Werribee capped the home and away season with a 33-point away win over Sydney in Round 22 to secure a 15th consecutive victory and a 16-2 win-loss record in 2023.

The Big W entered Sunday’s game unable to finish anywhere other than second on the ladder as Gold Coast comfortably accounted for Carlton Reserves a day earlier to lock up top spot.

With the result against the Swans having no bearing on what's to come, the fixture became a finals tune up for Werribee, with the visitors extending their record win streak courtesy of a 13.11 (89) to 8.8 (56) result.

Matt Hanson accumulated a game-high 34 disposals in his 99th game and is now set to make his 100th Werribee appearance in the club's Qualifying Final against Box Hill in two weeks’ time.

Just as dominant were Dom Brew (33 disposals), Tom Gribble (31 disposals), Shaun Mannagh (29 disposals, 2 goals) and Kye Declase (27 disposals, 2 goals) along with former captain Michael Sodomaco who again did as he pleased off halfback with 27 disposals at 93 per cent efficiency.

Hudson Garoni was the dominant forward on the ground with three majors taking his season tally to a career-best 40 goals.

The key forward fired Werribee’s first goal of the game six and a half minutes into the contest and just 10 minutes later the visitors lead was 29-0 after majors to Hanson, Bior Malaul and Mannagh.

The Big W took advantage of a game-high 17 inside 50s in the second term to stretch their advantage to 33 points at the 18-minute mark, before the Swans again goaled in the later stages to reduce the margin.

Werribee’s fast starts carried on into the second half with Decalse booting his two majors within the opening seven minutes of the third quarter.

As they did in the first term, the Big W’s defence lead by captain Nick Coughlan limited the Swans to just a lone goal in the third, with Will Gould’s major a quick response to Declase’s double strike.

Garoni’s third goal and then back-to-back goals to Sam Paea and Mannagh early in the fourth quarter had the visitors up by 51 points and the result all but confirmed.

The Swans added four of the last five goals, but the sting was well and truly out of the game as Werribee’s focus now turns to its first finals campaign since 2019.

The Big W ended the match +139 for disposals (437-298), +87 for marks (151-64), +17 in clearances (46-29), +14 for inside 50s (53-39) and +12 in tackles (71-59).

Werribee: 4.5 7.6 10.9 13.11 (89)
Sydney: 1.0 3.4 4.4 8.8 (56)

GOALS
Werribee: H. Garoni 3, S. Mannagh 2, K. Declase 2, M. Hanson 2, J. Porter, B. Malual, S. Paea, M. Keast 2.
Sydney: W. Gould 2, L. Rankin 2, J. Bartholomaeus, H. Morrison, C. Warner.

BEST
Werribee: M. Sodomaco, K. Declase, T. Gribble, H. Garoni, S. Clohesy, D. Brew.

PLAYER STATS
Matt Hanson: 34 disposals (23 K, 11 HB), 13 handball receives, 10 marks, 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals.
Dom Brew: 33 disposals (20 K 13 HB), 18 contested possessions, 6 marks, 7 tackles, 11 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s.
Tom Gribble: 31 disposals (14 K, 17 HB) at 84% efficiency, 8 marks, 2 tackles, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s.
Nick Coughlan: 29 disposals (21 K, 8 HB), 10 marks (5 intercept), 3 tackles, 6 rebound 50s, 5 score involvements.
Shaun Mannagh: 29 disposals (18 K, 11 HB), 13 handball receives, 6 tackles, 9 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals.
Kye Declase: 27 disposals (7 K 14 HB), 13 handball receives, 10 marks, (3 contested), 5 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 8 score involvements, 2 goals.
Michael Sodomaco: 27 disposals (16 K, 11 HB) at 93% efficiency, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 rebound 50s, 7 score involvements.
Sam Clohesy: 23 disposals (15 K, 8 HB) at 96% efficiency, 10 marks, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 6 score involvements.
Kobe Annand: 15 disposals (5 K, 10 HB) at 93 % efficiency, 7 marks (1 contested 3 intercept), 17 hit-outs, 3 tackles, 4 clearances.

NEXT GAME
Qualifying Final
Werribee (2nd) vs Box Hill (3rd)
Saturday 2nd September or Sunday 3rd September
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

What started out as a small collaboration in 2004 of providing pegs to hold down ground covers and brackets for fence signage has grown into Werribee Steel being a key supporter of the Werribee Football Club in 2023 as a Principal Sponsor. 

With over 50 years industry experience, Werribee Steel is a leading steal fabricator and supplier for builders statewide and locally seeking structural steelworks or a homeowner with a unique vision of bespoke steel designs. 

Like our players on the field, the skilled team at Werribee Steel is dedicated to bringing precision and finesse to every aspect of the fabrication process. 

Werribee Steel's Robert Cannizzaro said the company has always held the belief that supporting the community plays an active role in its growth, development, and overall well-being and that continuing to support organisations such as the Werribee Football Club brings great joy.  

“As a proud sponsor and supporter of the Werribee Football Club, the 2023 season has been an absolute thrill,” he said. 

“Watching the team play outstanding football against quality opposition has been nothing short of exhilarating and has filled us with immense pride and excitement. 

“It's been an incredible experience to contribute to the club as a Principal Sponsor and we look forward to cheering the team on as they continue to shine on the field.”  

