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THE BARWON BULLETIN

The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers. Updated weekly on Thursday. 

EDITION 04
Aug 29, 2024

General Updates

DOW BFNL Luncheon Invitation

The Bellarine Football Netball League annual Grand Final Club event will be held in the form of a Luncheon at Leopold Football Netball Club on the 7th September.

Details:

  • 7th September
  • Leopold Football Netball Club (Access through main gate)
  • 11:45am-1:00pm
  • $40 per guest

Inclusions:

  • Guest speaker feature - Adam Cooney
  • MC feature - SEN's Matt Worland 
  • Entry to all BFNL Grand Final Day events
  • Catering by Leopold Sporting Club
  • 1 x Complimentary Beverage (Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic)

Club presidents will be contacted by email today (Aug 29) regarding the event. Clubs have the option to purchase their tickets via the ticket link below, or can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to have your tickets issued directly to you and invoiced at a later date. 

As in previous years, Clubs are advised to have 10 guests in attendance for this event to have representation and show support for everyone in the League. 

BFNL Finals Week 3 Tickets

Dow Bellarine FNL Finals Series:

  • Saturday, August 31 - Preliminary Finals

Join us for an exciting day of football and netball action as the AFL Barwon community comes together for the Preliminary Finals. Set against the backdrop of Leopold Memorial Reserve, this day will showcase some of the region's best talent as they battle for a spot in the finals.

Highlights:

  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Bring the whole family to enjoy an exciting day of sport.
  • Food and Beverages: A variety of food and beverage options will be available to keep everyone refreshed throughout the day.
  • Community Spirit: Celebrate the camaraderie and sportsmanship of AFL Barwon clubs and support local teams and athletes.

For more information and updates, visit the AFL Barwon website or follow us on social media.

BFNL Finals Conditions of Entry (General Public)
  • Everyone must pay the admission fee to enter the venue. 
  • Local council by–laws forbid taking alcohol into public reserves.
  • It is a condition of Entry that vehicles be inspected for illegal entry of alcohol.  
  • Failure to comply with this request will result in the vehicle not being permitted to enter the reserve.
  • Alcohol is not to be consumed before 12pm in line with liquor licensing requirements. 
  • No glass is permitted at the venue.
  • Any alcohol detected entering any venue will be confiscated and will not be returned to the patron.
  • Utilities or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be permitted entry.
  • No Pets are allowed to enter the venue. Assistance or guide dogs are permitted.
  • Re-entry via pass-out stamp only.
2024 Presentation Nights

You will find all the details of the 2024 Best & Fairest Presentation Nights via the link below. 

The next Presentation Night is the BFNL Ash Medal which will be held on the 4th September. RSVPs are now closed for this event.

For any questions regarding Presentation Nights, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Award Naming Applications 2024

The AFL Barwon region has a rich history and tradition of recognising excellence and contributions of our community through various awards.  

The AFL Barwon Commission insists that award names in the AFL Barwon region honour those who have made significant, lasting contributions to our community, preserving their legacies for future generations. 

To ensure these awards reflect the outstanding individuals and their legacies, a formal process for naming awards has been established.  

We are seeking nominations for the following awards to be named in a bid to acknowledge outstanding service and achievements. 

Football 

  • Geelong Football Netball League Seniors Best on Ground in a Grand Final 
  • Bellarine Football Netball League Seniors Best on Ground in a Grand Final 
  • Geelong Football Netball League Seniors Leading Goal Kicker 
  • Bellarine Football Netball League Seniors Leading Goal Kicker 

Netball 

  • Geelong Football Netball League A Grade Netball Best on Court in a Grand Final 
  • Bellarine Football Netball League A Grade Netball Best on Court in a Grand Final 
  • Geelong Football Netball League A Grade Netball Best and Fairest 
  • Bellarine Football Netball League A Grade Netball Best and Fairest 
  • Geelong Football Netball League A Grade Netball Hot Shots 
  • Bellarine Football Netball League A Grade Netball Hot Shots 
  • Senior Netball Coach of the Year 

To nominate an eligible person(s) for a renaming of any awards outlined in this document, click on the following link Award Naming Application Form 

The nomination period for the 2024 season, closes at 5pm on September 27th, 2024. 

