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AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s A Grade Netball matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.

Geelong Football Netball League

St Mary’s vs Leopold

Kardinia Park, 6:00PM, Thursday 3^rd July, 2025

Last time these two sides played each other in round five, Leopold won by six goals.

Sitting fifth and sixth on the ladder, two points separating both sides, expect a hotly contested game with finals right in the mix for both teams.

The Lions are staring at a fourth win in a row, while St Mary’s are looking to continue their winning ways after a comprehensive victory against St Albans.

Bell Park vs Newtown & Chilwell

Hamlyn Park, 1:40PM, Saturday, 5^th July, 2025

Both sides played each other in round one, with Newtown winning comprehensively.

The Towners are on top for a reason with one loss and will be difficult to beat.

The last month, the Dragons have played some competitive netball coming close to Leopold who’re sitting in the five.

A strong start from the Dragons in the first quarter could make things interesting.

Colac vs Grovedale

Central Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Colac are currently winless after eight matches and are desperate for a win.

Grovedale sit one spot higher on the ladder with two wins, both clubs haven’t played each other which makes this contest very intriguing.

Colac can bridge the gap on the ladder or Grovedale can extend, will a be very interesting result.

Geelong West Giants vs South Barwon

West Oval Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Geelong West Giants are sitting in a strong position, fourth on the ladder with good percentage.

Similarly, one spot above, South Barwon also have a strong percentage in what shapes as one of the matches of the round.

Last time these sides played each other in round five, the Giants come out victorious by 20 goals.

Expect the Swans to play with a chip on their shoulder as they look to respond.

Lara vs St Albans

Lara Recreation Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Both sides haven’t played each other since round one when Lara come out on top, in convincing fashion.

St Albans are currently winless looking to shake the competition with a win.

The Saint’s scoring power has lacked in front of goals, scoring over 40 goals once this season, a consistent performance in front of the goals could provide optimism.

The Cat’s last month has been very competitive playing three of the top five sides, one of those drawing against Leopold.

Bye – St Joseph’s

Bellarine Football Netball League

Portarlington vs Barwon Heads

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 11:50AM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Both sides played each other in round one when Portarlington finished on top.

The Dees form the past month has been a little shacky with a few heavy defeats, albeit against finals contender sides.

A performance similarly to their game against Newcomb Power could provide plenty of optimism.

Barwon Heads currently sit second last on the ladder, with the Dees two games above.

The Seagulls last month has seen them face three of the top four sides, where they were competitive against all of them.

An exciting game this weekend presents with both sides desperate for a win.

Torquay vs Anglesea

McCartney Oval, 1:50PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Torquay is after it’s fourth win in five weeks, having come close to top of the table Ocean Grove three weeks ago in a sign of their current form.

Anglesea are looking for their third win of the season after losing by 10 points to the Tigers and round 4.

The Roo’s haven’t scored above 50 goals since they last played Torquay, you’d think a large sum could make things interesting.

Geelong Amateur vs Queenscliff

Queens Park, 1:50PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

A top three spot is on the line for both sides, particularly Queenscliff who’re equal with Torquay and a game in front of Newcomb.

A win here could continue to consolidate their top three credentials.

Last time these two clubs played, Ammos finished on top winning by 12 goals.

If there form of recent has any thing to go by, five wins in a row might show how they’re tracking now.

Should be a high-pressure environment down the stretch.

Ocean Grove vs Modewarre

Shell Road Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Two contrasting seasons thus far, Ocean Grove are currently undefeated, while Modewarre is winless.

Ocean Grove has looked in control for much of the season, defeating Queenscliff who sit third on the ladder in convincing fashion.

Could be a tough ask for Modewarre, however a four-quarter effort could give some confidence among the staff and playing group.

Newcomb vs Drysdale

Grinter Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Could be the biggest game of the season, as it stands, Newcomb sit fifth on the ladder two games clear of Drysdale who sit in sixth position.

A win for the Power could make the Hawks chances of playing finals very difficult.

Last time these two sides played, the Power finished victorious by one goal.

