Werribee may have had the bye during Round 18 of the Smithy's VFL season, but there was still plenty of action for Werribee-listed players across local football over the weekend.

The weekend was highlighted by Reuben Rode's successful return from injury after almost three months on the sidelines, Luke Preece continuing his outstanding form in defence, Massimo Raso producing his best local performance of the season, and Tom Webster booting another five-goal haul.

Read how the 17 Werribee-listed players performed in this week's edition of the Weekly Local Player Report.

Bellarine Football Netball League:

Luke Preece - Drysdale
Preece continued his outstanding form as Drysdale defeated Ocean Grove by 61 points. The defender collected 22 disposals at 82% efficiency, nine marks, including a massive eight intercept grabs, 11 intercept possessions and eight rebound 50s while once again controlling the game behind the ball. His leadership, ability to win one-on-one contests and drive from defence were key factors in another outstanding performance.

Tom Webster - Newcomb
Webster produced another dominant display as Newcomb cruised to a 68-point victory over Modewarre. Playing as a key forward, he finished with 22 disposals, 11 marks, 13 score involvements and five goals, setting the tone with a brilliant opening quarter before continuing to compete strongly throughout the afternoon.

Archer Hanegraaf - Geelong Amateur
Hanegraaf was outstanding despite Geelong Amateur going down to Queenscliff. The midfielder amassed 30 disposals, 18 contested possessions, nine clearances, eight tackles and 142 ranking points, dominating the first half before taking on an even greater midfield workload after his side was reduced to one player on the interchange bench. His ability to win clearances and burst away from stoppages was a feature in another impressive performance.

Essendon District Football League:

Massimo Raso - Deer Park
Raso produced his best local performance of the season in Deer Park's 54-point win over Greenvale. Splitting his time between high forward and the midfield, he gathered 26 disposals, nine marks, five tackles, seven score involvements and kicked two goals. His work rate, intent and impact around the contest were standout features in an excellent all-round display.

Victorian Amateur Football Association:

Mitch Lloyd - Uni Blues
Lloyd played another disciplined game as Uni Blues recorded a commanding 97-point victory over Old Haileybury. The defender finished with 21 disposals at 76% efficiency, eight marks, 11 intercept possessions and five score involvements while holding his structure well and helping organise the defence throughout the one-sided contest.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Liam Kershaw - St Joseph's
Kershaw was named St Joseph's best player despite the side's 15-point loss to South Barwon. Playing primarily across half back with brief stints in the ruck, he collected 25 disposals, 11 intercept possessions and five marks. His aggressive approach and consistently strong form over the past month continue to impress.

Eli Pearce - Bell Park
Pearce worked tirelessly in Bell Park's loss to St Mary's. Spending the majority of the afternoon through the midfield while also rotating forward and in the ruck, he collected 20 disposals, nine marks, six hitouts and five score involvements. His work rate and ability to cover the ground both offensively and defensively were again on display in another solid contribution.

Ollie Bridgewater - Bell Park
Alongside Pearce, Bridgewater spent time in a number of different roles as Bell Park fell to St Mary's. The ruckman finished with 12 disposals, five tackles and two inside 50s, continuing to build match fitness in his return from injury while showing positive signs despite being used in a variety of roles.

Josh Sanders - St Mary's
Sanders was named in St Mary's best players after helping defeat Pearce and Bridgewater's Bell Park by 44 points. Starting in defence before spending time on the wing and forward, he gathered 24 disposals at 88% efficiency, seven intercept possessions and six score involvements. His competitiveness early and composure in defence helped him cement his place as an important member of St Mary's backline.

Hampden Football Netball League:

Tylar Watts - Portland
Watts made an excellent return from groin trouble as Portland defeated Warrnambool Blues by 27 points. The ruckman finished with 19 disposals, 32 hitouts, including 11 to advantage, six clearances, five tackles and a goal. After being beaten by the same opponent earlier in the season, he returned with a clear plan, influencing both the stoppages and around the ground in an encouraging comeback.

Myles McCluggage - South Warrnambool
McCluggage was again influential despite South Warrnambool's narrow five-point loss to Terang Mortlake. Rotating between the midfield and half back, he gathered 33 disposals, five tackles, six rebound 50s and five inside 50s. His decision making and ball use from defence were standout features in another strong performance.

Archie Taylor - Cobden
Taylor was named in Cobden's best players despite the Bombers' 36-point loss to North Warrnambool. The midfielder collected 30 disposals at 75% efficiency, 11 contested possessions, seven clearances, eight tackles and five inside 50s, continuing his outstanding season. It marked the tenth time in 12 games he has been named in the best players, with coaches again praising his class, pressure and speed.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:

Nick Newton - Lavington
Newton was named in Lavington's best players for the second consecutive week after another excellent display across half back. The defender gathered 28 disposals at 82% efficiency, 11 intercept possessions, nine rebound 50s and eight score involvements. His consistency, one-on-one defending and creativity with the ball continue to be major strengths.

Cooper Hall - Lavington
Alongside Newton, Hall contributed to Lavington's nine-point win over Myrtleford with 20 disposals, 10 contested possessions and five score involvements. He continued to show his ability to impact the game with ball in hand, producing several important moments throughout the afternoon.

Foster Gardiner - North Albury
Gardiner was named in North Albury's best players as the side recorded its first win in a month, defeating Albury by 10 points. The defender finished with 14 disposals at 79% efficiency, five marks, including three contested, while continuing his strong intercept form. His one-on-one defence was another highlight in an important team victory.

Goulburn Valley Football League:

Reuben Rode - Kyabram
Rode made a successful return in his first game since May 2, helping Kyabram defeat Echuca by 20 points. Playing predominantly as a forward with short bursts through the midfield, he collected 18 disposals, five tackles and kicked two goals. His energy around the contest and strong defensive pressure earned him selection in Kyabram's best players.

Wimmera Football Netball League:

Cody Bryan - Horsham Saints
Bryan was named in Horsham Saints' best players after a dominant 89-point victory over Minyip Murtoa. Spending the afternoon in the ruck, he stuffed the stat sheet, finishing with a huge 49 hitouts, 19 disposals, nine score involvements and a goal while competing strongly at stoppages and giving his midfield first use throughout the game.