To view the renaming process, please see the following link AFL Barwon Recognition & Awards Program 

Senior & U18 Football

BFNL Finals Week 3 Update
Author - Simon Riddoch

Dear BFNL Football Contacts,

BFNL 2024 third weekend of finals. We are getting close to the big dance. 

Week Three of the BFNL 2024 Preliminary Finals will be held at Leopold Memorial Reserves, all game times are available on PlayHQ.


Host & Participating clubs game day responsibilities.

  • Host Club: Leopold FNC
  • Umpire escorts
  • Scoreboard attendant
  • Interchange & look after Spare football.

Participating Clubs:

Drysdale, Geelong Amateur, Lara, Queenscliff, & Torquay. 

  • Timekeepers – It is important to have a timekeeper sorted during the week not the day of the game. (Ensure clubs come out on time)
  • Team sheets (can either be given directly to the umpires or via AFLB Staff 1 copy for AFL Barwon staff Michael Limb)
  • Best Players & Goalkickers (give to AFLB staff post-game)

AFL Barwon Staff:

  • Footballs (One to umpires – Spare to interchange steward)
  • Paperwork (To umpires and timekeepers)
  • Brief timekeepers regarding time on in Reserves & Under 18s, as well as extra time procedures
  • Ensure clubs come out on time.
  • Collect paperwork and football from the umpires’ post-game & get the all-clear.
  • Collect the best players and goalkickers from the club post-game & notify them of any reports or review requests.
  • Results entry after each game.

 Please be kind to our gatekeepers they are doing a great job, please ensure all club members understand entering the gate is at a cost.


CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

  •  Everyone must pay the admission Fee.
  • Local council by – laws forbid taking ALCOHOL into public reserves.
  • It is a condition of Entry that bags & vehicles be inspected for illegal entry of alcohol.
  • Failure to comply with this request will result in the vehicle not being permitted to enter the reserve.
  • ALCOHOL is not to be consumed before 12pm.
  • No Glass allowed.
  • Any alcohol detected entering any venue will be confiscated and will NOT be returned to the patron.
  • Utilities or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be permitted entry.
  • No Dogs Allowed. (Service and Assistance Dogs Permitted).
  • Re-entry by pass-out stamp only
U18 Finals Week 4 Update
Author - Simon Riddoch

Hello, U18 Colts contacts,

Congratulations to Division #4 Grand Final Week

I am getting in touch to provide information on U18 Colts Division #1, 2,3 & 4 for all teams playing U18 Colts football finals this weekend.


Dates & Venues: for Grand Finals.

Division #1

  • Friday 27th September – GMHBA Stadium.

Division #2

  • Saturday 7th September – Leopold FNC

Division #3

  • Saturday 14th September – St Albans FNC

Division #4

  • Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September – North Geelong FNC

Game times can be found at Play HQ.


14.2.2 Finals

  • Senior Male competitions will play Time On according to rules applicable during Home and Away season
  • Reserves Male and all Under 18s games will be played according to advertised times WITH Time On for excessive stoppages only. Ie: When the ball goes out of bounds time on will NOT be added unless the field umpire signals that they consider there will be an excessive delay caused by the ball going over the fence or another significant delaying factor.
  • “Time on” is be signalled by the field umpires by either raising one hand above their head OR by crossing both arms across their chest or when a goal umpire signals a score is recorded (NOT when they complete waving their flags).

Teams must have entered the field at least 5 minutes prior to their scheduled start time. Penalty: $100


AFL BARWON SENIOR FINALS & GRAND FINAL CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

  • Everyone must pay the admission Fee.
  • Local council by-laws forbid taking ALCOHOL into public reserves.
  • It is a condition of Entry that bags & vehicles be inspected for illegal entry of alcohol.   
  • Failure to comply with this request will result in the vehicle not being permitted to enter the reserve.
  • ALCOHOL is not to be consumed before 12 pm.
  • No Glass allowed.
  • Any alcohol detected entering any venue will be confiscated and will NOT be returned to the patron
  • Utilities or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be permitted entry.
  • No Dogs Allowed
  • Re-entry bypass-out stamp only

Junior Football

Junior Grand Finals Info
Author - William Ross

Hi Junior Coordinators,

As we gear up for an exciting Grand Final weekend, I wanted to share some important information and answer a few frequently asked questions to ensure everything runs smoothly for everyone involved.

