After a strong pre-season campaign, with three wins from three matches, Werribee turns its attention to a trip north to face Brisbane in the opening round of the Smithy’s VFL season this weekend.

The Big W will be looking to build off of the momentum gained over the summer and avenge last season's narrow defeat to the Lions which came late in the campaign.

However, it will be no easy feat facing a Brisbane side who finished the 2022 home and away season in second place before a preliminary final exit. The Lions will also enter the clash full of confidence after a strong pre-season of their own which including a five-goal win over grand finalists Southport.

MATCH DETAILS - ROUND 1
Werribee vs Brisbane Lions
Saturday March 25, 11:05am (AEST)
Brighton Homes Arena, Brisbane

Round 1 Match Centre

Watch live at afl.com.au

Werribee has filled its two remaining list spots and finalised its squad for the commencement of the Smithy’s VFL season with the signings of ruckman Akol Deng and defender Charlie Byrne.

Deng, 24, is a recent convert to Australian Rules football from a professional basketball background and spent last season with the club as a train-on player.

He plied his trade with Yarraville Seddon in the WRFL where he frequently appeared in the best players.

Despite standing at 194cm Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said Deng brings strength, physicality, and great athleticism.

 “We’ve been working in the background with Akol for the last 18 months… he’s one of the most exciting stories for the footy club over the last couple of years,” Micallef said.

Joining Deng on the list for 2023 is 184cm rebounding defender Charlie Byrne.

Byrne, 20, was previously involved with Essendon’s VFL program and played two games for the Bombers in 2021 before relocating to Geelong to play with Newtown and Chilwell.

Micallef said the dashing left footer has come a long way in the last 12 months.

“We’ve kept tabs on Charlie ever since his final season in the NAB League with the Murray Bushrangers,” he said.

“His move to the GFL brought him within close proximity to Werribee and we were thrilled to see him play some really good footy for Newtown and Chilwell last year.”

By Gerald Lynch

Werribee wrapped up its prepartions for the 2023 Smithy's VFL season with a third practice match win from three games after topping Sandringham by four points at RSEA Park on Saturday. 

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 3.4 3.5 8.11 10.13 (73)
Sandringham: 1.1 7.3 7.3 10.9 (69)

GOALS
Werribee: F. Young 2, S. Paea 2, K. Annand, J. Boyd, C. Byrne, H. Garoni, H. Grintell, L. Smart.

BEST
Werribee: B. Malual, J. Clark, E. Ajang, S. Paea, M. Keast, K. Annand.

PLAYER STATS
Bior Malual: 27 disposals (19 K, 8 HB), 9 marks, 4 inside 50s, 2 tackles.
Shaun Mannagh: 24 disposals (17 K, 7 HB), 6 marks, 7 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 7 tackles.
Jesse Clark: 23 disposals (18 K, 5 HB), 9 marks (1 contested) 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s.
Emmanuel Ajang: 23 disposals (9 K, 14 HB), 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 5 tackles.
Matt Keast: 19 disposals (10 K, 9 HB), 4 marks (1 contested), 2 inside 50s, 10 tackles.
Lachlan Smart: 16 disposals (11 K, 5 HB), 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 goal. 
Flynn Young: 13 disposals (10 K, 3 HB), 4 marks, 2 tackles, 2 goals.  
Kobe Annand: 6 disposals (3 K, 3 HB), 1 contested mark, 17 hit-outs, 3 clearances, 1 goal.

IMAGE GALLERY – VIEW HERE

NEXT WEEK - ROUND 1
Werribee vs Brisbane Lions
Saturday March 25, 11:05am (AEST)
Brighton Homes Arena, Brisbane

Werribee is set to wrap up its trio of practice matches this weekend, with a trip to Moorabbin to face the Sandringham on Saturday afternoon.

Following a pair of wins over Frankston and Geelong, the Big W will be looking to make it three from three when it takes on the Zebras, St Kilda's affiliate side.

The game will provide the chance for Werribee to test itself against some AFL-listed opposition as the team prepares for what on paper appears to be a challenging opening few rounds of the Smithy's VFL season.

This final dress rehearsal will also allow Werribee's coaching staff to get a further look at the depth of the squad with a number of less experienced players to gain some valuable game time as several more senior players are rested.

Spectators wishing to attend the match will be able to enter RSEA Park for free with parking available in the main car park and surrounding streets.

In 2023, our goals are loftier, standards higher, and our people more driven than ever to make the season one to remember.

Check out all our membership packages HERE and be a part of the Werribee Football Club in 2023.

PRACTICE MATCH 3
Werribee vs Sandringham
Saturday 18 March, 12:30pm
RSEA Park, Moorabbin