A further four premiership players have been locked in for 2025 with small forwards Zac Banch and Flynn Young, Bior Malual and Harry Grintell re-signing for next year’s Victorian Football League season.
The two small forwards both entered 2024 with two VFL games to their names but broke into the side after standout performances at the local level to begin the season.
Once they earned their spots, they did not look back, with Banch playing 15 games and Young 16.
Banch joined Werribee late in the pre-season after spending 2023 with Williamstown, where he played his first two VFL games.
He switched local sides to the Western Football League’s Point Cook Centrals for 2024, and after three games named in the best players for the Sharks, he was selected for his Werribee debut in round eight against Collingwood.
Banch responded with an impressive two-goal debut, solidifying his place in the side to play every game for the remainder of the year.
Football manager Ash Collins said Banch didn’t miss a beat after joining them late in the pre-season.
Young entered his third season with the club in 2024, having played games in both the 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
After kicking 21 goals from three full matches to start the Geelong Football League season he was called up for the Tigers round six clash.
Playing as a half-forward, Young averaged more than 13 disposals and five marks per game, and continually bobbed up to kick important goals at crucial times.
“Flynn has been with us for a few seasons, and it’s been good to see him truly cement his spot this year. With more confidence in himself, he’s only going to get better next season.”
Malual, the second-oldest player on Werribee’s premiership-winning list, has committed to a seventh season with the club.
The 28-year-old featured in all 21 games this season as his consistent performance helped Werribee cap off their first minor premiership since 2005 with a second premiership in club history, and has just missed the one game in the last two seasons.
Malual ended the season averaging 17 disposals and seven marks across 21 games, finishing in the top ten of the club’s best-and-fairest for the third time.
Harry Grintell has also re-signed having had a career best year in where he played every game.
He moved to the wing late in the season and stayed there.
Collins praised Grintell’s second-year rise saying he became a mainstay in the side.
“He’s been a pivotal part of the team, and we’re excited to bring him back for next season.”
Harry Miller has also signed on for next season.
He was a train on player with the club this season but battled injuries early in the year.
Miller is the first of the confirmed re-signings for the 2025 season to be elevated from a train-on player to the list,