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said it was fantastic to see the association with Werribee Steel reach 20 years. 

“Werribee Steel is just one of many club sponsors that is located in the heart of Werribee and is just a few minutes away from our home at Avalon Airport Oval,” he said.  

“We hope everyone at Werribee Steel has enjoyed the 2023 VFL season to date and we’re sure Robert and the team will be there to support us on the field over our upcoming finals campaign.” 

Find out more about Werribe Steel HERE

Image: Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna with Marco De Muri and Robert Cannizzaro of Werribee Steel.

A total of 16 Werribee players took to the field in the latest round of local footy with a number contributing in upset wins on a wet weekend of action.

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Connor Thar – Lara
Was outstanding in defeat to league leaders St Mary’s playing mostly midfield with short stints forward. Accumulated 36 disposals with 14 clearances and was very clean in tough conditions. Also contributed five tackles and one of his side’s three goals.

Keegan Gray – Bell Park (Local Player of the Week)
Best on this week with 27 disposals (18 kicks), four tackles and a goal against St Joseph’s. Moved to the wing after halftime and got his side back in the game with a brilliant third term before the Dragons eventually went down by 18 points.

Cam Anderson – North Shore
One of the best for the Seagulls who failed to convert a 26-point halftime lead into a win against St Albans. Had 20 disposals (15 kicks) at 95% efficiency while adding five tackles and goal in the two-point defeat.

Emmanuel Ajang – Geelong West
Played well in several different positions in an away loss to Leopold. Started in the ruck before switching back to a customary on-ball and half-forward role. Was good in the contest with 23 disposals (12 contested), eight clearances and six tackles.

Charlie Byrne – Newtown & Chilwell
Was a solid performer in a nine-point loss to Colac. Played a lock down role at times and was strong in the air again. Had 17 disposals and three tackles as the third placed Eagles lost more ground to the Tigers in second.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Cam McLeod – Avondale Heights
Was amongst the best players for Heights who were no match for second placed East Keilor. Again, lined up on the wing and totalled 24 disposals, nine marks, three tackles and a goal.

Lucas Rocci – Aberfeldie
A key contributor in a comfortable 10-goal win over Airport West. Was outstanding one-on-one while making the most of his 12 possessions with some quality drive and clean disposal out of defence.

Darcy Cassar – Keilor
Performed well as the Bulldogs trumped Greenvale by 65 points. Gathered 23 disposals with 16 kicks and four clearances while also hitting the scoreboard with a couple of goals.

WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Aidan Johnson – Yarraville Seddon
Best on ground in his return after a couple of weeks out. Played with plenty of fire to help the Eagles overcome a halftime deficit and defeat Point Cook. Finished with 16 disposals, a goal and some key hit-outs in the ruck.

Michael Selsby – Yarraville Seddon
Found plenty of footy after a few solid outings at VFL level tallying 32 disposals (23 kicks), nine tackles and a goal in the 23-point victory over the Bulldogs. Had a good balance of inside and outside ball.

Akol Deng ­­– Yarraville Seddon
Was dominant at stoppages and brought great effort in the air and at ground level on a wet day. Had 10 disposals and five tackles as the Eagles moved along to 8-8 and into fourth on the ladder.

VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Jack Boyd – Old Xavierians 
Was excellent in an upset of second placed Uni Blues. Showed outstanding work rate for a bigman in the wet with his contested game and follow-up a highlight in the 25-point win.

Sam Conway – University Blacks
Had a limited impact in wet and slippery conditions as Uni Blacks went down to Old Scotch by 60 points. Finished with eight disposals and five tackles in the loss.

Zayne Galea – Williamstown CYMS
Continued his good form at centre half back with 17 disposals, six marks (four contested) and five tackles as the CYS collected their seventh win of the year with a 47-point victory over Monash Blues.

BENDIGO FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Bailey Henderson – Castlemaine
Wasn’t as damaging as recent weeks but was still one of the leading ball winners gathering 35 disposals with seven clearances and five tackles in a tough day against second placed Golden Square.

BALLARAT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Jack Riding – North Ballarat
Took some hits against Sunbury but battled on admirably. Much of what he did was contested while also kicking a major in a two-goal win that moved the Roosters eight points clear of the Lions.

The final round of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season sees Werribee travel to Sydney in Roudn 22 to face the Swans on Sunday afternoon.

With a top two finish confirmed the Big W will look to cap a brilliant home and away campaign with a 15th straight win and 16th win of the season, with a victory against the Swans also avenging last year’s heavy loss at Avalon Airport Oval.

The Swans have won just four games in 2023 and are the lowest ranked AFL-aligned side in 18th place on the ladder. They were no match for league leaders Gold Coast in Round 21 but enjoyed big wins over Essendon and GWS prior to last weekend’s result.

TEAM NEWS
One change for Werribee sees the return of Noah Lever who missed the Big W’s last outing against Collingwood. He takes the place of an injured Jack Henderson. It’s the first game Henderson has missed having played 82 straight games since debuting in the opening round of the 2018 season.

ROUND 22
Werribee vs Sydney
Sunday 20th August, 1:05pm
Tramway Oval, Sydney

Round 22 Match Centre

Watch live at afl.com.au