Werribee’s final interstate trip of the season ended in disappointing fashion with a four point loss to Sydney over the Easter weekend.

At Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday, Werribee were trailing by 38 points after a five-goal second quarter from Sydney, but came out firing in the second half to claw their way back, falling just two points short by the final siren.

A four-goal-to-one final quarter wasn’t quite enough, with Werribee going down 11.7 (73) to Sydney’s 11.9 (75).

Ryan Eyers claimed his second consecutive Totally Workwear Player of the Match, with his key lockdown role while notching career-highs in both marks and disposals. Senior coach Jimmy Allan said post match “Ryan played on a very good player and nullified his influence. He understands his role and is committed to doing what it takes to help the team. Some of his contest wins were huge.”

In warm conditions at Blacktown, Werribee started strongly, slotting four first-quarter goals to take a 15-point lead into the first break.

In his first game back since the Grand Final, Angus Hicks kicked the opening goal of the game. Harry Maguire, debuting in his home state, added Werribee’s next, taking full advantage of a 50-metre penalty to slot a set shot from the goal square. Hudson Garoni and Zac Banch also hitting the scoreboard to close out the first term.

The second quarter was costly, as the Swans piled on five unanswered goals and kept Werribee scoreless, flipping the margin to take a 20-point lead into half time.

Sydney continued their run early in the third, booting the first three goals to stretch the lead to a game-high 38 points. But two goals in as many minutes from star small forward Zac Banch late in the term sparked a shift in momentum, helping Werribee close the gap to 23 points at the final change.

Jack Riding marked his return from a shoulder injury with his first goal of the season to kick off the final term. Although Sydney responded through Jack Buller—his third of the day—Werribee dominated general play from there.

Hudson Garoni followed up his 150th career goal with two more in quick succession, and Riding added his second of the quarter to bring the margin under a goal.

Werribee then had their chances but could not kick that go-ahead goal, falling short by two points to start the season at 1-3.

ROUND 4 PHOTO GALLERY - CLICK HERE

FINAL SCORE:
Sydney: 1.5 6.8 10.9 11.9 (75)
Werribee: 4.0 4.0 7.4 11.7 (73)

GOAL SCORERS:
Sydney: J. Buller (3), M. Lloyd (3), P. Ladhams (2), B. Edwards, J. Kluske, L. McDonald
Werribee: Z. Banch (3), H. Garoni (3), J. Riding, J. Dahlhaus, A. Hicks, H. Maguire

BEST PLAYERS:
Sydney: B. Edwards, N. Shipley, P. Ladhams, G. Sheldrick, M. Lloyd, J. Buller
Werribee: R. Eyers, B. Malual, Z. Banch, H. Garoni

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.

With four key inclusions for Sydney in Round 4, two former teammates will run out together for their Werribee debuts.

Spencer Johnson and Harry Maguire will become Werribee players #974 and #975 when the side takes on Sydney at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday.

It will not be the first time Johnson and Maguire feature in the same VFL side, with the pair both lining up for Port Melbourne last season. They played six and eleven games respectively, sharing the field in Rounds 12 and 21. Saturday’s Round 4 clash will mark their third VFL game together, and their first in Werribee colours.

A debut in Sydney is a fitting milestone for Maguire, who came through the Swans Academy and played 10 state league games across the NEAFL and VFL before relocating to Victoria. He also split his time with Pennant Hills locally, where he shone in 2023, winning the AFL Sydney Premier Division League Best and Fairest and earning a spot in the Team of the Year.

The key forward, standing at over 190cm, joined Port Melbourne in 2024 after relocating to Victoria and aligned with local club Hoppers Crossing. He’s no stranger to Werribee’s home at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval, having booted four goals to lead Hoppers Crossing to a thrilling one-point grand final win over Werribee Districts in the 2024 Western Football Netball League decider.

Johnson’s 24th VFL appearance will be his first in the Big W, returning to the club after a rookie-listed season with Werribee in 2022.

2023 saw Johnson make a move to the Northern Bullants, which was a breakout campaign, playing 17 games, averaging over 21 disposals and five marks per match. He finished third in the Bullants’ best and fairest and was a finalist for the league’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal, finishing behind eventual winner, Werribee’s Sam Clohesy. 2024 saw Johnson change to Port Melbourne, playing six games.

Johnson is also a product of the Western Football Netball League, currently lining up for Altona, the club where he played all his junior football. He impressed last weekend with 23 disposals and seven marks in a two-point win over Parkside, and now earns his Werribee debut, replacing the injured Mace Cousins off half-back.