  • View team info via button below
  • Site map & info pack in below news items

 Important Information for the Day:

  • Presentation Area: There will be a designated presentation area set up at the end of each match. Please make sure to direct your team to the presentation area promptly after your game. Please refer to attached site map for presentation area.
  • Game Announcements and National Anthem: Please ensure that your team is ready and lined up for the game announcement and national anthem at least 5 minutes before your scheduled playing time. This helps keep the day on track and ensures that all teams have a fair and timely start.
  • Parking Conditions: Please remember to adhere to the parking conditions around the venue.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I’ve put together some FAQs to help you prepare for the finals. If there’s anything else you need or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

  • Filming of matches: Please note that AFL Barwon will not be filming the matches this weekend.
  • Team photos: AFL Barwon will not be providing a photographer to take team photos this weekend.
  • Warm Up Area: There will be very limited warm up areas. When oval 2 is not in use, warm ups can be conducted there.
  • Coaches box: only those listed on the team sheet are permitted in the coaches box area (referring to both players and officials).

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

  • Alcohol Restrictions: In accordance with local council bylaws, bringing alcohol into public reserves is strictly prohibited.

  • No Glass: Glass containers of any kind are not permitted on the premises.

  • Vehicle Restrictions: Vehicles such as utes or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be granted entry.

  • Pet Policy: Dogs are not allowed on the field of play under any circumstances.

  • Code of Conduct: All players, officials, and spectators are expected to adhere to the AFL Barwon Junior Codes of Conduct, as outlined on page 141 - 142 of the AFL Barwon Handbook.


Good luck to all teams, and I look forward to seeing everyone this weekend!

Junior Grand Finals Site Map

The Junior Grand Finals are held at North Geelong FNC. Take a closer look at the Junior Grand Finals Site via the button below. 

Junior Football Presentation Night Results
Images taken at the presentation are listed below under "Galleries"

U16 Football Awards 🏅
Cliff Rankin Medallist - Archer Chamberlain (St Joseph’s)
U16 Div 1 RU - William Nicholls (Geelong West)
Jim Vivian Medallist - Hamish Andrews (St Albans)
U16 Div 2 RU - Lachlan Blacket (Barwon Heads)
Ray Ettridge Medallist - Rex Suvoltos (St Joseph’s)
U16 Div 3 RU - Callan Atkinson (Drysdale)
Dieter Vetter Medallist - Ethan Waldron (Surf Coast)
U16 Div 4 RU - Edward O’Neill (Geelong Amateur)
U16 Div 4 RU - Samuel Cations (Inverleigh)
U16 Div 5 Winner - Luke House (Bell Park)
U14 Div 5 RU - Benjamin Miles (East Geelong)
U16 Div 5 RU - Hudson Yockins (Bell Park)

U16 Female Football Awards 🏅
U16 Div 1 Winner - Charlee Morrow (Lara)
U16 Div 1 RU - Holly Confoy (Ocean Grove)
U16 Div 1 RU - Jemma Andrews (Geelong Amateur)
U16 Div 2 Winner - Sienna Bilinski (Bell Park/Geelong West)
U14 Div 2 RU - Kiya Conor (Bell Park/Geelong West)

U14 Football Awards 🏅
U14 Div 1 Winner - Daniel May (St Mary’s)
U14 Div 1 RU - Harry Lindsay (Newtown & Chilwell)
John Edsall Medallist - William Blake (Bell Park)
U14 Div 2 RU - Zac Belcher (Drysdale)
U14 Div 3 Winner - Angus Baker (East Geelong)
U14 Div 3 RU - Davey Gibbs (Bannockburn)
U14 Div 4 Winner - Brody Munn (Leopold)
U14 Div 4 RU - Ashley Muscat (Portarlington)
U14 Div 5 Winner - Samuel McKracken (Newcomb)
U14 Div 5 RU - Adam Jervies (Bell Post Hill/Anakie)
U14 Div 6 Winner - Joshua Roberts (Armstrong Creek)
U14 Div 6 RU - Bailey Taylor (Drysdale)

