TIM PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (10:03):

I am a very proud local member standing here to celebrate the success of the Werribee Football Club, VFL premiers for season 2024. The Werribee Tigers held off the Southport Sharks in the grand final, roaring to victory by 6 points to break a 31-year premiership drought. You could not wipe the smile from the face of CEO Mark Penaluna when the final siren went, and justifiably so. After four grand final losses since their last premiership in 1993 it was so good to see Werribee lift the premiership trophy again. This victory means so much to the club but also to my community, who continue to celebrate, and we will long remember the victory.

I take this opportunity for some special acknowledgements. Dom Brew the grand final team captain was awarded the Bruce Montgomery Trophy for the second consecutive year as the club’s best and fairest player. Jack Henderson was awarded the Norm Goss Medal as the best on ground during the VFL grand final. Dom and Jack were inducted as life members of the Werribee Football Club along with Louis Pinnock. Four players from the successful team were named in the VFL team of the year: Dom and Jack along with Riley Bice and Nathan Cooper – a remarkable achievement. Importantly, to Werribee’s CEO of 21 years, the indomitable Mark Penaluna, congratulations, mate – a well-deserved flag after a near lifetime of service to the club.