimately an easy decision to sign on."

He added, “I’m as eager and motivated as ever to get back to where we belong and will do everything in my power to contribute to that happening.”

Riding joined Werribee after winning North Ballarat’s best and fairest in 2022 and made his VFL debut midway through 2023, playing four games in his first season. Following a strong pre-season, he was selected across half-back for the 2024 season opener before shifting forward early in the year, where he became a mainstay in the side.

His breakout 2024 campaign earned him the club’s Most Improved Player award, ranking top ten in the competition for goal assists, score assists and score involvements during the premiership season.

The 2026 season will mark Riding’s fourth year at the club. He currently sits on 41 VFL games for Werribee heading into the new campaign.