AFL Barwon is proud to announce that the Senior Netball Coach of the Year award has been named in honour of Joy Grubb, a true icon of netball whose dedication and commitment to the game have inspired generations of participants. Grubb's remarkable career, spanning several decades, has left an indelible mark on the netball community through her leadership, mentorship, and exemplary sportsmanship.

Renowned for her professional approach, Joy's ability to communicate effectively with her players and continually enhance her own qualifications and experience was a testament to her passion for the game and her subsequent success. Her coaching philosophy placed enormous value on building strong relationships, not only with her players but also with their families, fostering a deep sense of community and support within her teams.

A key aspect of Grubb's coaching was her emphasis on considered evaluation, encouraging players to learn from their own performances and target specific areas for improvement. Her focus on discipline, courage, and sportsmanship was not only a hallmark of her own career but something she instilled in her players, whose on-court performances reflected these same values.

Joy's long list of accolades further highlights her impact on the sport. She was named BDNA Coach of the Century and earned the prestigious title of Netball Victoria Coach of the Year in 1994. In 1995, she received the Netball Victoria State Distinction Award, followed by the Australian Sports Medal and Netball Victoria Life Membership in 2000. Her leadership was further recognized with the Vic Sports Regional Award for Sports Leadership in 2004, culminating in her induction into the Netball Victoria Hall of Fame in 2007.

AFL Barwon Chair, Michelle Gerdtz, expressed, “Joy dedicated a significant part of her life to netball in our region, profoundly influencing and positively guiding countless players. Her long-standing commitment to coaching made this decision an easy and clear choice in naming the award in her honour.”

The naming of this award after Joy Grubb is a fitting tribute to her lifelong contributions to netball, ensuring her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of coaches and players.

AFL Barwon is very excited to announce that we have signed a 3-year partnership with Geelong’s newest leading CBD accommodation provider, The Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong.

The Official Hotel & Accommodation Partner of AFL Barwon, the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is located within walking distance of GMHBA Stadium Kardinia Park, and Geelong Arts Centre, it caters an as a perfect accommodation option for all guests.

The partnership will see The Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong hold the naming rights of the D Grade Netball Competitions across the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues. The Holiday Inn logo will also be seen across all the Senior Male Football live streams where AFL Barwon have had more than 150,000 individual views over the previous two seasons.

Tegan Adamson, Marketing Manager of Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, expressed her excitement about the new partnership, emphasizing the shared goal of strengthening community ties.

“We are really excited to be partnering with AFL Barwon, a collaboration that underscores our commitment to fostering community engagement. Together, we aim to support local initiatives and shine a light on the vibrant culture of Geelong and the greater Bellarine region. This partnership not only enhances our connection to the community but also empowers us to create lasting positive change”.

 AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson, reflected on the enthusiasm shown by Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong and the potential benefits of the partnership,

“AFL Barwon is humbled by the immense enthusiasm the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong have exhibited in wanting to support our Football & Netball community across the region. We fundamentally believe in partnering with organisations that can deliver benefits to our community, and we’re excited by the potential this partnership has, to deliver value to all Clubs and community members” said AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Barwon community and creating a positive impact throughout the region. AFL Barwon and The Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong are dedicated to offering strong community ties and promoting local engagement, making this partnership an exciting step forward for the region.

To see full experiences and opportunities that the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong offers customers, simply go to www.holidayinn.com/geelong

Are you ready to take your netball skills to the next level and be part of something special? Registrations for the 2025 AFL Barwon Representative Netball Program are now open.

AFL Barwon are committed to nurturing and showcasing the finest netball talent in the region. The Representative Netball Program provides netballers with a platform to shine on both regional and national stages. With a strong focus on skill development, sportsmanship, and teamwork, registering for the program is a great place to start if you are interested in taking your netballing journey to new heights.  

Trials Information

Dates - Sunday 10^th, 17^th and 24^th November (Venue TBC)

Times -

• 13&U: 8:30-10:15am
• 15&U: 10:15-12:00pm
• 17&U: 12:00-1:30pm

Registrations Close: Wednesday 6th November 2024.

Coaching Applications