The AFL Barwon Summer Competition is gearing up for an exciting conclusion, with the Grill’d Summer Netball Grand Finals taking place this Friday night, February 28, at Kardinia Park. After a fantastic season, teams will hit the court one last time to battle it out for the premiership.

Grand Finals will be played across three timeslots on Friday, February 28, with matches scheduled for 4:40pm, 6:00pm, and 7:20pm. The action doesn’t stop there, with the 17 & Under and All-Abilities Grand Finals set to take place on Tuesday, March 4, at 5:00pm and 6:20pm.

AFL Barwon extends a huge congratulations to all players, coaches, umpires, and supporters for their dedication and efforts throughout the season. The Summer Competition has once again provided a fantastic opportunity for participants to stay active, develop their skills, and enjoy netball in a fun and competitive environment.

A special thank you to Grill'd, the proud naming rights partner of the Summer Competition, for their ongoing support of local netball and grassroots sport across the AFL Barwon region.

Fixture for both Friday night and Tuesday’s Grand Finals can be found below:

Friday 28th February

 Tuesday 4th March

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Coach Induction Workshops, designed to support both new and returning coaches for the upcoming season.

There will be two inductions offered in March, with an induction for returning coaches being held in Colac and an induction for new coaches being held in Geelong. 

Colac Induction Workshop (Returning Coaches)

For returning coaches, we’ve created a workshop to help you refresh your skills and stay current for the year ahead. This session is a great opportunity to ensure you’re an accredited coach and ready for the challenges of the upcoming season

12 March
Upstairs - Colac RSL
6:30PM-8.00PM

Geelong Induction Workshop (New Coaches)

If you’re a new coach for the season ahead, this workshop is tailored for you! We’ll cover the basic principles of the game and clarify your role as a coach.

19 March
Elderslie Reserve (Newtown & Chilwell FNC)
6:30PM-8.00PM

Register Here

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

AFL Barwon is thrilled to announce that Henry Buckley has been promoted to the VFL Development Squad for the 2025 season. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Henry’s umpiring journey and reflects his dedication, skill, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Capping off an outstanding 2024 season, Henry officiated the GFL Grand Final, demonstrating his ability to perform under high-pressure situations. His consistent excellence in game management, decision-making, and passion for the game has made him a standout within the AFL Barwon umpiring group. His hard work, both on and off the field, has been instrumental in earning his selection for the VFL Development Squad. 

The VFL Development Squad serves as a crucial stepping stone for umpires aiming to officiate at the highest levels of Australian Rules Football. Henry’s promotion is a testament to his potential and the strength of AFL Barwon’s umpiring pathway.

Images by Great Ocean Photography.

AFL Barwon Director of Football Umpiring Jock Hillgrove praised Henry’s progress:

“Henry has shown tremendous growth over the past few seasons. His work ethic, professionalism, and ability to adapt to the game at higher levels make him a well-deserving candidate for the VFL Development Squad. We’re excited to see him take this next step and continue developing as an elite umpire.”

Henry’s promotion also highlights the opportunities available for aspiring umpires within AFL Barwon. With a strong focus on development and coaching, the umpiring program continues to produce high-quality officials ready for the next level.

Congratulations to Henry Buckley on this fantastic achievement! We look forward to seeing him thrive in the VFL Development Squad and wish him all the best for the 2025 season.