Werribee looks set to continue its prominent presence on VFL Awards night with three players selected in the Team of the Year squad.

Standout seasons saw Dom Brew, Bior Malual and Jack Riding all named and in contention to claim team of the year honours at VFL Awards Night.

The 40 players in contention were named on the Wednesday following week two of the Smithy’s VFL finals series.

Of the three nominees, two are chasing their first Team of the Year honours, while Dom Brew is eyeing a third consecutive selection.

Fresh from an incredible 2024 season where he swept almost every individual accolade, including the J.J. Liston Trophy, Brew has found another gear in 2025 with his numbers climbing even higher.

The inside midfielder averaged career highs of 28.9 disposals and 10.1 clearances per game, leading the competition in clearances as well as topping the VFL for contested possessions and tackles.

Brew also equalled his career best goals in a season, highlighted by a clutch double in time-on of the final quarter against Port Melbourne that willed Werribee to its Round 10 victory over the Borough.

Brew’s consistency was just as impressive, lining up in every game for the third consecutive season and standing as the only Werribee player to do so across 2023, 2024 and 2025.

At 29, the oldest player on Werribee’s list, Bior Malual delivered a career-best campaign in his seventh VFL season.

He set the tone in Round 1 as the Totally Workwear Player of the Match and went on to claim that honour four times across the year, the most of any player. Malual averaged 16.3 disposals per game, including a season-high 29 in Werribee’s final outing against the Bullants, and a career-high 6.3 marks per game.

After a facial injury in Round 16 almost derailed his milestone, he returned to bring up his 100th game at home against Southport. The achievement means Werribee life membership and capped off a season in which he has been selected in the Team of the Year squad for the first time.

The 2025 season also saw Malual create history as the first South Sudanese player to reach 100 VFL games for a single club, and just the second South Sudanese player overall to play 100 VFL games, joining fellow club-person Majak Daw, who brought up his century with Casey while listed at Melbourne.

Jack Riding rounds out Werribee’s Team of the Year nominees. Limited to only four games in his 2023 debut season, he announced himself with a breakout campaign in 2024 that earned him a spot in the 40-man squad, and he has been recognised again in 2025.

After playing across half forward in Werribee's premiership year in 2024, key midfield departures, including that of stalwart Jack Henderson to the AFL, opened the door for Riding to step into a greater midfield role in 2025. He embraced the opportunity, averaging a career-high 24 disposals per game, the second most at Werribee behind Dom Brew, along with five tackles and five clearances per outing.

Riding’s explosiveness around stoppages was a feature, ranking top five in the competition for inside 50s.

He finished the year in superb form, collecting 32 disposals or more in four of his last seven games, including equal career-high 36-possession efforts against both Williamstown and the Northern Bullants, to stake his claim for Team of the Year honours.

The final team of 24 players will be named on Monday, September 15, at the 2025 VFL and VFLW Awards.

With finals heating up, five Werribee-listed players were in action over the weekend as their local sides battled to stay alive or push towards premiership glory. Here’s how they fared in the 23rd edition of the Weekly Player Report for 2025.

Ballarat Football Netball League:

Mace Cousins - Darley
Cousins’ outstanding form down back rolled on in Darley’s 15.10 (100) to 9.8 (62) win over Sunbury. He finished with an effective 20 disposals and seven marks, including a huge six intercept grabs to back up his nine last week in their first final. He also added four tackles and four rebound 50s to led the game in ranking points. Named in the best, he again set the tone for the Devils’ back six as they booked their spot in the BFNL grand final. Darley now has the week off before the season’s biggest game.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Anthony Depasquale - Kyabram
Depasquale continued his sharp goal-kicking form in Kyabram’s commanding semi-final win over Mansfield, 20.12 (132) to 7.8 (50). He gathered 18 disposals, including 13 kicks, and clunked six marks, two of them contested. His three goals were the second-most majors for his side, adding on two behinds to make it five shots on goal for the day, while his forward pressure also stood out. Having now kicked at least one goal in all seven of his appearances for the Bombers this year, he helped steer Kyabram into the grand final, with the team also earning a week off before the decider.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Noah Tullio - Newtown & Chilwell
Tullio lined up at half forward in Newtown’s semi final against Colac, finishing with 11 disposals, four tackles and four inside 50s in the 13.14 (92) to 6.7 (43) loss. Despite the defeat, the Eagles remain alive and will take on St Mary’s in a knockout semi-final this weekend, with Tullio looking to make an impact in his third senior game back from injury. After finishing in the top two on the ladder, Newtown are still in the hunt to cap off the small forward’s first season of senior footy with a premiership.

