The 2021 season will look a lot different to any before it, and naturally that means changes all ’round the club. President Martin Carter and CEO Mark Penaluna got together to answer some of the questions regarding the club moving forward into the new competition.

Will we still have same number of home games?
The season will include 16 home and away games, with 8 home games @ Avalon Airport Oval.

Is the club paying for interstate trips, flights and accommodation?
The AFL will cover return flights for our players and staff. Should we require overnight accommodation, this will also be covered via the AFL.

Can the club afford that?
There will be some interstate travel costs, however the AFL will cover the greater percentage of these.

Is this just a one year plan? Has the club any assurances re the future?
The AFL is very confident that this new competition will be successful and that we are a strong club in a major growth corridor.

Who runs this new competition?
Grant Williams has been announced as the AFL Talent Pathway Manager, which includes overseeing the VFL/ East Coast competition.

Do you know list size and make up yet (as in age of players)?
Yes. As a VFL Stand Alone Clubs our list size will be 40, which includes a minimum of 12 players under the age of 23.

Will this new competition make recruiting players harder or easier given interstate trips for players with jobs and study?
Time will tell, however, we are extremely confident that playing against 14 AFL clubs will be very attractive to potential recruits.

When will the fixture be released and what is the finals system?
This is expected to be announced prior to Christmas.

The Werribee Football Club advises that Football Manager Stu Balloch is leaving the club. Stu is pursuing a new career path after 11 years at Avalon Airport Oval in two stints.

 CEO Mark Penaluna paid tribute to the outgoing Football Manager:

“The club is indebted to Stu for the service and dedication he has given the club, in particular during some very trying and challenging times in the last year. Stu has been a great asset to the club and we are sorry to see him leave. The demands of VFL football continue to grow and having four children, Stu and his wife Rebecca have a lot on their plate.”

Stu reflected on his decade-plus at the club.

“Mark Penaluna gave me an opportunity eleven-plus years ago and wow, what an amazing journey. There were a number of iconic moments - our first night game, the Foxtel Cup, games at the MCG and changing from a full alignment to standalone. To be now sitting in arguably the best state league facility is incredible. Mark is the first to admit he drives the staff insane. He is genuine and driven for this great club to succeed. The club would not be where it is without your hard work and it is an absolute credit to yourself and no doubt the support you get from Narelle and the family.

I have also worked with an amazing bunch of coaches and developed close working relationships with all of them. For now I leave the club in the great hands of Mark Williams. ‘Choco’ and I have worked very closely across the last two years, we talk pretty much every day and I have learnt so much. His passion and desire for success is matched by no-one else I have ever met. It’s a shame we could not show the industry the team we put together for 2020. I know that you have the player and staff support for 2021. Success is not too far away.

Finally, to all the members, sponsors, players and staff of whom there are too many to mention, I will hold dear the relationships that I have built over my time at the club and I wish all involved the ultimate success for the upcoming season as part of an exciting new expanded competition. It would give me no end of pleasure to see us lift the inaugural cup."

Mark Penaluna said “Stu has been a terrific help to me personally and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future. As a club, we will review the role of Football Manager and advise our intentions in the coming weeks.”

In light of yesterday's AFL announcement regarding the 2021 VFL/East Coast Competition, Werribee Football Club president Martin Carter provides an update to members and supporters. 

The Werribee Football Club's licence to be a part of the 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition has been accepted.

We are delighted to be part of this very exciting new chapter in second tier football. We see Werribee as an integral part of the football landscape and look forward to playing our part on and off field. More details and thoughts coming soon.

AFL RELEASE

The AFL has today confirmed 22 licences for the 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition with clubs to be based in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria all confirmed to line-up in 2021.

The largest second-tier football competition in Australia is set to begin in April next year and will consist of a 16-round season, providing all players with a premium standard of football.

Confirmed licences

Standalone Second-Tier Clubs: Aspley, Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee, Williamstown

Standalone AFL Clubs: Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Footscray, Geelong Cats, Gold Coast SUNS, GWS GIANTS, North Melbourne, Richmond, Sydney Swans

Aligned Clubs: Sandringham, Box Hill Hawks, Casey Demons

The VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition will integrate into a streamlined calendar for men’s football with the 2021 NAB League Boys, with both seasons set to begin in April, running concurrently with the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

All clubs will have connections to community clubs and pathway programs, including a varied alignment to Under-19 NAB League Clubs for Victorian-based teams.

The name of the competition will be announced in the coming weeks with the competition to maintain a strong connection to the heritage of the respective Hard Yakka / Totally workwear VFL and Toyota NEAFL competitions and the communities who support them.

The VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition will sit alongside the SANFL and the WAFL in 2021 to provide players with the highest level of second-tier football. The AFL will continue to work with all AFL Clubs on their non-selected AFL players ahead of their respective 2021 seasons.

The AFL will continue to work closely with AFL NSW / ACT and AFL Queensland to ensure the continued development and progression of premier men’s and women’s competitions in the State and Territory.

The salary cap is set at $200,000 for standalone clubs and $100,000 for AFL and aligned clubs. As previously communicated, there will be no license fee payable by any club to participate in the 2021 Second-Tier Competition with the AFL to subsidise all approved Club travel for interstate matches.

A date for commencement of pre-season training ahead of the 2021 season will be advised in due course.

The AFL will continue to review all arrangements including return-to-train and return-to-play protocols in consultation with clubs, the various State Governments and respective Health Officers to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in this competition remains the priority.