If there’s anything to make out of this clash, it’s that it’ll go down to the wire.

The Hawks are currently on a run of four wins in a row, one of those being Queenscliff.

For the Power, they have won, one of their last four games, if the time is to bounce back for the Power, this is the game to do it.

AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s men's football matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.

Geelong Football Netball League

Bell Park vs Newtown & Chilwell

Hamlyn Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

An exciting game ahead with both sides in winning form, Bell Park have won five of their last six games, and Newtown haven’t lost a game in two months.

Last time these two sides played each other in round one, Newtown come from behind to win in a cracking game of football.

Dragon stars, Benjamin Lloyd, Eli Pearce and Jett Bermingham should all see plenty of the footy, averaging over 19 disposals per game.

Their importance was evident last week for James Saker’s men against reigning premier Leopold.

The Towners even spread of contribution from Steve Johnson’s list has helped put them in good stead for the second half of the season.

With nine players averaging over 18 disposals per game, there’s no individual brilliance required with all players playing the role.

Evident from last week’s 101-point victory over Geelong West Giants.

Colac vs Grovedale

Central Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Back on the winners list, in a big way for Colac solidifies their top four position on the ladder.

A disappointing month for Grovedale being on the end of some close losses and big margins, what Grovedale outfit will we see this weekend?

Colac’s scoring prowess could cause headaches for Grovedale defenders, averaging 17 goals per game, to go with 59 inside 50’s.

Jason Armistead’s even contribution in front of goals is a point of difference.

Players to have played seven or more games this season, six of those players are averaging a goal a game.

The inclusion of gun key forward, Tom Gillett over the past two weeks has given Jacob Spolding more options in front of goals.

Currently averaging 12 goals per game, which rates below average, Spolding will be hoping Gillett can help improve this number.

Particularly with clearances an area they have been strong in all season.

Geelong West Giants vs South Barwon

West Oval Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Differing weekends for either side, Giants come into this weekend with a heavy defeat to Newtown.

South Barwon on the other hand were victors by just under 200 points.

Last time either side played each other, the Swans got the chocolates by 59 points.

A competitive display of football for Greg Mellor’s side should keep the Giants in the game.

Key figure, Lachie Horniblow will be relied on heavily in front of goals, averaging 3.4 goals per game.

The Giants equalled their lowest number of turnovers last week; similar trend here could provide optimism for Mallor.

Swans forwards could be dangerous this weekend, particularly Fraser Fort who had a day out last week, kicking eight goals to sit equal second in the goal kicking.

Look to Fort to be busy in front of goals with Neeld’s squad averaging 15 goals per game.

St Joseph’s vs North Shore

Herne Hill Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Clinical victory for St Joseph’s last week, holds them in good stead against a young North Shore squad.

The Seagulls were hoping to put in a competitive four quarters against Colac, having won their first game of the season, the previous week.

They were ultimately outclassed but learnt some valuable lessons to bring to this weekend’s game.

St Joseph’s potent forward line could be busy this week for Ron Watt’s side, currently averaging 15 goals per game.

Geelong VFL listed player, Paddy De Grandi is averaging three goals per game, with teammate Oscar Morrison averaging 2.5 and Mitch Chafer and Hunter Lewis averaging just over two goals per game.

North Shore’s defensive transition could determine the result of the game.

Low turnover rate from defense to attack by foot for Mark Hounslow’s squad could open the game up, with Lachlan Hayes, a key figure averaging 10 rebound 50’s per game.

St Mary’s vs Leopold

Kardinia Park West, 1:10PM, Sunday 6^th July, 2025

Both sides have had some patchy form recently, but with the quality of players for either side, expect a big turnout for what should be a competitive game of footy.

A win for St Mary’s would continue their trend towards a second chance come September.

For the Lions, a much-needed win to draw level with St Mary’s and avoid potentially dropping positions on the ladder.

Both sides play a highly contested brand of football,

Luke Rayner’s gun trio, Patrick Dowling, Jarryd Garner and Michael Rudd all average over 13 contested possessions per game.

