Werribee returned to the winner’s list with a come-from-behind ANZAC Day victory over Williamstown, and the positives didn’t stop there.

There were plenty of standout performances at local level too, with 20 Werribee-listed players in action across various leagues.

Read how they all fared in the fourth edition of our 2025 Local Player Report.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League

Foster Gardiner - North Albury
Foster Gardiner was named among the best in North Albury’s historic ANZAC Day win over Albury, the Hoppers’ first on the occasion in 17 years. Playing across half forward, Gardiner found plenty of the footy and ran out the game strongly, playing his role well to finish with eight marks. He also hit the scoreboard for the second week in a row and continued to apply strong pressure throughout.

Archer Gardiner - North Albury
In North Albury’s win, Archer Gardiner impressed through the midfield and on the wing, combining with brother Foster for 50 disposals. He started strongly as the Hoppers jumped out to a 24-7 lead at quarter time, and his speed and pressure around the contest were standout features of his performance.

Ray Murphy - Corowa Rutherglen
Ray Murphy continues to build form following an 11-month injury layoff last year. He showed strong signs in the midfield, particularly with his positioning and drive around stoppages, finishing with seven clearances in Corowa’s loss to Yarrawonga. Murphy also ran out the game well, racking up 10 disposals in the final quarter to cap off a solid all-round performance.

Jedd Longmire - Corowa Rutherglen
Jedd Longmire was another standout in Corowa’s loss, impressing around the contest with 12 contested possessions. The midfielder used the ball efficiently, going at 78% disposal efficiency, and also hit the scoreboard with his first goal of the season across any level.

Geelong Football Netball League

Noah Tullio - Newtown & Chilwell
In his first senior game for Newtown, Noah Tullio looked a class above early and was lively in the forward half before suffering an ankle injury early in the second quarter. Despite the setback, the small forward played out the game and finished with 15 disposals and three inside 50s in a 68-point loss to St Mary’s.

Tylar Watts - Leopold
Tylar Watts was named among the best as Leopold claimed a dominant 76-point win over Colac. In a tough ruck battle, Watts stood out with his follow-up efforts, pressure around the contest, and aerial presence. He took six marks, with more than half being intercepts, and pushed forward to hit the scoreboard with two goals.

Charlie Byrne - Newtown & Chilwell
Charlie Byrne was a standout in defence for Newtown despite the heavy defeat. He was composed with the ball in hand, using his 17 kicks smartly to set up play from the back half. Byrne also read the ball well in the air, finishing with 10 marks, including three intercepts.

Ben Kellett - South Barwon
Ben Kellett was named South Barwon’s best player in their narrow 11-point loss to the undefeated St Joseph’s. The ruckman led from the front, winning the ruck battle, applying strong pressure with six tackles, and topping his side for clearances. His follow-up work around the ground was again a highlight, earning him Werribee’s Local Player of the Week.

Liam Kershaw - St Joseph’s
Liam Kershaw continued his strong form and was named in the best in St Joseph’s win over South Barwon. The youngster played an impactful wing role, holding his width well, using the ball cleanly, and was influential in many contests.

Cooper Ward - St Joseph’s
Cooper Ward took a step forward, playing alongside Kershaw in St Joseph’s win over South Barwon. Playing half-forward, Ward found more of the ball and showed sharp moments throughout the game as he continues to grow into his role with his new club.

Western Football Netball League

Wil Kliszewski - Yarraville Seddon Eagles
Wil Kliszewski delivered a standout performance in Yarraville’s dominant win over Sunshine. The young key forward was a strong target all day, clunking 11 marks, including eight contested, and finishing with a game-high five goals. Named among the best, Kliszewski continues his impressive start to the season, consistently making his presence felt in the Eagles' forward line.

Tom Stapleton - Parkside
On a tough day for Parkside, who managed just six goals in a heavy loss to Caroline Springs, Tom Stapleton battled hard from start to finish. The big man remained competitive throughout, registering five one-percenters in a performance that reflected his effort and resilience despite the scoreboard.

