While Werribee enjoyed a well-earned break with its first bye of the season, 16 of our players were in action at local level over the weekend, delivering another round of standout performances.
Catch up on how they went in the eighth edition of our 2025 Weekly Player Report.
Ballarat Football Netball League:
Brady Wright - Darley
Brady Wright returned to Darley for his first local game of the season after making seven appearances for Werribee to start his debut VFL campaign. The key forward got his campaign underway with 16 disposals and five marks. He competed well in the air and around the ground, and despite missing a few chances in front of goal, he managed to hit the scoreboard with one major in Darley’s 24-point win.
Joel Cadman - Darley
Joel Cadman continued his return from a long-term injury, playing his third game back after nearly 300 days on the sidelines, and shifting to the wing in Darley’s win. He slotted back to the wing well, using the ball cleanly at 90% efficiency and taking four marks in a solid outing.
Mace Cousins - Darley
Mace Cousins made his return from injury in his first game since Werribee’s Round 3 clash with Footscray. The composed defender showed signs of rust early but had some promising moments throughout the contest. He still found plenty of the footy, finishing with 15 disposals, 10 of them contested, as one of three Werribee-listed players in Darley’s win over Redan.
Rye Penny - Bacchus Marsh
Rye Penny continued his strong run of form down back, standing out in Bacchus Marsh’s 31-point loss to top-four side Melton. He was a key presence in defence, leading the way with 11 one-percenters and taking five marks, including three intercepts. Despite tricky kicking conditions, Penny provided plenty of drive from the contest and finished with 18 disposals in another solid performance.
Isaac Nixon - Bacchus Marsh
Nixon was shifted to defence to start the game and responded with an improved performance. He finished with 17 disposals and laid five tackles. Still regaining confidence following a shoulder injury, Nixon showed signs of increased aggression and was encouraged to use his legs more going forward.
Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:
Archer Gardiner - Interleague
Archer Gardiner starred in Ovens & Murray’s dominant 57-point interleague win over the Goulburn Valley Football League. Playing through the midfield, he was one of the best on ground, collecting 27 disposals and a goal, showcasing his class and potential, and standing out at the higher level.
Goulburn Valley Football League:
Dom Gugliotti - Interleague
Dom Gugliotti represented the Goulburn Valley Football League in their tough interleague outing against Archer Gardiner’s Ovens & Murray side. The defender battled hard down back under consistent pressure, continuing to show the form that earned him representative honours.
Western Football Netball League:
Wil Kliszewski - Yarraville Seddon Eagles
Wil Kliszewski was again a standout for Yarraville Seddon, named in the best and kicking three goals to go with five contested marks in a narrow loss to reigning premiers Hoppers Crossing. He worked tirelessly up and down the ground, showing strong hands under pressure despite receiving heavy attention from defenders, as he continues his dominant form in the WFNL.
Tom Stapleton - Parkside
Tom Stapleton was a strong contributor for Parkside despite their six-goal loss to Spotswood. Named in the best, the big man adapted well to a new role, shifting from the ruck to half-back and the wing in the second half to aid the team’s ball movement. He handled the transition impressively, finishing with 16 disposals at an efficient 81% and taking five marks.
Bellarine Football Netball League:
Jack Henderson - Barwon Heads
Jack Henderson continued his strong goal-kicking form in 2025, slotting two goals in Barwon Heads’ narrow 11-point loss to Modewarre. With limited forward opportunities, he made the most of his chances, lifting in the second half when pushed higher up the ground. He finished with 12 disposals and four marks as the Seagulls mounted a late comeback that ultimately fell just short.
Cooper Ward - Barwon Heads
Cooper Ward returned to his former side, Barwon Heads, and played up forward alongside Henderson in the tight loss to Modewarre. Ward’s pressure was a highlight on a difficult day for forwards, and he worked well up the ground to gather 11 disposals and two inside 50s in a solid performance.
Luke Preece - Drysdale
Luke Preece’s contested work stood out as usual in Drysdale’s win over Torquay. The defender competed well both at ground level and in the air, finishing with 10 disposals and four tackles. The 25-point win for Drysdale continues their strong start to the season, overtaking the reigning premiers to jump up into the top four at the conclusion of round seven.
Geelong Football Netball League:
Charlie Byrne - Newtown & Chilwell
Charlie Byrne built on his strong form, playing a key role in Newtown’s 22-point win over St Albans. The versatile defender finished with 17 disposals and four tackles, providing valuable support in defence and using the ball cleanly going forward. The win sees Newtown climb to third on the ladder in what has been an impressive start to the season for the Eagles.
Ben Kellett - South Barwon
Ben Kellett battled hard in the ruck in tough, muddy conditions as South Barwon went down to Leopold in a grand final rematch. In a physical contest where neither ruckman was able to take control around the ground, Kellett held his own at stoppage, finishing with five tackles and five clearances.
Essendon District Football League:
Hayden Gill - Deer Park
Hayden Gill built on his strong recent form in the ruck for Deer Park, earning a spot among the best in the Lions’ six-point win over Pascoe Vale. Taking on a taller opponent, he rucked for most of the match and stood out with his 12 tackles in a solid all-round performance.
Murray Football League:
Fergus Pinnuck - Cobram
Fergus Pinnuck battled hard in Cobram’s heavy 104-point loss to Congupna. Playing a mix of midfield and forward, Pinnuck collected 18 disposals, including 11 contested, and had five clearances. Despite the tough day, he showed leadership across the four quarters and continued to build match fitness in just his third game of the season.