Rick Kelly’s major ball winners Tate Porter, Marcus Thompson and Brock Williamson all average over 13 contested possessions per game.

The battle could be between which midfield group is willing to work defensively with lots of the players mentioned, currently average one or more goals per game.

Lara vs St Albans

Lara Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 12^th July, 2025

A difficult period for both sides, Lara are currently after their first win of the season.

St Albans are looking to bounce back with their first win since round five.

Brett Henderson’s reliance on Cats stars, Darby Henderson and Thomas Gunther could determine the outcome of the midfield battle.

Both players lead their club in clearances and disposals.

St Alban’s clearance and contested possession style of football has helped improve the squad’s overall performance.

Expect contested possession beasts, Fletcher Keck, Jed Warrin to have an influence in stoppages for Rick Munn’s side.

Equal second in the goal kicking, Tom Higgins could give headaches to Lara defenders.

Bellarine Football Netball League

Torquay vs Anglesea

McCartney Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Contrasting months for either side has shaken the competition, Torquay have been back to their best, sitting comfortably in the second position with the strongest percentage in the competition.

Anglesea’s last month has been challenging, through injuries and player form, the Roo’s sit a game inside the top five.

However, a relatively low percentage gives sides on the outer an opportunity to get in.

Dom Gleeson’s fast paced style of footy with plenty of run and overlap should be evident this weekend.

Experienced duo, James Darke and Matthew Boag both average 16 or more handballs per game.

The Roo’s ability to win centre and stoppage clearances has been a big strength of theirs all season, rating elite for total clearances.

However, their inability to be effective going inside 50 has hurt their chances of kicking major scores.

Jordan Keras’s side go at 45%, for forward 50 entries which needs to improve if they’re to be competitive against the top sides.

Geelong Amateur vs Queenscliff

Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Both sides have been in confident form since they last encountered each other.

Geelong Amateur are on a win streak dating back to round six when they were handed their first loss of the season to Queenscliff.

For the Coutas, their run of form has been just as good, winning five of their last six games.

Ammos scoring power has been evident for much of the season, Sam Lloyd’s side currently averages 15 goals per game, rating elite.

Returning home, star key forward Mitchell day averages 4.2 goals per game and could pose a threat for Coutas defenders, having kicked four goals last time they played each other.

Heath Jamieson will be without star forward, Izzac Grant who will miss an extended period after rupturing his spleen, reported via Krock Football.

Jamieson will look at other avenues for goal with Jordan Monahan and Jayden McHenry, important pieces in front of goal, averaging two or more goals per game.

Ocean Grove vs Modewarre

Shell Road Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

A competitive showing from the Grubbers against a strong Queenscliff side, gives plenty of promise for Ocean Grove in the back half of the season.

Modewarre were able to grab their fourth win of the season, after a fast start against an inaccurate Newcomb.

A win here for Modewarre presents a possibility for top five hopes.

Dave Farrell’s heavy reliance on veteran Jye Walker in front of goals has helped the Grubbers competitiveness over the past month.

Walker has kicked four goals in his last two games, another big outing this week could give plenty of problems for Modewarre defenders.

Mark Hovey will look to key ball users, skipper Morgan Fenton and Oscar Cooke who lead their side in rebound 50’s with six or more per game.

Forward 50 entries is an area of concern for the Warriors, going at 42%, Fenton and Cooke will look to change this.

Portarlington vs Barwon Heads

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

A promising four-week block from Portarlington has them sitting at seventh with five wins.

Sitting on the same points as Barwon Heads, the Dees would love to make another statement.

Barwon Heads has been dealt a difficult last month, playing the top four sides in the competition.

The standard is set for what’s required of the Seagulls to push for finals.

Turnovers have still been quite high for Nathan Storer’s side, something he’d like to change to be competitive against the perennial teams in the Bellarine.

Key figures, Nicholas Sing, Thomas Panuccio and Riley Hayden, who all average 13 or more kicks per game should lead the charge.

The Seagulls’ tackling pressure has been an area Sam Schaller’s side would like to improve, averaging 40 effective tackles.

