A pair of aces out of the Goulburn Valley are earning their stripes for the Tigers ahead of the fresh Victorian Football League season.

Werribee Football Club has elected its leadership nucleus for 2025 and among the five are two locals looking to take a step-up as the club heads into a premiership defence.

Strathmerton product and Murray Bushrangers graduate Louis Pinnuck has been named as deputy vice-captain of Werribee, set to serve as the third in charge behind skipper Jesse Clark and recent Western Bulldogs trainee Dom Brew.

Pinnuck was instrumental in the Tigers’ 2024 premiership, averaging 19.5 disposals and 8.3 marks a game across his 20 matches.

He has also elected Cobram as his home club for the upcoming season when free from VFL duties.

Joining Pinnuck on the leadership panel is Shepparton United export Angus Hicks.

The 25-year-old also starred last season, racking up an average of 15.9 disposals and 2.9 tackles across his 16 games to add to his 14 goals for the season.

Werribee senior coach Jimmy Allan praised all five leaders on their growth and capacity to steer the Tigers forward in 2025.

“We are in a fortunate position that Jesse will receive fantastic support from Dom, Louis, Angus and Jay, who have all developed into terrific leaders in their own right,” Allan said.

Club president Martin Carter built on Allan’s sentiment, saving special praise for Pinnuck and co.

“Jesse, Dom and Louis would be great captains at any club in this competition, such are their talents,” he said.

“Their commitment, selflessness and vision will unite the club for the challenges of 2025.”

The Goulburn Valley connection at Werribee runs deeper than just Pinnuck and Hicks, too.

Kyabram’s Anthony Depasquale and Mooroopna’s Dom Gugliotti were recruited from the GVL in the off-season, while ex-Murray Bushranger and former Shepparton midfielder Cam Wild is the latest to call Chirnside Park home after crossing from Port Melbourne.

Zac Banch, who lit up the GVL for Shepparton Swans in 2022 and 2023, also remains on Werribee’s list.

The Tigers will face Southport Sharks in a grand final rematch on March 22 to begin the VFL season.

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Saturday, 1st March 2025

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