Young guns standing tall for Werribee Districts

While the big guns are picking up where they left off, several of Werribee Districts next generation of stars are making an early mark in 2023.

Familiar names are already standing up for Werribee Districts this season but it’s the young guns taking big steps forward.

In the 18.19 (127) to 7.6 (48) win over local rivals Hoppers Crossing on Anzac Day, some of the club’s next generation of stars continued their impressive starts to the season.

Coach Chris Gilham was quick to sing the praises of Ethan Di Battista and Josh Kellett.

“Those boys played a really important role in defence for us,” he said.

“They’ve taken ownership of their positions and have been really impressive in the first couple of games. It has been a good starting point for them.”

There was also the familiar sight of Ben McMahon among Districts’ better players as he produced a best on ground performance against an undersized warriors.

Last year’s league best-and-fairest Dillon Viojo-Rainbow also impressed while former AFL man Michael Luxford gave a glimpse into what he’ll offer in yellow and black.

Alex Alabakis and Chris Molivas were also among the home side’s best.

“Ben really led the way when the game was at its hottest in the first quarter,” Gilham said.

“He was exceptional right around the ground. Rainbow was strong again as we’ve come to expect from him.

“Luxford was very good early and showed some real class. There were some really positive signs especially early in the game.

“We spoke about wanting to be the aggressors and I thought we were able to do that.”

One of the biggest talking points around Werribee coming into the season was its ability to hit the scoreboard after Daniel Nielson departed the club to join Eastern league powerhouse Vermont.

On Tuesday, Districts had 11 different goalkickers led by Trent Lee with five majors.

“Nielson was a real key for us but we’ve always been able to score,” Gilham said.

“We had to shuffle a couple of things around again after he left including moving Lachie Rainbow forward and he’s been really good for that.”

Gilham’s side will next take on Point Cook Centrals at Featherbrook Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Despite the Sharks being winless, Gilham said he has been impressed by what he had seen describing them as “very competitive”.

“They were ready to come up and compete,” he said.

“They’ve got a real even mix across the ground. Their small forwards can hurt you and their onball bridge is more than solid.

“They’re going to be hard to beat, we’ll have to be at our best.”