Longevity at football clubs generally revolves around the number of games a player has appeared in, the number of years the property steward has been handing out jumpers and socks, or the endless service of the handful of volunteers who do everything from cooking snags to emptying bins.  

But what about sponsors? Longevity is a rare commodity for sponsorship of a football club for a number of reasons, but the Werribee Football Club has a long-term relationship that epitomizes the values of the club and the family that has been the club’s major sponsor for more than two decades.  

Now entering a 24^th year as major sponsor under the banner of CB Motor Group, Tino Ballan and his family have been behind the club through the good times and bad. The unwavering bond continues as the Ballan family expand their business beyond the iconic Ballan Holden to a new era as CB Motor Group encompassing The Motor Place, The Caravan Place and The Boating Place. 

Two organisations built on loyalty, pride and the pursuit of success. Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna said the continued partnership with CB Motor Group was great news for the club.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to have CB Motor Group commit for another year as the club’s major sponsor,” he said. “We’re extremely proud of the long-standing relationship with Tino and Robyn and the Ballan family and can’t thank them enough for their continued support."

Werribee Football Club president Martin Carter and CB Motor Group's Tino Ballan.

Werribee has re-signed key position players Sam Paea and Aidan Johnson for 2023.  

Paea enters his second year at Avalon Airport Oval having joined the club following the completion of his NAB League career with the Calder Cannons.  

He played eight games in 2022 and averaged a goal a game after booting three majors in the final round of the season. 

Johnson, a mature bodied and versatile tall is looking to put a disappointing year behind him after being hampered by persistent injuries over the past 12 months. 

The 22-year-old made his VFL debut in the club’s final game of 2021 after signing mid-season following some strong play for Ovens and Murray outfit Lavington. 

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was pleased to have the pair returning. 

“Sam is a powerful key forward/ruck who showed some good signs in his eight games this year,” he said. 

“He’s still developing but he has a lot of potential and we’re excited to see what he can do with another preseason in our program.

“Aidan is a really strong and competitive key position player who we think has the ability to play a number of different roles. 

“He’s had some injuries issues since being here but he’s building back to full fitness now and hopefully he can put his best foot forward next season.”    

Werribee has added to its forward stocks with the signing of promising tall Cam McLeod. 

The 194cm McLeod was on Essendon’s VFL list this year getting his first taste of state league footy with the club part way through the season with back-to-back appearances in rounds 6-7.  

The 20-year-old former Murray Bushranger and Albury Tiger continues Werribee’s strong links with the Ovens and Murray region.  

Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was excited by McLeod’s potential. 

“Cam was rated highly ahead of last year’s AFL Draft before signing with Essendon VFL,” he said. 

“He possesses good marking ability, can take a strong grab up forward and hit the scoreboard. 

“There’s development to come in his game and with his body but we think he can play a variety of roles for us.” 

McLeod joins Hudson Garoni and Josh Porter as key forwards from the Ovens and Murray currently on the club’s list.