Sammy Baker, Sonni Walter and Finn Cornell lead their side in total tackles, averaging a tick over four tackles per game.

Newcomb vs Drysdale

Grinter Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

The last time these sides played each other in round six, it ended in heartbreak for Newcomb.

Drysdale’s last quarter heroics shapes as an exciting rematch between the two clubs.

The Power’s past three weeks have displayed plenty of promise for Tony Mirabella’s side.

Barring an inaccurate second quarter last week against Modewarre, key indicators went their way,

Leading the match in, inside 50’s, clearances and having a whopping 112 marks to go with 111 the week before against Geelong Amateur.

Drysdale have opened a two-game buffer on fifth place Anglesea; the Hawks are now looking to push for a top three birth.

The Hawks had their second lowest total turnovers tally last week with 63 total turnovers, a similar effort by disposal this weekend could shape the outcome of the result.

Key ball users, Jack Jenkins, Luke Preece and James Breust all average 12.5 or more kicks per game.

In a landmark moment for grassroots football in Victoria, the state’s 20 metropolitan and country governing bodies have aligned with AFL Victoria to formally endorse a unified strategic direction for the game’s future.   The culmination of more than two years of collaboration, the newly established Victorian Community Football Charter marks the first time the state’s community football bodies have aligned under a shared philosophy: that through strong relationships, clearer governance, and effective structures, Victorian community football can thrive.   Developed under the guidance of the Future State Project, the Charter reflects a united commitment to overcoming shared challenges, seizing new opportunities, and building a more sustainable and inclusive game for all Victorians.   “Victoria is the largest football community nationally yet, until now, has not shared a strategic direction or collaborated as an industry to ensure the game thrives,” said Greg Madigan, Head of AFL Victoria.   “The signing of the Victorian Community Football Charter and the commitment to initial priority projects align all governing bodies and AFL Victoria under one strategic vision, supported by structured processes and shared decision-making.”   A Collaborative Vision, Backed by Action The Charter outlines a broad strategic focus, guiding principles, and seven initial key Priority Projects, all led by representatives across the state's football community. These projects include: Player Pathways Community Umpiring Programs and Environments Community Female Football The continuation and expansion of the CCSP (Club and Competition Sustainability Project) Critical Incident Management Community Football Conduct and Standards A Policy Reference Group “The CCSP and Policy Reference Group have already proven to be critical components, and under the Charter, they’ve been revised and expanded to help strengthen the game’s foundations,” said Madigan. “We’ve already seen success, with all governing bodies co-designing and adopting State Affiliate Regulations for club transfers and team establishments earlier this year.”

United in Philosophy, Diverse in Governance While each metropolitan league and country region remains independent and manages its own governance and constitutional responsibilities, all signatories to the Charter have committed to a broader, evidence-based, industry-wide approach.   Lee Hartman, CEO of the Southern Football Netball League, said: “This Charter represents significant progress. Victorian community football will be far better served when leagues work together, not in isolation.”   Jason Reddick, CEO of the VAFA, added: “Whilst there are many challenges facing community football, our leagues are best placed to maximise the opportunities of growing male and female participation and supporting volunteerism when working collaboratively as an industry, whilst also encouraging leagues to drive initiatives"   Zac Hedin, AFL North East Border Region Manager, reinforced the importance of unity across varying models. “Simplicity and consistency of process apply in every setting. Clear communication and collaborative decision-making will deliver better outcomes across the board.”   CEO of Wetsern Football Netball League David Jennings said: "The Western Football Netball League is proud to stand alongside our peers in shaping a vibrant future for community football in Victoria. The Charter represents a powerful step forward for grassroots football and this collective approach ensures that every level of the game benefits from a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable future”.   A New Era for Community Football The Charter is not a one-off achievement but the foundation of an evolving, collective approach to managing and growing community football in Victoria.   “AFL Victoria is committed to ongoing coordination, project delivery, and the establishment of new initiatives,” said Madigan. “We now have a clear path forward — with structure, strategy, and unity underpinning everything we do.”

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