With less than one week to go until Werribee’s 60th Year Celebration, the club is proud to announce the fourth and fifth of seven inductees into its Hall of Fame, who will be honoured on the day.

Two longstanding volunteers and life members, George Riddiford and Jimmy Masterson, will be formally recognised for their decades of service to the club.

The event will be held at Club Tarneit on June 15, with tickets available here.

The pair have been familiar faces at the club for the past 21 years. Both have been heavily involved since 2004 and continue their service to this day.

CEO Mark Penaluna, who also joined the club in 2004, spoke glowingly of their contributions; ‘Both George and Jimmy have been absolutely wonderful servants of the Werribee Football Club. Each has played, coached and volunteered at local football before joining WFC, and yet their enthusiasm for serving the community has been unwavering.”

Penaluna added, “In my opinion, individuals who are recognised for Life Membership, let alone the Hall of Fame, do not wait to ‘be asked’ to help, they just do it. Jimmy and George absolutely epitomize this ethos. Congratulations and thank you, George and Jimmy.”

Jimmy Masterson first joined Werribee in 2004 and began by taking charge of the barbecue at the club. Over time, he stepped up his involvement, most notably through his long-standing role as property manager, a position he still holds today and is widely recognised for.

He’s become a key part of Werribee’s matchday, travelling, and training operations, and his commitment has seen him awarded the Ray Smith Award for Best Club Person on three occasions — in 2008, 2019, and again in 2025 — making him the only three-time recipient of the award.

The best club person award was named after the late-great, Werribee legend Ray Smith, who served in multiple roles, including as the club’s inaugural secretary from 1965-1975.

Masterson was awarded life membership in 2017, and now, after another seven seasons of service to the club, he has been elevated to the Hall of Fame.

George Riddiford’s involvement with the club spans across two separate stints.

His first came in the mid-1970s when he joined in 1976 as Open Age Reserves Captain-Coach, before moving into administration. By 1982, he had served as Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Match Committee.

After a period away, Riddiford returned in 2004 and has been involved ever since, primarily in his role as Maintenance Manager. Now 83, George still helps out multiple mornings a week and on game day, taking on tasks such as umpire escort.

His efforts have been recognised with the Ray Smith Award in 2006 and 2022, and he was made a life member in 2015.

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.

Foster Gardiner is set to become the second Gardiner brother to debut for Werribee in as many weeks, named to play his first VFL game against North Melbourne this Saturday.

The 20-year-old forward earned elevation to the club’s development list ahead of this week’s Round 11 clash.

He becomes the fourth North Albury product to represent Werribee this season, joining Dom Brew, Sam Azzi, and twin brother Archer Gardiner, who debuted last week. It continues the strong connection between Werribee and the Ovens and Murray Football League, a pathway that has also produced AFL draftees Aidan Johnson, Riley Bice and Shaun Mannagh.

Gardiner will be Werribee’s 15th debutant of the 2025 season, and third in three weeks.

His selection comes on the back of strong form with North Albury, named in the best players five times from seven games and coming off a standout 25-disposal, two-goal performance last Saturday.

Gardiner earned a train-on spot with the club after impressing in the 2025 pre-season trial period, his second chance at Werribee after also trialling at the end of 2023.

Foster Gardiner comes to Werribee with Coates Talent League and senior football experience. After playing for the Murray Bushrangers in 2022, he made the transition to senior football in 2023 and was named deputy vice captain in North Albury’s leadership group in his first full season out of the Talent League. Known for his courage and selflessness, he claimed North Albury’s Most Courageous Player award in 2023, before being named Most Selfless in 2024. He also held the Ovens and Murray single-game tackle record during his 2024 campaign.

Foster is joined in the side by Ben Kellett, with the young ruckman making his first appearance for the club since Round 1’s Grand Final rematch in Southport. They replace youngster Brady Wright and Archer Gardiner.

Saturday’s North Melbourne clash will be Werribee’s first home game since Round 7.

With the Western Football Netball League and several other local competitions on a bye for the King’s Birthday weekend, fans are encouraged to wear their local club colours to receive free entry to the match.

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.

As Werribee returned to action after the bye, it was a week of impressive performances both at VFL level and locally for our players.

Read how the 14 Werribee players went across seven local leagues in the ninth edition of the 2025 Weekly Player Report.

Geelong and District Football League:
Daly Andrews - Werribee Centrals
The local report begins with a good news story, as Daly Andrews returned to action for his first game in 301 days. With Lara having the bye, Andrews played a one-off match with Werribee Centrals, spending most of the day across half-back in a big win over Winchelsea. Despite limited game time, he showed his class, standing out with his clean hands at ground level and efficient ball use. He had no trouble finding the footy, finishing with 22 disposals in a strong return.

Ballarat Football Netball League:
Mace Cousins - Darley
Mace Cousins played a classy second game back from injury as Darley enjoyed their seventh win in a row and jumped to the top of the ladder in the Ballarat Football League. The halfback was great with the ball, going at 81% efficiency with his 26 disposals, and was great defensively, with five intercept marks amongst his ten total for the day.

