Read the Play Round is back in 2022, with more than 80 clubs across AFL Barwon and the Western Region Football League set to take part.

The annual round, which is played at under 15 and under 16 level in football and netball, aims to highlight the importance of looking after your mental health, increasing your help seeking behaviors, identifying support services and increasing your knowledge of where to seek help.

One in Four young people are impacted by mental illness in any given year and One in Three young people with mental health issues don’t seek professional help, with many not knowing what help is available to them.

Read the Play is a unique program that uses young people’s engagement with sport and connection to their local club to deliver important messages that improve mental health literacy and knowledge about where to seek help for mental health problems.

Michael Parker, Read the Play Inc CEO, said:

“The Read the Play Round is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of looking after the mental health of teenagers across the region”.

“We know the vital role sporting clubs play in the lives of young footballers and netballers, and are thrilled with the willingness of clubs and leagues to introduce the Read the Play program for their players.”

For more information, contact David Mackin: 0428 075 435 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AFL Victoria are looking for some new GDO’s to help deliver school programs, assist with Auskick clinics and work on promotional activities. For more information on the role please see the link below.

If you are interested in applying, please send your cover letter and resume through to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Reports

Werribee Centrals v Bell Post Hill

The MRP viewed vision of a report that occurred in the 2^nd quarter of the Senior match between Werribee Centrals v Bell Post Hill where Sam Hamer #22 Bell Post Hill was reported for engaging in Rough Conduct against Dylan Blair #29 Werribee Centrals. It was determined that the 2 match set penalty as offered was appropriate.

Vision Requests

Belmont Lions V Thomson

At the request of the umpires, the MRP viewed vision of potential Rough Conduct between Brent Jaques #21 Belmont Lions and Sam Jacka # 14 Thomson during the 2^nd quarter. The free kick paid was correct and the contact made was not deemed reportable. No charge to be laid.

At the request of the umpires, the MRP viewed vision of contact between Tyler Beyer #6 Belmont Lions and Darcy Kelly #50 Thomson during the 3^rd quarter. The MRP deemed that the contact made was incidental and that no charge to be laid.

At the request of the umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a potential Dangerous Tackle (Rough Conduct) during 4^th quarter by Shaun Jubber #9 Belmont Lions against Daniel Freeman #7 Thomson. It was determined that Shaun Jubber be reported for Engaging in Rough Conduct on Daniel Freeman and has been offered a 1 match Set Penalty in this instance.

Anakie v Geelong West Giants

At the request of Geelong West Giants, the MRP viewed vision of contact between Daniel Knight #24 Anakie and Josh Taylor #17 Geelong West Giants during the 4^th quarter. As both players are contesting the ball, the MRP deemed the contact made was not unreasonable in the circumstance and that a charge not be laid.

At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP was asked to review umpire contact during the 1^st quarter. The incident was not captured on vision.

Where set penalties have been offered, both clubs involved have until 10.00am Tuesday 5^th July to request the matter be heard at Tribunal, or the Set Penalty will apply as offered.

1 JULY 2022

AFL Barwon is excited to announce the venues that will play host to the upcoming Finals, for the conclusion of the 2022 GFNL & BFNL seasons.

AFL Barwon takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders involved in this complex and significant process. Region Manager Edward Wilson shared that “we’ve been humbled by the wealth of interest and enthusiasm from clubs, in exploring the opportunity to host finals. This signifies how hotly anticipated this Finals Series is, after two uncompleted seasons due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic”.

2022 DOW BELLARINE FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE (BFNL) PREMIERSHIP SEASON FINALS SERIES

2022 GEELONG FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE (GFNL) PREMIERSHIP SEASON FINALS SERIES

* Due to fixtures and competitions across Football/Netball and other sports, for both national and international events within the Barwon region potentially clashing with these dates, the finalisation of venue/s for these dates is still ongoing.

OTHER CRITICAL FINALS INFORMATION

1. CDFNL Grand Final will take place on Saturday 10^th September 2022 at Central Reserve, Colac;
2. GDFL Grand Final is on Saturday 10^th September 2022, at St. Albans. The push-back of the GFNL Finals Series by one week, ensures that GDFL & GFNL leagues don’t share the same Grand Final date;
3. To enable the push back in the GFNL finals series, the implementation of a bye/split round is under way for the weekend of Saturday 20^th August 2022. Clubs will communicate and coordinate with their opposing club to ensure certain games can be scheduled as a ‘Round 19’ fixture. This will ensure no club/team has two weeks off in a row, leading into the Finals Series.

AFL Barwon is looking forward to the competitive, exciting and memorable Finals Series across all four leagues and thanks all community members, for their active participation and support of the 2022 seasons.

END

All enquiries should be directed to:

Edward Wilson

Region Manager

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.