U14 Female Football Awards 🏅
U14 Div 1 Winner - Sienna Schmidt (Torquay)
U14 Div 1 RU - Addison Giles (St Mary’s)
U14 Div 2 Winner - Winter Davies (Barwon Heads)
U14 Div 2 RU - Magdalene Porra (Surf Coast)

Auskick & Superkick Programs

Geelong - Holiday Program - Click here

  • 25th September, 26th September and 2nd October, 9am - 3pm
  • Cost: $50 which includes the program and footy

 

Torquay - Holiday Program - Click here

  • Tuesday 3rd October, 9am - 3pm
  • Cost: $50 which includes the program and footy

Netball

BFNL & GFNL Netball Finals Information  
Author - Sophie Allison (Head of Netball)

Ticketing and Entry 

Please encourage your members to prepurchase tickets to speed up access at the gate! 

Please be reminded that only those with a valid ticket will be admitted to BFNL or GFNL Finals without payment. Tickets are day specific, and cannot be used more than once. 

Please encourage your members who plan to attend to pre-purchase to take advantage of faster entry to the grounds, via our INTIX website. 

No ticket? You’ll be required to make payment to gain entry.  

Please also be reminded that CONDITIONS OF ENTRY apply to all gated finals. This includes but is not limited to: 

  • No alcohol permitted 
  • No dogs permitted (service dogs excepted) 
  • Security checks – bags may be checked. 

Make things easier for everyone and especially our gate keepers and security by engaging in respectful interactions. 


Team Entry 

A reminder that teams MUST BE SELECTED BY 12pm Wednesday to enable us to type up position tracking sheets for the weekend. 

Please ensure this is completed to support us in preparing for the each week’s schedule. 


Finals Information 

All resources have been sent to your club netball director, senior coordinator or junior coordinator, but can also be found below.

 This includes starting line up paperwork, sub sheets, and anything else you might need for netball finals. 

BFNL & GFNL - End of Season Requirements
Author - Sophie Allison (Head of Netball)

Salary Cap Reporting – DUE 4 WEEKS POST YOUR CLUBS FINAL A GRADE GAME 

As the season draws to a close, please be reminded of your post season reporting requirements.  

All clubs are required to submit their player payment reporting via the spreadsheet on our website HERE  

(scroll to “Netball Budget Template”) 

All Players who have taken the court in A Grade are required to have either a standard player declaration, or non-declared player statement. 

All relevant player payment policies can be found on this site should you need any further information. If you are unsure about anything, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  


 GFNL Award Nominations – Rising Star of the Year – NOMINATIONS EXTENDED – CLOSE END OF WEEKEND 

A change in criteria for the Rookie of the Year has led to it evolving to the Rising Star of the Year award. 

This prestigious accolade is awarded to a standout player who is under 21 years of age as of January 1 of each calendar year. 

Criteria: 

  • All clubs can nominate a maximum of 2 players from their club that meet the criteria of a “rising star”. 
  • These players must be under 21 years of age as of the 1st of January of that calendar year. 
  • They must have played no more than 10 A Grade netball games prior to the commencement of the current season. 
  • All nominations must be accompanied by text describing the achievements of the nominated players and the reason they have been nominated, along with a photo emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
  • The selection panel made up of the H&ASC will then determine the 6 finalists and the eventual winner. Recommendations on the finalists will be sought from the Netball Operations Team. 

Submissions can be submitted here: GFNL RISING STAR  


GFNL Award Nominations – Team of the Year 

It is a requirement that all GFNL A Grade coaches contribute towards determining the GFNL A Grade Team of the Year. 

Submissions can be submitted here: GFNL COACHES TEAM OF THE YEAR SUBMISSION 

Junior Netball Finals Update
Author - Chloe Prout

See below important information for Midweek preliminary finals and the Junior Netball Presentation night. 


Game Times 

For the preliminary finals, game will be played at: 5:00pm, and 6:10pm. All games for finals will be played at Kardinia Park. 


Position Tracking Sheets 

AFL Barwon will be providing pre-filled position tracking sheets for each team. AFL Barwon issued position tracking sheets must be used by all teams as we type these up with only qualified/selected players. Please do not use your own position tracking sheet. 