Northern Football Netball League

Cam Wild - Hurstbridge
Cam Wild was named among the best in Hurstbridge’s draw with North Heidelberg, making an immediate impact in his return after three weeks out. Tasked with a key role on a dangerous opposition midfielder, Wild not only limited his influence but finished with more of the ball himself. He also made an impact offensively, pushing forward from the midfield to hit the scoreboard.

Essendon District Football League

Reuben Rode - Greenvale
Returning from a pre-season injury, Reuben Rode made an immediate impact in his first game back, helping Greenvale to a five-point win over Pascoe Vale. Named among the Jets’ best, Rode was lively around stoppages, showed strong clearance work, and applied great pressure with seven tackles. He used his speed well and made smart decisions with the ball to finish with 25 disposals in an impressive return.

Hayden Gill - Deer Park
Hayden Gill played a mix of high forward and ruck in Deer Park’s five-goal loss to Maribyrnong Park and showed strong effort around the contest all day. After taking a knock to the elbow in the second quarter, Gill returned to compete well, presenting as a strong target up forward and contesting hard in the ruck.

Bellarine Football Netball League

Luke Preece - Drysdale
Luke Preece continued his strong defensive form in Drysdale’s 10-goal win over Portarlington. Named among the best once again, Preece adapted well to the wet conditions, didn’t lose a one-on-one contest, and used the ball cleanly out of defence, finishing at 87% efficiency.

Jack Henderson - Barwon Heads

Jack Henderson showed his potential, with the young key forward producing several standout moments in a narrow loss to Geelong Ammos. Henderson took a number of contested marks, and finished the ANZAC Day clash with one goal.

Victorian Amateur Football Association

Harry Miller - Williamstown CYMS
Harry Miller showed plenty of promising signs in Williamstown CYMS’ 20-point win over Fitzroy. The small forward impressed with his aerial work, particularly his lead-up marking and ability to present as a target, capping off his performance with a goal.

Goulburn Valley Football League
Dom Gugliotti - Mooroopna
Dom Gugliotti was a solid contributor in defence despite Mooroopna’s loss to Shepparton, as John Lamont’s side slipped to 0–4. Gugliotti competed strongly and played with freedom out of the backline, finishing with 18 disposals and six marks in a composed performance.

Ballarat Football Netball League

Rye Penny - Bacchus Marsh
Rye Penny produced his best performance of the season in Bacchus Marsh’s competitive loss to Darley. Playing off half back, Penny found a strong balance between defence and attack, providing plenty of drive while rarely losing a contest. He also handled the wet conditions well, using the ball cleanly throughout the day.

Following our recent 2024 VFL Premiership success, the Werribee Football Club is excited to announce that our full suite of membership packages are now available for 2025.

2024 will forever be remembered for the drought-breaking Premiership, and in 2025... WE’RE GOING AGAIN. ARE YOU?

Sign up as a member for 2025 via this link.

1993 premiership player Ian Wilson has become Werribee’s newest life member, honoured before the club’s blockbuster clash against Williamstown.

Fittingly, the former soldier was recognised with life membership on ANZAC Day. Fellow 1993 premiership teammate and life member Michael McMaster presented Wilson with the honour during the President’s Function, delivering a heartfelt speech that caught Wilson completely by surprise.

Reflecting afterwards, Wilson shared on social media:

"Terribly cliché, I know, but I was genuinely humbled to receive life membership at Werribee Football Club today. I had absolutely no idea, thanks to the secrecy of my great mates Frank Lesiputty, Gregory Buck, and Michael McMaster."

He added, "Even my partner Lynda wouldn’t let on. A massive thanks to the club for the honour."

Wilson first arrived at Werribee at the end of 1988 after moving to Hoppers Crossing, then a relatively new suburb, to kick off his VFL playing career.

His early years at the club were a rollercoaster run of injuries, but he worked his way through the setbacks to cement his place in the side.