In other changes, premiership duo Angus Hicks and Jack Riding return to the side, with Noah Tullio, Jackson Grundy, Tylar Watts, and Mace Cousins making way.

First bounce is at 12:05pm, 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 4
Werribee vs Sydney
Saturday, April 19, 12:05pm
Blacktown International Sportspark

Round 4 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.

The Werribee Football Club is excited to share more sponsorship news, with Just Energy strengthening its partnership for the 2025 season.

Werribee’s General Manager of Business Operations Justin Abrams praised the growing partnership: “Just Energy have increased their partnership with the WFC to now include the ‘Senior Coach’ sponsorship. Brindley and the team from Just Energy are an amazing partner who have similar values to the WFC, including Community, Driven, and Care. “

Abrams added, “We thank Just Energy for their support and would encourage all WFC members, affiliates, and supporters to visit their website and see how they can assist you in living a more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly future.”

Brindley Pereira and the Just Energy team first joined the club as corporate sponsors in 2022.

Just Energy is a sustainability-focused company offering energy efficiency solutions for both homes and businesses.

With expertise in solar and environmental products, they provide services like energy assessments and the installation of solar panels, solar hot water systems, LED lighting, and water-saving devices.

Pereira spoke on the partnership, saying;

“Our alliance with Werribee came about through long-time board member Roland Brohaska, who has been a client of ours for years. From our first meeting with CEO Mark Penaluna to connecting with President Martin Carter and the wider Werribee community, we’ve felt incredibly welcomed, including by the playing group, who have been amazing.”

Brindley added, "With continued discussions and ongoing jobs across Werribee assets, Just Energy has built an established and trusted track record over the past three to four years for delivering results and continues to be a leader for Werribee in the renewable energy space."

Find out more about Just Energy by visiting their website via this link.

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.

With the VFL taking a break for the AAMI State Game as part of the AFL’s Gather Round, 22 Werribee players took to the field in local leagues across Melbourne and Geelong – and they didn’t disappoint.

Read the second edition of our 2025 Local Player Report to see how those next in line are tracking.

Western Football Netball League:

Harry Maguire - Hoppers Crossing
Maguire kicked off his Hoppers Crossing season in style, backing up last year’s Grand Final heroics with a five-goal haul against Caroline Springs in his first senior game of 2025. Named among the best, the key forward was involved in a number of score involvements and stood out with his strong front-on pressure.

Spencer Johnson - Altona
Johnson had a great game off half-back as Altona defeated Parkside in a two-point thriller. Named in the best in his second game back from injury, Johnson provided plenty of good ball use from the backline, took seven marks, including a number of intercept marks, and showed great leadership throughout the day.

Tom Stapleton - Parkside
Stapleton continued his strong start to the season, named in the best for a second straight week in Parkside’s narrow loss to Johnson’s Altona. The big man found plenty of the ball in the ruck and showcased his impressive endurance around the ground.

Wil Kliszewski - Yarraville Seddon
Wil Kliszewski rounded out a clean sweep of Werribee players named in the best in their WFNL matches, impressing in Yarraville’s loss to Werribee Districts. Splitting his time between forward and ruck, he booted two goals and stood out with his contested work around the ground when in the ruck.

Goulburn Valley Football League

Angus Hicks - Shepparton United
Angus Hicks made a strong return in his first game for Shepparton United in eight years, and his first since Werribee’s Grand Final. Playing a half as he returned from injury, Hicks found the ball with ease while rotating between forward and midfield. His ball use was exceptional, and he brought valuable leadership to a young United side. Despite leading at half-time, Shepparton went down to Mansfield by 17 points.

Anthony Depasquale - Kyabram
Depasquale’s forward craft was on full display as Kyabram had a dominant, 128 point win over Tatura. The forward, who booted over 75 goals in 2024, had 13 shots on goal for five majors, found plenty of the ball and presented well the whole day, finishing his afternoon with ten marks.

Dom Gugliotti - Mooroopna
Dom Gugliotti used the ball well and showed good defensive work for the John Lamont-coached Mooroopna. In a tight affair Mooroopna went down to Rochester by just seven points to start the season 0-2.

