VFL: Werribee and Michael Barlow prepare for big season

A “settled” Werribee VFL coach Michael Barlow says a host of new faces have his side ready for another big season.

A much more settled coaching set up and 15 new recruits has Werribee primed for a VFL premiership push in 2022.

Michael Barlow is set to lead the Tigers for a second straight season.

He was originally appointed to the top job at Avalon Airport Oval after Mark “Chocco” Williams was handed an opportunity with Melbourne in the AFL.

Now after two Covid interrupted seasons, Barlow said his playing group is ready after a “slow burn”.

“It’s been fantastic to have a bit more continuity than before last year,” he said.

“I certainly feel a lot more settled in the role now.

“We’ve had more time to build on the fantastic foundation Chocco had laid before he moved onto his current roles.

“This pre-season I’ve been able to put my own imprint on those things and we’ve also made some subtle changes but nothing major.”

VFL are primed for another premiership push.

It has been a busy pre-season at the Tigers with 15 new faces earning a place on the stand-alone club’s list.

Among those is several faces from other VFL teams including Reuben William and Brady Rowles.

Ollie Hanrahan will pull on the yellow and black after he was listed by Hawthorn at the end of the 2021 AFL season.

“I’ve been really impressed with what Rueben has added to our group in such a short time,” Barlow said.

“He’s in the top one per cent of people when it comes to character. He won’t just been significant for us on the field but he’s excellent off it.

“Unfortunately he’s had a bit of an uninterrupted pre-season but he will compliment what we already have on the list when we do see him out there.”

Reuben William has crossed from VFL rival Footscray. Photo: AAP.

The Ovens and Murray league, one of country footy’s premier competitions, has again been a recruiting ground for the Tigers in the lead up to 2022.

Midfielder Marty Brennan, who arrives from Lavington, is a mature age for the recruit alongside forward Josh Porter who has returned for another crack at state league footy.

“I think it’s great for the competition when we see guys who are in their mid-20s willing to give the VFL another go,” Barlow said.

“Werribee’s ability to attract those guys says a lot about the work people including Mark Penaluna (the club’s chief executive) have done since we became a stand-alone again.

“They’ve brought into our culture and we’re excited to see what they can bring to the table.”

Werribee co-captain Dom Brew and coach Michael Barlow. Photo: AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Among the changes at the Tigers has been the appointment of Dom Brew and Tom Gribble.

They replaced Michael Sodomaco who stood down after several years in the role.

“We thought it was the best option for us in terms of the boy’s lives in and out of the club,” Barlow said.

“It also highlights the strong connections between the regions those boys are from.”

Barlow said he was looking forward to the continued development of young players who impressed during his first year in charge.

The Tigers will travel to take on Frankston in the opening round on Saturday.