North Shore Football Netball Club 2025 Season Update
The AFL Barwon Commission wishes to provide the following update regarding North Shore Football Netball Club and the Geelong Football Netball League.
AFL Barwon, AFL Victoria, and North Shore FNC have maintained regular communication over the past 12 days in a collaborative effort to resolve concerns about North Shore’s ability to field Senior and Reserve Football teams in 2025.
In response, North Shore has been working to meet key registration requirements as outlined by the AFL Barwon Commission. As of today, the total number of eligible senior player registrations on the PlayHQ database exceeds 50 members. North Shore has assured AFL Barwon that all listed registrations represent active players who will be participating in the upcoming season and that additional registrations are expected in coming days once clearances are finalised. Although just shy of the initial request of 60, AFL Barwon has agreed that this has met the intent of criteria outlined in February.
Last night, North Shore discussed two options with their committee to deliberate and agree a way forward.:
- Proceed with fielding teams for the 2025 season, with assurances that they will field senior and reserve teams in all 18 home and away matches in 2025 at an acceptable level of competitiveness.
- Undertake the process to place the football section of the club into recess for the 2025 season, providing adequate time to assess the current situation and take the necessary steps to re-enter at a level that best supports the entire club.
The North Shore FNC Executive has reviewed these options and provided AFL Barwon with their decision to proceed with playing in the Geelong FNL in 2025.
Attention now turns to the successful commencement of the season, which kicks off for North Shore at Australian Lamb Company Stadium in Colac on April 12th.
There is still much work to be done by North Shore, AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria to ensure a sustainable program into the future. This work has already commenced with a clear focus on the development of junior programs across the Northern Suburbs.
Quote from AFL Barwon Chair, Michelle Gerdtz
“The North Shore committee has carefully considered their options and made the decision to proceed with the 2025 season. We commend their dedication to their players, members, and the wider football and netball community.
While this is a positive step forward, we acknowledge that ongoing efforts will be required to ensure the long-term sustainability of North Shore FNC. AFL Barwon remains committed to supporting the club in this journey.”
Quote from North Shore President, Maryian Szponar
“Plans are already in motion to strengthen our football division this season, for 2026 and beyond which will lay the groundwork to future-proof pathways for new talent and boost junior development to secure a prosperous future.
Following months of consultation, planning, and hard conversations, North Shore is proud to confirm its commitment to fielding two senior football teams in the 2025 season. The club is also embracing transparency and collaboration, giving AFL Barwon an open invitation to be part of committee meetings and match-day events to ensure ongoing progress.
We’re prepared to open the doors, work hand-in-hand with AFL Barwon and welcome check-ins throughout the season from the outside for people to see the struggles, but it’s also what happens on the inside that matters and makes the difference.”
