Werribee is pleased to welcome Wylie Buzza to Avalon Airport Oval for season 2021 after five years in the AFL system with Geelong and Port Adelaide.

The 24-year-old hulking key forward is Werribee’s first new player signing ahead of the revamped 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition.

“I'm very excited to be on board,” Buzza said.

“I look forward to getting to know the group and hopefully having a successful year together.”

Buzza revealed his reasons for joining Werribee and his early impressions of the club.

“Choco Williams was a big part in getting me interested in going to Werribee but then during the process I got to know others involved and I was extremely impressed with everyone at the footy club.

“I'm excited to help build on the foundations that have been put in place over the last couple of years.”

CEO Mark Penaluna said Buzza’s elite level experience and impressive character were deciding factors in securing his signature.

“We’re thrilled to get someone of Wylie’s caliber into our program and are very much looking forward to what he can deliver in the black and gold in the years to come.”

Originally from Queensland, Buzza played nine senior games for the Cats between 2016-2019 before spending a year at Alberton with the Power.

In 2019, the 24-year-old averaged almost two goals a game in the VFL, booting 32 to finish fourth overall in the competition, while also offering support in the ruck.

He arrives at Werribee with 53 games and 69 goals to his name at VFL level.

It is with mixed emotions that the Werribee Football Club farewells senior coach Mark Williams. After two years at the helm, Williams has accepted a role with the Melbourne Football Club as Head of Football Development.

President Martin Carter summed up the feelings of everyone at Avalon Airport Oval: “Choco is unique in his way of thinking about football and the way he goes about engaging everyone to be part of that. His impact at our club will resonate for a long time with coaches, players, staff, sponsors and supporters. It is no surprise to see him back in the AFL system. We wish him well and thank him for everything he did in two very different years with us. He has planted seeds of success both on and off field that his successor will be able to build on.”

Even though Werribee was merely a road sign on the way to Geelong two years ago, Williams has thoroughly enjoyed his tenure in the VFL: “I have loved my time at Werribee. The club is strong, well run and as we have all seen in the last year, resilient. I thank the club and the community for making me feel like I could have stayed here for 20 years, not 2.”

The search begins to replace Williams immediately and CEO Mark Penaluna is confident of securing a high quality replacement: “It is a prime job in the football world and one that offers outstanding opportunities to run your own team in an elite competition in the best facility outside the AFL, working in a club with an exceptional culture and strong community roots. Choco got a big surprise when he came here and he has helped drive us to the next level of professionalism and expectation.”

Werribee’s list for the 2021 VFL and East Coast second-tier competition has begun taking shape with a core group of players recommitting to the club for a season like no other.

Long-standing skipper Michael Sodomaco will return to Avalon Airport Oval for an 11th year as he aims to join a select group of Werribee players to don the black and gold 100 times.

Three-time Bruce Montgomery trophy winner Matt Hanson returns for season 2021 in a massive boost for Werribee’s engine room. A fit-again Hanson is raring to go after injuries interrupted his previous two seasons at the club.

Nick Coughlan has recommitted to the club for a fourth year, with the swingman looking to recapture his stellar 2019 form which yielded VFL Team of the year honours and a podium finish in the club’s best and fairest.

Exciting wingmen Bior Malual and Kye Declase also enjoyed breakout VFL campaigns in 2019 and have extended their stay at Chirnside Park.

Rounding out this batch of re-signed Werribee players is veteran ruckman Matthew Lobbe who joined the club ahead of the 2020 season after more than a decade in the AFL system with Port Adelaide and briefly Carlton.

Lobbe will assume the role as playing ruck coach/midfield assistant .

Stay tuned for more player re-signings & the unveiling of new recruits in the coming days and weeks.

The Werribee Football Club is mourning the loss of Andrew Gribble, father of Tom, the club’s reigning Liston Medallist and Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner.

Andrew battled illness for an extended period and sadly passed away on Saturday.

“In his quiet and unassuming manner, Andrew was a wonderful contributor to our club, whether we played at Werribee, Williamstown or Wangaratta. We have been so fortunate to have Andrew and his family at our matches, attending club events and of course as financial members,” Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna said.

The club sends its sincere condolences to Andrew’s wife Sharon, daughter Molly and sons Tom and Noah.