Murray Football League:

Fergus Pinnuck - Cobram
Pinnuck featured strongly in Cobram’s semi-final victory over Moama, 11.13 (79) to 10.8 (68). He collected 12 disposals at 75%, eight kicks, five marks and two clearances, while also slotting a set-shot goal. Backing up from the elimination final win the week prior, Pinnuck’s efforts helped Cobram move into a preliminary final clash with Mulwala for a spot in the grand final.

Western Football Netball League:

Wil Kliszewski - Yarraville Seddon Eagles
Kliszewski made his presence felt inside 50 during Yarraville Seddon’s semi-final win over Hoppers Crossing, 10.10 (70) to 9.8 (62). He gathered nine disposals, took four marks (two inside 50) and finished with 1.1, including a classy snapping goal in the second quarter as the Eagles piled on five majors to take a 31-point halftime lead. Despite a late Hoppers surge, the Eagles held on in the windy conditions and now face Caroline Springs in a preliminary final rematch, with a grand final spot against Werribee Districts up for grabs.

Six North Melbourne Werribee players have been named in the 2025 rebel VFLW Team of the Year squad of 30.

Premiership Roos Alana Barba, Maddie Di Cosmo, Nyakoat Dojiok, Stella Reid, Charlotte Ryan and club skipper Renee Tierney have all made the squad after stellar individual seasons

The full list of club representation was – Box Hill Hawks (four), Carlton (three, including Charlotte Brewer), Collingwood (six, including Charlotte Brewer), Darebin Falcons (two), Essendon (three), Geelong Cats (two), North Melbourne-Werribee (six), Port Melbourne (one), Sandringham (one), Western Bulldogs (one) and Williamstown (two). Casey Demons did not have a representative named.

The final team of 21 players will be named on Monday, September 15 at the 2025 VFL and VFLW Awards. A captain and coach will also be selected.

Players must have played a minimum of seven matches this season to be eligible for selection.

The 2025 rebel VFLW Team of the Year squad is listed below in alphabetical order by club then surname:

Gabby Collingwood, Box Hill Hawks
14 matches this season, 11 goals
Averages 12 disposals, 3.2 marks, 3.1 tackles

Paige Price, Box Hill Hawks
14 matches this season, 6 goals
Averages 12.5 disposals, 32.4 hitouts, 7.6 hitouts to advantage

Stasia Stevenson, Box Hill Hawks
14 matches this season, 6 goals
Averages 15.6 disposals, 9.1 contested possessions, 8.5 tackles

Matilda Van Berkel, Box Hill Hawks
14 matches this season, 2 goals
Averages 15.5 disposals, 8.6 intercepts, 4.9 marks

Charlotte Brewer, Carlton/Collingwood
14 matches this season, 1 goal
Averages 13.6 disposals, 3.0 inside 50s, 2.9 tackles

Octavia Di Donato, Carlton
13 matches this season, 1 goal
Averages 17.5 disposals, 9.6 tackles, 3.2 marks

Amy Trindade, Carlton
13 matches this season, 2 goals
Averages 21.1 disposals, 4.9 tackles, 4.5 clearances

Dom Carbone, Collingwood
14 matches this season, 6 goals
Averages 19.0 disposals, 10.6 contested possessions, 4.2 clearances

Courtney Jones, Collingwood
14 matches this season, 14 goals
Averages 13.4 disposals, 3.6 marks, 1.0 goals

Amelia Peck, Collingwood
13 matches this season, 18 goals
Averages 8.7 disposals, 4.0 marks, 1.4 goals

Tahlia Sanger, Collingwood
13 matches this season, 4 goals
Averages 21.5 disposals, 6.9 tackles, 3.2 inside 50s

Lily-Rose Williamson, Collingwood
13 matches this season, 3 goals
Averages 16.9 disposals, 5.8 tackles, 3.6 clearances

Ange Gogos, Darebin Falcons
13 matches this season, 2 goals
Averages 25.5 disposals, 10.2 tackles, 9.5 clearances