His persistence was ultimately rewarded when he became part of Werribee’s first-ever premiership side in 1993, joining an exclusive group of premiership players, a group that gladly welcomed 23 more players after last year's triumph.

Wilson retired from Werribee with 48 games to his name, his own estimate that around 36 of those came across his final two seasons, 1992 and 1993.

Since his playing days, Wilson has remained a tireless contributor to the club. He has helped maintain the important link between past players and the current club, managing the Past Players and Officials (PP&O) Facebook page, coordinating PP&O functions, and contributing pieces on the club’s history as a freelance writer. Some of his work can be found on the club’s website.

In 2018, during the club’s "Travelling Tigers" season, Wilson returned to the field in a different capacity, taking on the role of senior team runner to support the players during a unique year without a home ground.

Wilson’s connection to the club continues today, proudly supporting midfielder Jake Lohmann as a player sponsor in 2024.

Following our recent 2024 VFL Premiership success, the Werribee Football Club is excited to announce that our full suite of membership packages are now available for 2025.

2024 will forever be remembered for the drought-breaking Premiership, and in 2025... WE’RE GOING AGAIN. ARE YOU?

Sign up as a member for 2025 via this link.

Western suburbs rivals Werribee and Williamstown went head-to-head in a spirited ANZAC Day clash.

A six-goal final quarter proved the difference, as Werribee powered home to claim a 20-point victory and lift the John Pyne Memorial Trophy, running out victors 12.7.79 to the Seagulls’ 8.11.59.

Werribee’s second home game of the season began with a stirring rendition of the Last Post, performed by John Mansfield, a 20-year Army Reservist.

Louis Pinnuck and Dom Brew continued their strong starts to the season, with Brew recording the most clearances in a single game so far in the 2025 VFL campaign.

Williamstown kicked off the game with club debutant Lachie Gollant booting the first major inside the opening five minutes, however after that the first term was all Werribee.

Flynn Young’s work rate was rewarded when he got out the back to mark a pinpoint pass from Zac Banch, before snapping Werribee’s first of twelve for the day. Harry Maguire made the most of a free kick to slot his first VFL goal at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval — the same ground where he starred in last year’s WFNL Grand Final, booting four goals in Hoppers Crossing’s thrilling premiership win.

After a three-goal performance against Sydney Banch picked up where he left off, closing out the quarter with two goals to help Werribee to a 16-point lead at the first break.

Jake Smith and Dom Brew led all comers with 10 disposals each at quarter time, with Smith also laying five tackles. Jay Dahlhaus was dangerous in the forward line, laying four tackles to keep the pressure high.

Williamstown wrestled momentum back in the second term, kicking three goals to Werribee’s one, a set shot from Hudson Garoni, who now has a staggering 28 consecutive games with a goal.

Werribee’s defence stood firm under heavy inside 50 pressure from Williamstown to take a two-point lead into half time.

Williamstown carried their momentum into the third term, booting the first two goals and registering the opening five shots on goal to push the margin out to two goals. Jay Dahlhaus steadied Werribee with his first of the day after drawing a free kick inside 50.

Williamstown led by seven points at three quarter time to set up a tight finish.

Zac Banch snapped his third of the day to open the final term, set up by Flynn Young in a reversal of Werribee’s first goal.

After setting up the previous goal Young then put Werribee in front with his second of the day

Myles McCluggage, quickly developing a knack for clutch moments, extended the lead with a tough set shot from the boundary. Lachie Gollant responded immediately with his fourth to drag Williamstown back into the contest.

However, Werribee did not slow down, with Cooper Whyte slotting another last-quarter goal before Harry Maguire iced the game with back-to-back set shots to seal the 20-point win.

Dom Brew was instrumental in the final term with 12 disposals. Flynn Young and Cooper Whyte were everywhere, while Jay Dahlhaus also had a major impact, finishing with two goal assists and playing a role in several other scoring chains.

