Werribee skipper Jesse Clark is first to put pen to paper to sign on for next year’s Victorian Football League season.
In his first season as skipper, Clark was one of five Werribee players to feature in all 18 games. He averaged career highs in disposals (15.9), kicks (12.4) and rebound 50s (3.8), and finished sixth in the Bruce Montgomery Trophy count.
At the end of the 2025 season, Clark had taken his tally to 69 VFL games.
With the retirements of Hudson Garoni and Angus Hicks, he will be one of Werribee’s most experienced players heading into 2026.
Clark said continuing with Werribee was a no brainer.
“Whilst disappointed with how the 2025 season played out, I know that myself and the rest of the group will be returning with a genuine sense of optimism and hunger to get back to the pointy end of the season in 2026,“ he said.
Werribee football manager Kyle Hartigan said the club was pleased to have its captain locked in for 2026.
“It’s great to have Jesse back on board,“ he said. “He’s been a pillar of consistency in the backline over the last three years, leading the way for the club both on and off the field.”
Midfielder Jake Smith is another who has put pen to paper.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who was the youngest member of Werribee’s 2024 premiership side at just 19, elevated his game to another level in 2025.
Smith was one of only five players to feature in every game this year.
With the departure of key midfielders from the premiership side, including Jack Henderson, he stepped up through the middle to average career highs of 20 disposals, five tackles and over four clearances per game.
His consistency and team-first attitude were further recognised when he took out the 2025 coaches award, with senior coach Jimmy Allan full of praise for his performances.
“Jake is a pleasure to coach,“ Allan said. “He’s always asking how he can help, and it’s always about the team. To play the way he did this year, clearly hampered by injury, was a credit to his ability and character. He never considered waving the white flag and still performed at a level that he can be really proud of.”
Smith said he absolutely loves the club and everyone involved.
“I am super keen, and there was no way I wouldn’t re-sign for 2026,“ he said. “I love the boys, and I know that we are all hungry to get stuck in and give it another crack next year.”