Ballarat Football Netball League

Jake Lohmann - Lake Wendouree
Jake Lohmann returned to Lake Wendouree for his first game for the Lakers since 2021. Splitting his time between midfield and forward, Lohmann found plenty of the footy, including gathering 20 contested possessions and nine clearances in a standout performance, despite a heavy loss to Melton. His leadership was a clear highlight in his local return.

Rye Penny - Bacchus Marsh
Rye Penny started strongly for Bacchus Marsh, showing real intent and making an impact in the air against a much taller opponent. Unfortunately, his day was cut short due to injury after just four disposals. Bacchus Marsh went on to secure a 19-point win over Redan.

Geelong Football Netball League

Ben Kellett - South Barwon
Kellett was superb for South Barwon in their dominant win over Grovedale, delivering a well-rounded performance across all areas of his game. He was excellent in ruck contests, clearances and his follow up work to end with 21 disposals. The ruckmen also hit the scoreboard for a goal.

Charlie Byrne - Newtown & Chilwell
Byrne produced another reliable performance down back as Newtown & Chilwell bounced back from an opening-round loss with an 11-point win over Bell Park. The defender played a key role in the WIN, taking on a tough assignment against a VFL-listed forward

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League

Jedd Longmire - Corowa-Rutherglen
Jedd Longmire was among the best for Corowa-Rutherglen in their season opener, playing a strong game through the midfield despite a five-goal loss to Wangaratta. His work in close was a standout, consistently winning contested ball and showing fight to clear the ball by hand.

Raymond Murphy - Corowa-Rutherglen
It was a highlight as Ray Murphy returned for his first competitive game for four points since May last year. He got through the game as Corowa could not get the job done against Wangaratta.

Archer Gardiner - North Albury
North Albury kicked off their season with a loss to the Wangaratta Rovers, coming up against retiree Nathan Cooper, with the Rovers coming out on top by 26 points. Archer Gardiner competed hard all day, working through a tag to find 16 disposals, where he went at an efficient 75%.

Foster Gardiner - North Albury
Lining up alongside his twin brother, Foster Gardiner brought strong effort and fight to North Albury’s midfield. He laid nine tackles and won the majority of his possessions in contested situations

Victorian Amateur Football Association

Harrison Miller - Williamstown CYMS
Miller continued to hit the scoreboard and impress for the CYs, once again named among the best in Williamstown’s loss to Old Trinity. Trailing by over four goals at half-time, Miller sparked a second-half surge with three goals, proving a constant threat up forward. He also applied solid pressure throughout the day.

Sam Allen - Old Ivanhoe
Sam Allen played a key role in Old Ivanhoe’s continued unbeaten start to the 2025 season. The defender was swung forward and made an immediate impact, hitting the scoreboard early. When Old Carey pushed out to a five-goal lead in the third quarter, Allen responded with two crucial goals to help swing the momentum back Old Ivanhoe’s way, with the side eventually running out 27-point winners. Competing all day was also a highlight of his game, and he took several contested marks on the day.

Essendon District Football League

Hayden Gill - Deer Park
Hayden Gill made an impressive return in his first game of the season, playing a key role in Deer Park’s dominant 68-point win over Greenvale. He was praised for his unselfish play, worked hard defensively, and used the ball with 100% efficiency. Gill capped off a strong performance by finishing with four goals to his name.

Cam McLeod - Aberfeldie
McLeod played on the wing as Aberfleide won a thriller against Essendon Doutta Stars by seven points. The wingmen went at an efficient 78% with the ball and laid three tackles in the win.

Hampden Football Netball League

Jackson Grundy - North Warrnambool
Jackson Grundy returned to North Warrnambool for the Hampden FL Grand Final rematch, in his first game for the Eagles since their Grand Final victory after making his VFL debut. Grundy starred in the midfield, and made an impact on the scoreboard with two goals in the thrilling win. His leadership and bodywork at stoppages was a real feature and marked the ball extremely well ahead of the footy.

Bellarine Football Netball League

Jack Henderson - Barwon Heads
Jack Henderson continued his goal-kicking form in Barwon Heads’ thrilling six-point win. Following a four-goal haul last week, he added another two majors on Saturday and played a key role in the tight contest. He also took nine marks for the day, including several strong contested grabs, proving a reliable target up forward.

Luke Preece - Drysdale
Luke Preece had another strong game to continue his form to start the 2025 season for Drysdale. He was very strong defensively, with his one on one defending and was strong in the air. In the second half as Drysdale kicked away to a 75 point win over Modewarre he provided strong offensive in the second half, and gave some real drive for the Hawks.

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.