Joel Cadman - Darley
Joel Cadman continues to build consistency at Darley, playing a key role in their 31-point win over North Ballarat. The wingman had several impressive moments among his 23 disposals, showcasing his clean ball use and drive, and finishing with eight inside 50s.

Isaac Nixon - Bacchus Marsh
Isaac Nixon showed improvement across half-back in Bacchus Marsh’s five-goal loss to Sebastopol. He looked more confident in the role, competing well defensively and in the contest, laying five tackles and taking several intercept marks. He provided strong rebound and was a reliable outlet, finishing with 16 disposals.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:
Foster Gardiner - North Albury
Foster Gardiner was outstanding for North Albury, named among the best in their 94-point smashing of Yarrawonga on Saturday, continuing his strong form for the Hoppers as his twin brother made his Werribee debut. His pressure was a highlight once again, and he capped off a great all-round performance with 25 disposals and two goals.

Jedd Longmire - Corowa-Rutherglen
Jedd Longmire starred for Corowa-Rutherglen but couldn’t do enough to get them over the line as they fell to ladder leaders Wangaratta Rovers by 20 points. Splitting his time between the midfield and playing as the deepest forward, Longmire impressed in the contest as always, finding 27 disposals and had a significant impact up forward, taking several contested marks and finishing with three goals.

Ray Murphy - Corowa-Rutherglen
Ray Murphy was influential around stoppage in Corowa-Rutherglen’s narrow loss. He gathered 19 disposals and six clearances, using the ball cleanly and continuing to improve his spread and uncontested game in a strong midfield display.

Bellarine Football Netball League:
Cooper Ward - Barwon Heads
Cooper Ward played one of his best games of 2025 in Barwon Heads’ 115-point win over Newcomb. He was a strong presence in the forward half, applying excellent pressure and finishing with 16 disposals. While his unselfishness was a highlight of his game, as it has been all season, Ward still hit the scoreboard with three goals in an impressive all round performance.

Jack Henderson - Barwon Heads
Henderson looked dangerous again in the forward line alongside Ward in the Barwon Heads’ 115-point smashing, continuing his strong goal-kicking form in 2025. He kicked two majors from 12 disposals before his day was cut short due to a foot issue.

Luke Preece - Drysdale
Preece delivered another strong defensive performance for Drysdale in their ten-goal win over Ocean Grove. He took several intercept marks, shut down his direct opponent, and showed strong leadership in the back half. Preece joined in the attack late, where he finished with 19 disposals at an efficient 80%.

Geelong Football Netball League:
Liam Kershaw - St. Joseph’s
Liam Kershaw had several standout moments in what was one of the games of the GFNL season, as St Joseph’s edged out St Mary’s in a thrilling 111 to 106 shootout. The young wingman showcased his class, going at 100% efficiency with the ball, and stood up in a crucial moment by taking a courageous contested mark before calmly slotting an important goal.

Essendon District Football League:
Hayden Gill - Deer Park
Hayden Gill played a key role in Deer Park’s 19-point win over Aberfeldie, once again shouldering the ruck load for the Lions. Despite conceding the hit-out count, he worked tirelessly around the ground to finish with 13 disposals and four tackles, earning praise for his work rate and impact at ground level.

Western Football Netball League:
Tom Stapleton - Parkside
Stapleton was a key contributor for Parkside despite their 78-point loss to Werribee Districts. He played big minutes across multiple roles, gathering 23 disposals, 14 contested possessions, and kicking a goal. The big man showed his versailitity, impressing in a number of different positions to play a key role for the Magpies despite the loss, earning a spot in the best.

Goulburn Valley Football League:
Dom Gugliotti - Mooroopna
Dom Gugliotti played an important role down back as Mooroopna secured their second win in three weeks, defeating Seymour by 50 points. Building on his strong interleague form, Gugliotti was impressive in the back six, competing well defensively and using the ball effectively, finishing with 18 disposals and nine marks, including three intercepts.

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.

Werribee returns to Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval this Saturday for its first home game since Round 7, taking on North Melbourne from 1:05 pm.

The Tigers will be aiming for three wins in a row for the first time this season, coming off a six-day break following an eight-point win over Port Melbourne. Dom Brew was the hero, kicking two final quarter goals to help Werribee secure a hard-fought victory away from home.

With the Western Football Netball League and several other local competitions on a bye for the King’s Birthday weekend, fans are encouraged to wear their local club colours to receive free entry to the match.

North Melbourne has shown strong improvement in 2025, rising from a 15th-place finish last year to currently sit seventh on the ladder. The Roos have won four of their last five games, including a 70-point win over fifth-placed Collingwood before their bye.

Saturday’s match will also see Werribee wear its 2025 Indigenous guernsey for the first time. The guernsey was designed by respected local artist John Lambley and his children Kyle, Jy, Giselle, Kain and Mason, proud Wadawurrung people living on Wadawurrung Country.

John Lambley will speak about the design at the pre-game President’s Function. Limited tickets remain and can be purchased for just $55 via this link.

The first bounce is at 1:05 pm, with the game also streamed live and free on the AFL app and AFL.com.au. Click here to watch the game live.

MATCH DETAILS - ROUND 11
Werribee vs North Melbourne
Saturday, June 7, 1:05 pm
Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Round 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.