AFL Barwon has confirmed changes to the structure of the Kardinia Park All-Abilities Football Netball League competitions for the 2026 season, introducing two distinct football divisions designed to better support participation, safety, and long-term growth.

From 2026, the All-Abilities football competition will be separated into:

• A Contact Division, which will maintain the dynamic, competitive nature and rules of the current competition, and
• A Non-Contact Division, designed to support non-tackle participants and provide an accessible entry point for players seeking a modified football experience.

The introduction of a non-contact division reflects AFL Barwon’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and participation, ensuring players of all abilities can engage in the game in an environment that best suits their needs.

The clubs participating in the All-Abilities Football Netball League will remain the same as in 2025 across both competitions, with one adjustment. Following a collaborative agreement between the two clubs, Newtown & Chilwell will fill the non-competitive position previously held by Bell Park in the non-contact football competition. This agreement supports continuity within the league while allowing both clubs to align their participation with their respective objectives.

AFL Barwon will continue to administer both competitions, working closely with clubs, participants, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition into the new structure. 

These changes form part of AFL Barwon’s commitment to developing a long-term growth strategy for the Kardinia Park All-Abilities Football Netball League, focused on creating clear and inclusive participation pathways, supporting sustainable club involvement, and identifying strategic growth opportunities across the region.

Further information regarding competition governance and fixturing will be shared with clubs and the broader community ahead of the 2026 season. 

AFL Barwon provides governance and strategy development for Football and Netball across the Barwon region.

We are excited to welcome work experience participants into our team and provide a valuable learning and development experience. Our program is designed to give students or recent graduates real-world exposure to the operations of a dynamic organisation, hands-on opportunities to contribute, and the ability to explore different areas of our business.

What We Offer

As part of your time with us, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside a passionate and experienced team, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to our day-to-day operations. You’ll also gain insight into all areas of the business, including (but not limited to)

• Operations and Administration
• Events and Competitions
• Community Engagement
• Governance and Compliance

You will receive mentorship and guidance from team members across the Football and/or Netball department, helping you build both knowledge and confidence in your work. You'll also have the opportunity to attend meetings, events, and planning sessions to gain a broader understanding of how the organisation operates. Throughout your placement, we aim to provide an environment that aligns with your individual goals, while supporting the needs of the organisation.

Available Positions & Descriptions

Football Operations - Position Description

Netball Operations - Position Description

The work experience roles are voluntary and require availability for the duration of the 2026 Football & Netball season. 

To apply, please send your resume and a brief explanation of your interest in this opportunity to:

Head of Football - Sarah Naylor (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Head of Netball - Sophie Allison (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) 

Applications will be monitored and actioned as they are received.

AFL Barwon provides governance and strategy development for Football and Netball across the Barwon region.

We are seeking applicants for voluntary opportunities that are ideal for individuals seeking hands-on experience in Communications, Media, Content Creation and Journalism within a sporting environment.

Successful candidates will work closely with the AFL Barwon team, contributing to communications strategy, supporting social media engagement, and creating content that showcases the energy and stories of the local football and netball community. 

Available Positions & Responsibilities include:

Barwon Bulletin Delivery

• Coordinate the production and distribution of AFL Barwon’s weekly communications, ensuring content is timely, accurate, and engaging.

 TikTok Management

• Manage the AFL Barwon TikTok account, creating content and growing the audience in line with the 2026 AFL Barwon Communications Strategy.

Feature Writing / Reporting

• Research and prepare feature articles highlighting key stories, players, clubs, and events from across the region.

Content Creation & Social Media Support

• Assist with content creation and scheduling across AFL Barwon’s social platforms, helping to tell the stories that matter to our community.

The work experience roles are voluntary and require availability for the duration of the 2026 Football & Netball season. The positions will primarily work during standard business hours, though opportunities for after-hours or weekend work may arise during peak periods.

The successful candidate(s) will be expected to be based from the AFL Barwon office located in Geelong, Victoria.

To apply, please send your resume and a brief explanation of your interest in this opportunity to Sean Atkinson, Commercial Partnerships & Communications Manager at AFL Barwon, via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Applications will be monitored and actioned as they are received.

AFL Barwon is excited to launch Court Clash 26 supported by The Athlete's Foot — the ultimate tune-up event to kick-start your 2026 netball season in style! 

Set at Kardinia Park, this high-energy, tournament-style day is designed for A and B grade squads, delivering quality match play, strong competition, and a genuine finals-like feel before the season begins.

The event is open to clubs from across the entire Barwon Region, providing match ups of non-traditional opponents.

Court Clash 26 details are as follows:

Sunday 22 March 2026
Kardinia Park Netball Courts

Teams will compete in pool matches, playing a minimum of three games (subject to final team numbers) followed by finals to award the winners - raising the intensity and excitement as the day unfolds. 

This format provides the perfect opportunity to:

• Fine-tune combinations and rotations
• Build match fitness and on-court cohesion
• Test structures in a competitive, finals-style environment
• Enjoy a fun, well-organised pre-season event

 Entry Fee: $150 +GST per team (to cover umpire costs) 

And the ultimate prize awaits…
The tournament champions will take home a complimentary pair of The Athlete's Foot shoes of their choice for every participating player — a massive reward to kick off the season. 

Don’t miss your spot!