BFNL Grand Final to remain at Newcomb in 2026 and 2027

AFL Barwon is pleased to confirm Grinter Reserve (Newcomb FNC) and Portarlington Recreation Reserve as the host venues for the 2026 Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Finals Series. 

As part of the appointment process, Grinter Reserve has been confirmed as the host venue for the Dow BFNL Preliminary Finals and Grand Finals through to the end of the 2027 season, providing certainty for clubs, supporters and stakeholders.

Newcomb has successfully hosted three of the last four BFNL Grand Finals, demonstrating a strong track record of delivering major events and comfortably accommodating anticipated crowd numbers.

Newcomb President Matt Farrow said, “The Newcomb Power Football Netball Club is proud to have been chosen to host the final two weeks of finals for the next two seasons. Being centrally located for all clubs and with the capacity to host significant crowds, we believe it provides a great option for the BFNL. This decision will also allow us to work with council and state stakeholders on potential small upgrades to further support the delivery of a fantastic event for our league.” 

Portarlington Recreation Reserve will host the opening weeks of the 2026 finals series, including the Qualifying and Elimination Finals on 29–30 August, followed by the Semi Finals on 5–6 September. The finals action will move to Grinter Reserve following the Semi Finals, with Newcomb Football Netball Club hosting the Preliminary Finals on Saturday 12 September before culminating in the Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday 19 September.

AFL Barwon can also confirm that Lara Recreation Reserve will once again host the Epworth Senior and Junior Female Football Grand Finals on Sunday 30 August, with matches played across multiple grounds.

Following the success of last year’s Kempe Junior Male Grand Finals, St Joseph’s Football Netball Club will again host the event at Herne Hill Reserve across Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, utilising both ovals.

Venues for the opening weeks of the Epworth Female Football Finals Series and the Kempe Junior Male Finals Series will be announced in due course.

Further details regarding fixtures, match times and ticketing information will be released via the AFL Barwon website and social media channels closer to the commencement of the 2026 Finals Series.