Werribee registered their first unofficial win of 2024, defeating Coburg in the club’s second practice match in preparation for the Smithy’s VFL season.  

Taking on the Lions in the third match at Frankston’s Kinetic Stadium as part of the VFL standalone carnival, following a tight first quarter Werribee kicked away for a 40-point, 13.6 (84) to 6.8 (44), victory. 

After overcoming a slow start, with Coburg kicking the first two of the game in quick succession, Kye Declase managed to settle the team with a crucial goal, followed by Hudson Garoni's back-to-back goals, tying the scores at 18 all at quarter time.

The momentum shifted in Werribee’s favour, with a four-goal to one second quarter putting the Big W up 17 points at the main break. Daly Andrews capped off a brilliant first half with a running goal breaking inside 50, and Jay Dahlhaus also kicked his first of three goals for the afternoon, with his trademark bravery and hunt also setting up a Michael Selsby goal late in the quarter.

A tight third quarter made it a 13-point margin at three quarter time, before Werribee ran away with it in the last quarter, booting seven goals to one. New recruit from Geelong, Cooper Whyte capped off a strong first game in the black and gold with a last quarter goal, and a long-range major in the dying stages of the match made it a two-goal outing for Michael Selsby.

New recruit Riley Bice continued to impress for the Big W, backing up an impressive performance last week against Williamstown, with his left boot continuing to be a weapon off half-back. Jack Henderson continued where he left off last season, with an ever-reliable performance in the midfield, and Jack Riding once again showed plenty off half-back, capping off his day with a last-quarter snapping goal.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 3.0 7.2 8.3 13.6 (84)
Coburg: 3.0 4.3 5.8 6.8 (44)

GOALS:
Werribee: J. Dahlhaus 3, H. Garoni 2, M. Selsby 2, D. Andrews, K. Declase, H. Grintell, M. Keast, J. Riding, C. Whyte

PRACTICE MATCH 2 GALLERY – VIEW HERE

The Werribee Football Club is pleased to announce Morris back on board with the club in 2024, signing on as a Gold Sponsor for the upcoming season.

Australian owned Finance company Morris, is one of the nation’s leading finance companies; providing finance, investment, leasing, services to; ABN holders, registered companies, individuals, and sole traders, and is entering their ninth year of partnership with the club.

Werribee Football Club has always valued partnerships built on a strong foundation of shared values, and Morris embodies these principles. Their commitment to professionalism, exceeding expectations, and a shared sense of pride in collective achievements aligns perfectly with the values of The Big W. This alignment ensures a promising and mutually beneficial collaboration as we work together towards our shared goals.

The football club’s CEO Mark Penaluna expressed high praise for the long-standing partnership with the leading finance company; “Morris's unwavering commitment as a Principal Partner of Werribee FC since 2016 is a testament to our enduring support for one another during challenging moments”.

Penaluna adds how delighted he is to see the partnership continue into its ninth year in 2024; “In a true testament to our shared values and dedication, we are excited to announce the extension of our partnership, which now elevates us to the esteemed position of Gold Sponsor”.

Nathan Murray, Managing Director of Morris, enthusiastically remarked on the extended partnership, stating, “As we continue to embark on this exciting journey with Werribee Football Club as Gold Sponsors, we are not just investing in a team; we are investing in a shared vision of excellence, resilience, and triumph. Together, we will continue to build a legacy that transcends the game, leaving an indelible mark on the sporting landscape and community”.

Find out more about Morris Finance HERE.

Following the bittersweet chapter of our history that was the 2023 season, the story continues and this year we want you back to help us achieve a different ending.

Our board, our coaches, our players and our staff are ready to embark on a new season, united in our mission for the ultimate success. The question remains: Are you with us?

Sign up as a member for 2024 via INTIX here.

Werribee is set for their second practice match with the Big W making the trip to Frankston to play Coburg as part of the VFL practice match standalone carnival, with the first bounce at 3:45 in the afternoon.

Following last weekend’s six-period hit out against Williamstown, Werribee’s coaching staff will have another four quarters to assess the side ahead of the opening round of 2023 Smithy’s VFL season on March 23.

This is the second running of the annual practice match carnival, which will see Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Northern Bullants, Werribee and Williamstown feature across an action-packed day. 

Entry will be FREE, with Football Manager Ash Collins encouraging as many Werribee fans to make the trip to Kinetic Stadium as possible; “It was terrific to see a great turnout last weekend at Deakin as we began our preparations for the 2024 season. Having a big Werribee showing made a difference for our guys and we can’t wait to see more of you Werribee fans at Frankston this Saturday”.

Following the bittersweet chapter of our history that was the 2023 season, the story continues and this year we want you back to help us achieve a different ending.

Our board, our coaches, our players and our staff are ready to embark on a new season, united in our mission for the ultimate success. The question remains: Are you with us?

Sign up as a member for 2024 via INTIX here.

In the week leading up to the VFL standalone carnival and club's second preseason practice match, Werribee has signed promising small forward Mitch Chafer.

The talented 24-year-old Chafer spent two seasons honing his craft with the Geelong Falcons. After his stint with the Falcons, he moved on to play for the GFNL’s Grovedale, where his standout performances in the 2022 and 2023 seasons earned him VFL experience across both years.

In Chafer's 2022 breakout season, he featured in 13 games for Grovedale and booted 32 goals, with his 2.5 goal a game average securing him a spot in the GFNL Team of the Year. This solid performance also earnt him a VFL debut, where he made an impression with three appearances for Geelong in the back end of the season, kicking four goals.

In 2023, Chafer took his game to another level, dominating with 42 goals in just 15 games for Grovedale. These performances, once again, earned him a spot in the Team of the Year, and saw him feature in a hand full of games for Geelong’s VFL side to end the season.

Reflecting on the signing, Werribee Football Club's Football Manager, Ash Collins, expressed his excitement about Chafer's arrival, lauding his talent and work ethic; “Mitch has impressed all pre-season, from being a standout in October’s trials to making an impact on Friday night against Williamstown at Deakin”.

“Mitch has consistently demonstrated a really good goal sense, hitting the scoreboard at all levels he’s played at, as we’ve seen during his stints at both Grovedale and Geelong VFL”.

Following the bittersweet chapter of our history that was the 2023 season, the story continues and this year we want you back to help us achieve a different ending.

Our board, our coaches, our players and our staff are ready to embark on a new season, united in our mission for the ultimate success. The question remains: Are you with us?

Sign up as a member for 2024 via INTIX here.