After the match, Adam Pyne, son of the late John Pyne, presented Jesse Clark with the John Pyne Memorial Trophy. The trophy honours the Werribee Hall of Fame member’s significant 14-year contribution to the club. Pyne began as a player in 1975/76, later coached from 1977 to 1980, and served as Secretary (1982–85) and Vice President (1986–89), remaining involved until his passing in 1989.

ROUND 5 PHOTO GALLERY - Click here

FINAL SCORE:
Werribee: 4.0 5.1 6.3 12.7 (79)
Williamstown: 1.2 4.5 6.10 8.11 (59)

BEST PLAYERS:
Werribee: D. Brew, L. Pinnuck, C. Whyte, J. Riding, S. Johnson, S. Conway
Williamstown: L. Gollant, J. Greiser, L. Parks, N. Colenso, F. O’Dwyer, R. Collier-Dawkins

GOAL SCORERS:
Werribee: Z. Banch (3), H. Maguire (3), F. Young (2), J. Dahlhaus, H. Garoni, M. McCluggage, C. Whyte
Williamstown: L. Gollant (4), D. Hollow (2), B. McLaughlin (2)

Next Match - Round 6
Werribee vs Frankston
Saturday, May 3, 1:05pm
Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Following our recent 2024 VFL Premiership success, the Werribee Football Club is excited to announce that our full suite of membership packages are now available for 2025.

2024 will forever be remembered for the drought-breaking Premiership, and in 2025... WE’RE GOING AGAIN. ARE YOU?

Sign up as a member for 2025 via this link.

Exciting forward prospect Anthony Depasquale is Werribee’s sole change for the annual ANZAC Day blockbuster against Williamstown, named to make his long-awaited VFL debut.

After an injury-interrupted pre-season, Depasquale returned for Werribee’s final practice match and has remained in the selection frame since, travelling as the emergency to Southport and featuring among the emergencies across the opening four rounds.

Anthony Depasquale joined Werribee following a standout 2024 season with Kyabram in the Goulburn Valley Football League, where the 21-year-old forward made a name for himself as a prolific goalkicker.

He’s continued that form into 2025, producing two eye-catching performances to start the season, including a five-goal haul over the state league bye weekend and a dominant 36-disposal, four-goal display last weekend.

Depasquale has NAB League experience having played for Bendigo Pioneers in 2021. Since then, he has spent three seasons with Kyabram, consistently showcasing his strong goalkicking ability, booting more than 130 goals.

In his first season out of the NAB League in 2022, he booted 27 goals from 18 games at just 19 years of age and was selected to represent the GVFL in the WorkSafe AFL Victoria Representative Games, a feat he repeated in 2024, kicking a game-high three goals against Ovens and Murray.

His 2024 campaign was dominant, leading the league with 73 goals from 19 matches at an average of nearly four goals per game. The medium-sized forward booted five or more goals on eight occasions, and has already equalled his previous best season tally within the opening seven weeks of this year.

Depasquale comes in for Jedd Longmire for Friday’s clash.

The ANZAC Day clash will be played for the John Pyne Memorial Trophy. The trophy honours the late John Pyne, a Werribee Hall of Fame member who made a significant 14-year contribution to the club. Pyne began as a player in 1975/76, later coached from 1977 to 1980, and served as Secretary (1982–85) and Vice President (1986–89), remaining involved until his passing in 1989.

Werribee currently leads the head-to-head tally for the trophy 18–14.

First bounce is at 1:05pm, with the game streamed live and free on afl.com.au and the AFL Live Official App for fans back home. Click here to watch live.

MATCH DETAILS - ROUND 5
Werribee vs Williamstown
Friday, April 25, 1:05pm
Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval

Round 5 Match Centre

Watch live at afl.com.au

Following our recent 2024 VFL Premiership success, the Werribee Football Club is excited to announce that our full suite of membership packages are now available for 2025.

2024 will forever be remembered for the drought-breaking Premiership, and in 2025... WE’RE GOING AGAIN. ARE YOU?

Sign up as a member for 2025 via this link.