Premiership forward Angus Hicks is back for a second season with Werribee in the Victorian Football League.
The 25-year-old forward joined Werribee last season from Richmond’s VFL program and made an immediate impact, both on and off the field.
Before making his club debut, Hicks was inducted into the leadership group, having made the switch to Werribee after serving as Richmond’s vice-captain in 2023;
Although his pre-season preparations were interrupted by injury, Hicks made his Werribee debut in round two.
In a thrilling encounter against Southport, he kicked the winning goal, converting a clutch set-shot after winning a holding-the-ball free kick inside 50, and securing a three-point victory for Werribee.
A best-on-ground performance against Williamstown on Anzac Day kickstarted a standout stretch of form between rounds five and eight, where he averaged 20 disposals and more than two goals per game.
As Hicks played his 14th game of the season in round 18 against Port Melbourne, he also marked his 50th VFL game, a milestone seven years in the making for the forward.
Despite suffering an injury in the dying stages of Werribee’s round 19 loss that threatened to sideline him for the finals, Hicks worked his way back to recover in time for the grand final.
He was the sole inclusion for the premiership decider.
The experienced forward played a pivotal role in the team’s draught-breaking victory, being the third-highest rated player on the ground after half-time as Werribee mounted their second half comeback.
Football manager Ash Collins said Hicks’ leadership and experience would continue to be valuable heading into 2025.
“Having one of our leaders like Angus back with the group is huge,” he said. “He’s really experienced at this level, and with the likes of Nick Hayes, Nathan Cooper and Nick Coughlan departing, he’ll play an important role in leading our team in 2025.”
The Tigers have also announced the signings of rucks Sam Conway and Darcy Bennett.
Conway played a key role for the Tigers in the back half of the year in their premiership run.
“We’re pumped to have Sticks back on board,” Collins said. “Down by three goals at halftime in the grand final, he set the tone for the second half with his first contest after the break. He is really important to our mix in contests and stoppages.”
Bennett returns to the Tigers for his second stint, having previously been at the club between 2019-21.
He played eight games in that time.
“Darcy is an untapped gem,” Collins said. “We’re excited to get some continuity into his body and training loads. He set himself up well last year, and we can’t wait for him to do it again.”