Alyssa Mifsud, Darebin Falcons
14 matches this season, 6 goals
Averages 17.1 disposals, 6.3 clearances, 5.2 tackles

El Chaston, Essendon
14 matches this season, 1 goal
Averages 20.2 disposals, 5.1 tackles, 3.0 inside 50s

Maddison Ford, Essendon
14 matches this season, 0 goals
Averages 16.1 disposals, 5.9 intercepts, 3.4 rebounds 50s

Brooke Plummer, Essendon
14 matches this season, 6 goals
Averages 15.4 disposals, 3.9 marks, 3.6 insides 50s

Abby Favell, Geelong Cats
14 matches this season, 5 goals
Averages 21.9 disposals, 8.6 tackles, 4.9 clearances

Hayley Peck, Geelong Cats
14 matches this season, 2 goals
Averages 15 disposals, 23.7 hitouts, 6.6 hitouts to advantage

Alana Barba, North Melbourne-Werribee
11 matches this season, 2 goals
Averages 23.5 disposals, 9.4 tackles, 7 clearances

Maddie Di Cosmo, North Melbourne-Werribee
14 matches this season, 7 goals
Averages 23.9 disposals, 7.4 tackles, 6 clearances

Nyakoat Dojiok, North Melbourne-Werribee
14 matches this season, 37 goals
Averages 11.1 disposals, 6 score involvements, 2.6 goals

Stella Reid, North Melbourne-Werribee
13 matches this season, 2 goals
Averages 15.5 disposals, 7.2 intercepts, 4.3 marks

Charlotte Ryan, North Melbourne-Werribee
13 matches this season, 3 goals
Averages 17.2 disposals, 3.2 tackles, 3.2 inside 50s

Renee Tierney, North Melbourne-Werribee
13 matches this season, 16 goals
Averages 16.3 disposals, 5.9 score involvements, 1.2 goals

Kaitlyn O’Keefe, Port Melbourne
14 matches this season, 18 goals
Averages 8.9 disposals, 2.4 marks, 1.3 goals

Deanna Jolliffe, Sandringham
13 matches this season, 0 goals
Averages 12.2 disposals, 3.2 tackles, 3.0 marks

Sarah Sansonetti, Western Bulldogs
14 matches this season, 0 goals
Averages 14.2 disposals, 6.9 intercepts, 4.5 marks

Emily Eaves, Williamstown
14 matches this season, 6 goals
Averages 17 disposals, 6.9 clearances, 6.7 tackles

Jemima Wrigley, Williamstown
14 matches this season, 0 goals
Averages 13.1 disposals, 5.8 rebound 50s, 4.3 intercepts

With finals beginning across most community leagues and the last rounds wrapping up elsewhere, 17 Werribee-listed players featured locally over the weekend. From standout finals performances to season-ending victories, here’s how they fared in the 22nd edition of the Weekly Player Report for 2025.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Cooper Whyte - Grovedale
Whyte followed up last week’s return to his junior side with another strong midfield display in Grovedale’s final game of the year. He finished with 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six tackles and seven clearances, to be named in the best in the 63-point defeat to third-placed Colac. Grovedale ended the season in 10th.

Josh Sanders - Lara
Sanders was pivotal in Lara’s four-point victory over North Shore, their first win of 2025. He collected 27 disposals at 77% efficiency and seven rebound 50s. After half-time, he was shifted onto former AFL forward Jason Davenport, curbing his influence after a damaging start. The win lifted Lara off the bottom of the ladder to finish their season on a high.

Noah Tullio - Newtown & Chilwell
Tullio played his first senior game in 126 days after an ankle injury, returning after making his comeback through the reserves last week. Featuring at half forward in Newtown’s final round matchup against St Mary’s, he finished with 15 disposals, nine contested possessions and four tackles in the 39-point loss. Thanks to their top-two finish, Newtown now face Colac in a semi-final, with Tullio having two games under his belt heading into September action.

Tylar Watts - Leopold
Watts shared the ruck in Leopold’s last game of the year against Bell Park, finishing with 27 hitouts, eight disposals and five clearances. The 21-point defeat meant the reigning premiers ended their season in seventh, unable to make finals to defend the 2023 and 2024 flags.

