Jack Henderson celebrates one of his two goals in the 2024 VFL grand final.
It’s been a quick turnaround for former local footballer Jack Henderson this week, going from a practice match with the West Coast Eagles on Monday, to being offered a list spot by the Melbourne Demons during the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).
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After an almost perfect 2024 season with Werribee in the VFL, from an individual and team standpoint, the former Deniliquin Rams player has had a pretty strange pre-season for the 2025 season.
Henderson’s performance last season has seen him come under the gaze of several AFL clubs, particularly after he became a VFL premiership player on the league's biggest day last year.
He was adjudged best on ground with 23 disposals, eight tackles and kicking a pair of goals.
Jack and his Werribee teammates were able to get the job done on the day in a close contest, the scores reading Werribee 10.9 (69) def Southport 08.15 (63).
As best on ground, Jack was awarded the Norm Goss Medal.
With it, he joined an elite company of other medallists including fellow AFL product and fellow former Ram Sam Lloyd.
Since the grand final triumph, Jack had been linked to the Geelong Football Club, but not much seemed to come of the interest in the local product.
But West Coast and Melbourne have also had the VFL premiership hero on their radars.
West Coast were keen to see Jack hit the track and eventually be involved with their practice match.
He spent most of last week with the Eagles, and played in the practice match at the start of this week.
“Jack Henderson, one of those players fighting for the extra spot on West Coast’s list – they’ve got three of the guys living in the same house. Only two of them are going to get a spot,” Fox Footy’s Will Schofield commentated.
Unfortunately for the West Coast Eagles, they didn’t act fast enough.
Jack Henderson during his week with the West Coast Eagles. Photo by West Coast Eagles.
With Melbourne footballer Shane McAdam sustaining a serious Achilles injury, a list spot opened for the Demons.
Enter Jack Henderson, who accepted the offer.
Melbourne Football Club’s list manager Tim Lamb was excited about the Deni boy getting stuck in at the club.
“We’re really pleased to be able to give Jack an opportunity, following an impressive VFL career at Werribee.
“We were very close to selecting Jack in the National Draft last year and feel he has earned his opportunity at AFL level.
“He is a terrific character who has shown great perseverance over his football journey, improving each year.
“He is a true competitor with a great attitude, and we look forward to seeing what role he can play for us in 2025.”
Being a part of the Melbourne Football Club and their set-up means that Jack will be affiliated with the Casey Demons for VFL duties from here on out, severing his ties with Werribee.
Starting at Werribee in 2018, the club has seen Jack through his initial journey in open age footy.
He joined them after finishing with secondary school and the Geelong Falcons in 2017, in the Coates Talent League (formerly the TAC Cup).
But, like a good local boy would, he didn’t turn his back on the Rams completely.
He has promised his former club mates at the Deni Rams he would play if he was not needed at Werribee, but Werribee knew his worth and he played 105 of 106 potential games in his time there.
But he did return for one game in 2021, under then coach Sam Hall.
In that game, he kicked an easy six goals and was named best afield.
Jack also made his senior debut with the club in 2014, as a 15-year-old.
The news of Jack’s addition to Melbourne’s list, while is no surprise, is testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport.
Spending the last seven years with Werribee and working hard has paid dividends.
Jack is certainly AFL ready.
He has extensive senior footballing experience in the VFL, unlike draftees coming in as 18 year-olds, and he has been more than impressive during that time.
It would be no surprise to see him play at the highest level this year.
Jack’s foray into the AFL will have him in good company of dedicated local players to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
This includes Todd Marshall who remains a key player at Port Adelaide, and now retired players Sam Lloyd (Richmond and Footscray) and Leo Barry jnr (Sydney Swans).