Player Eligibility 

Players must have played in at least 4 games to qualify for that teams' finals series. No players are to be handwritten on the scoresheet unless by an AFLB staff member. 

Players can only play one (1) final per night (i.e., a player cannot play in both a 13&U and 15&U final game). 


Team Officials and Bench Conduct 

Please remember that only team officials (up to 5 people) and players are allowed to sit on the bench. Parents and spectators will need to sit elsewhere around the court.  

Also, a reminder that only a captain or player may approach the umpires at the breaks and only to pose a question. Please be respectful towards our umpires and mentors. Umpire dissent will not be tolerated at any stage. If you have an issue, please talk to an umpire mentor or AFL Barwon staff member at the office. 


Junior Netball Presentation Night 

The Junior Netball Presentation Night will be held on Tuesday 10th September at the Deakin Cats Community Centre. We will be presenting the Best & Fairest awards for all three junior competitions (BFNL, Midweek and GFNL) on this night, as well as numerous other junior netball awards.  

All clubs will receive a list of invited attendees next week following the conclusion of the GFNL home and away season. 

Umpiring

AFL Barwon, AFL Victoria Female Umpiring Hub

On Monday night, AFL Barwon umpires were joined by AFLW Umpires Jenna Green and Emily Best at the AFL's Women and Girls Umpire Experience Hubs. This was the final session of a 3 part series this year to bring together women and girls from the AFL Barwon region in an upskilling workshop.  

Umpires experienced a 'Game Day Fuelling Workshop' created by Advanced Sports Dietitian, Ali Miles. Then chatted game day with Jenna and Emily, which saw plenty of insights to take into their finals. To wrap up the evening, everyone worked through some active recovery techniques to feel fresh for the end of the season.  

Commercial Partnerships

Geelong Cats AFLW 2 For 1 offer 

The Geelong Cats have a 2 for 1 offer for this weekend’s AFLW match for AFL Barwon members, using the below information -  

  • To access the 2 for 1 ticket offer, click here and use the code: MATESW 
  • Juniors under 18 can access free tickets via ticketmaster.com.au across the AFLW season.  

Any questions or issues in purchasing, please send through to The Geelong Cats Ticketing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Major Partnership with SEN for BFNL Grand Final

AFL Barwon Scores Major Broadcast Partnership with SEN for Bellarine Senior Grand Final 

AFL Barwon is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) to broadcast the 2024 Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Senior Football Grand Final live from Leopold Memorial Park. This exciting collaboration marks a significant moment for local football, offering unprecedented exposure and coverage for one of the most popular days on the AFL Barwon calendar. 

Securing SEN, a leading voice in sports broadcasting across Australia, to call the Bellarine FNL Senior Grand Final is a huge coup for the entire AFL Barwon region. The live broadcast will bring the atmosphere and intensity of the day and will showcase the exceptional talent and community connections that defines the Bellarine FNL. 

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, "This is a monumental step forward for our league and community. Having SEN on board to broadcast the Senior Male Football Grand Final, not only elevates the status of this League and the BFNL Clubs, but also recognises the strength that our region presents across the state of Victoria". 

Sam Thompson, Group Radio Director, Sports Entertainment Network said “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with AFL Barwon for the BFNL Grand Final 2024. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to bringing premier sports coverage to local communities. Through SEN’s extensive network of regional stations and digital platforms, we are committed to delivering comprehensive and engaging content that brings the excitement of the BFNL Grand Final to fans everywhere. Partnering with AFL Barwon allows us to elevate the game-day experience for all, whether they are in the stands or following the action from afar.” 

Listeners will be able to tune in via SEN Geelong station on SEN’s iPhone and Android app with the simulcast and live stream of the match being available on AFL Barwon TV. This will allow the 2024 Dow Bellarine FNL Senior Grand Final reach greater audiences. 

AFL Barwon is proud to bring this exceptional coverage to the wider community and looks forward to a thrilling Grand Final event at Leopold, made even more special by SEN’s involvement. 


To download the SEN App, click on the relevant app store 

Download the iOS app 

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sen-1116/id1147923999?mt=8 

Download the Android app 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deepend.sen&hl=en 

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