Ben Kellett - South Barwon
Kellett produced another commanding ruck display as South Barwon ended their season with a 120-point win over St Albans. He tallied 21 disposals, 13 contested possessions, seven tackles, 45 hitouts and nine clearances, along with five inside 50s and five rebound 50s. Named in the best, Kellett capped off a dominant individual campaign, though the Swans missed the finals in sixth.

Liam Kershaw - St Joseph’s
Back from a multiple-week injury layoff, Kershaw slotted onto the wing and used the ball well in St Joseph’s 69-point win over Geelong West. He recorded 10 disposals at 80% efficiency and four marks. Joeys finished top of the ladder and have the week off before facing the winner of Newtown and Colac.

Ballarat Football Netball League:

Mace Cousins - Darley
After finishing on top of the ladder with just one loss in the regular season, Darley opened their finals campaign with a 28-point victory over second-placed East Point. Cousins was outstanding in defence, collecting 22 disposals and 11 marks, including a massive nine intercept grabs, while also providing good run from the back half with six inside 50s and six rebound 50s. Named in the best, he continued his excellent run of form across VFL level and his return to Darley last week. The Devils now face Sunbury for a spot in the BFNL grand final.

Isaac Nixon - Bacchus Marsh
Nixon looked threatening early in Bacchus Marsh’s elimination final against Melton, gathering eight disposals and two inside 50s before an ankle injury ended his game in the second term. The injury brought his strong season to a premature close as the Cobras bowed out of finals.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Anthony Depasquale - Kyabram
Depasquale made his return from a back injury that kept him out for six weeks and kept up his goal-scoring form. He kicked two goals from eight disposals and seven marks in Kyabram’s win over Rochester. Averaging nearly three goals a game this year after a 76-goal season in 2024, he again proved dangerous inside 50. Kyabram now face Mansfield this week for a spot in the grand final.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:

Archer Gardiner - North Albury
Archer Gardiner battled hard in midfield during North Albury’s elimination final against Wangaratta, collecting 19 disposals, 13 contested possessions, nine clearances and two goals. After falling just short of a double chance in the final round with a one-point loss to Myrtleford despite the inclusion of Dom Brew, North Albury’s season came to an end with this defeat to Wangaratta.

Foster Gardiner - North Albury
Foster contributed from half forward with 14 disposals, seven marks, including three contested and six inside 50s, however, the Hoppers' elimination final defeat to Wangaratta has ended their campaign after falling agonisingly short of the double chance in the previous round.

Victorian Amateur Football Association:

Harrison Miller - Williamstown CYMS
Miller backed up his seven-goal effort from last week with three majors from 13 disposals in Williamstown CYMS’ win over Old Camberwell. Despite finishing the season strongly, the CYs ended fifth and missed finals, in an improved 2025 season.

Sam Conway - University Blacks
Conway dominated the ruck in University Blacks’ final round, gathering 64 hitouts, 15 disposals and 10 clearances in the loss to Old Xaverians. Named in the best, he capped off his year after spending the bulk of the season at VFL level. The Uni Blacks finished sixth and outside the finals.

Murray Football League:

Fergus Pinnuck - Cobram
Pinnuck was influential in Cobram’s 13 point elimination final win over Nathalia, finishing with 17 disposals, seven marks, eight one percenters and four inside 50s. Even without Ferg's brother Louis, Cobram proved too strong and now face third-placed Moama in a semi final this week.

Western Football Netball League:

Wil Kliszewski - Yarraville Seddon Eagles
Kliszewski kicked a goal and took six marks including four inside 50, in Yarraville Seddon’s qualifying final loss to Caroline Springs at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval, his VFL home ground. After leading at halftime, the Eagles were overrun to lose by 34 points. They now meet Hoppers Crossing in a semi final, once again at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval, looking to avoid a straight sets exit courtesy of the Hoppers for the second year in a row.

Essendon District Football League:

Hayden Gill - Deer Park
Gill was among his side’s best in Deer Park’s elimination final defeat to Airport West. He tallied 21 disposals, 12 hitouts, seven marks and two goals, but the 30 point loss ended both his and Deer Park’s season.

Northern Football Netball League:

Cam Wild - Hurstbridge
Wild applied excellent pressure and impact around stoppages in Hurstbridge’s elimination final win over Montmorency. He picked up 17 disposals, 11 contested possessions, nine one percenters and six clearances, earning a spot in the best. Hurstbridge now face Banyule in a semi final this week.