General Updates
New Updates
Reminders
Please see the below dates of the AFL Barwon Themed Rounds for 2025:
- Week 19th May to 25th May – AFL Barwon Indigenous Round
- Week 9th June to 15th June – Leisure Networks Inclusion / Pride Round
- Week 30th June to 6th July – The Athlete's Foot Female Festival of Sport
- Week 21st July to 27th July – TAC Road Safety Round
- Week 28th July to 3rd August – Mental Health & Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round
Red Onion Creative are taking booking for preseason matches.
- Cost: $350 + GST per game. If multiple games on the same day are booked, they will provide a custom quote.
- Delivery: Coaches receive the footage within 24 hours of game completion
- Payment: All games must be paid prior to the day
- Split invoices: If clubs are sharing costs, please provide contact details for both clubs
To secure your booking, contact Jayden at:
0447 376 467
Spots are filling quickly, so get in touch soon.
A friendly reminder that Club Education Week is fast approaching and will be held from the 17th to the 19th of February.
These sessions will be held virtually across the following topics, with the links to these webinars attached:
Monday 17th February
5:45-6:30
Club Development Webinar – Click Here to Register
Junior Football Coordinator - Click Here to Register
6:45-7:30
Football Umpiring Webinar – Click Here to Register
Wednesday 19th February
5:45-6:30
Football Player Points & Salary Cap Webinar – Click Here to Register
Netball Player Points & Salary Cap Webinar – Click Here to Register
6:45-7:30
Football Match Day Operations & Rules/By-Laws Webinar – Click Here to Register
Netball Panel Umpire & Development Mentor webinar (invite only) – Click Here to Sign Up
7:45-8:45
PlayHQ Information Webinar – Click Here to Register
(Football & Netball)
Please ensure you register as soon as possible, which will allow us to distribute any information that may be required relevant to the topic of discussion.
We look forward to seeing you online next week.
Football
New Updates
Reminder to Senior Female Football clubs to have their preferences for Day of Play information through to Lisa Patterson by COB Friday 14th February.
Information will be collated at the start of next week to ensure communication can be distributed to all clubs to finalise this process and therefore being able to move forward in preparation for the upcoming 2025 season.
Any concerns about having this information through to Lisa by this date please contact her at your earliest convenience.
Grovedale U16 Female Football are seeking expressions of interest from other clubs who may currently have low player numbers for the 2025 season.
If you wish to have further conversation in relation to this matter, please reach out to Grovedale Female Football Coordinator Pat Keating on 0481 484 268 or
Reminders
SUBMISSION DUE MARCH 21, 2025
- Important: Please submit your team entries as accurately as possible, as the first two rounds of fixtures will be based on this information. Ensure all sections of the form are completed.
- Timing: I encourage clubs to wait until closer to the due date before submitting, allowing time to assess each team’s ability level.
- Player Numbers: If your club is at risk of not having enough players for a team (or has too many for one team but not enough for two), please inform me as soon as possible.
SUBMISSION DUE MARCH 21, 2025
- Important: Please submit your team entries as accurately as possible, as the first two rounds of fixtures will be based on this information. Ensure all sections of the form are completed.
- Timing: I encourage clubs to wait until closer to the due date before submitting, allowing time to assess each team’s ability level.
- Player Numbers: If your club is at risk of not having enough players for a team (or has too many for one team but not enough for two), please inform me as soon as possible.
All coaches participating in AFL Barwon competitions must complete their accreditation before their first game.
No PlayHQ Registration Required: Once a coach completes accreditation, their details will automatically transfer to PlayHQ for club assignment.
Standard Player Declarations need to be completed and signed by both parties (player and club official) and uploaded to the Club’s Player Payment Portal by the designated club representative.
AFL Barwon are seeking expressions of interest for team entries for the Female U18 Competition for 2025.
If all clubs could please complete the below form expressing your interest to enter for 2025 by Monday 24th February 2025.
https://forms.gle/bTwFkKqMv3SM3QXz7
Please ensure all administrative information has been sent through to
If you have players moving to the AFL Barwon region to participate, these players will require a transfer to be approved. This is required to be submitted through PlayHq upon the registration of the player.
Please refer to the below process when transferring clubs:
- The player begins the registration process with their new club for 2025.
- Transfer will be automated on PlayHq with notification sent to previous club for approval to be sought. This is to be found un ‘TRANSFERS’ on PlayHq.
- Once the previous club has approved the transfer, the new club will need to also approve the transfer.
- Process is completed and the player has successfully been registered with their new club for 2025.
For further information relating to transfers please refer to the below button.
If you have any further questions in the meantime please do not hesitate to reach out to Lisa Patterson (
Event Information:
- Day: Monday
- Start Date: 17th February
- Time: Games starting at 6pm
- Venue: Belmont Common, Geelong
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Entry Fee: $350 per team (upfront cost; no participant or weekly fees)
To register your team for the competition, please complete the registration form here - Register | PlayHQ
More information about AFL Nines:
Age Requirement: This event is for participants aged 18 and over.
Rules & AFL Nines Game Play Information: AFL Nines - Play AFL
Exciting Extras: DJ, Food Trucks and lots of entertainment so there’s plenty of motivation to compete and have fun!
Netball
New Updates
Individual Player Points - Reminder
A reminder for all clubs to please submit their updated A/B Squad lists to
For all new players, please include a brief history as to their playing record so that we can correctly identify the player in netball records.
Reductions and new points values need to be assigned manually on PlayHQ so please also get your players registered ASAP.
For all other player point and player payment information Please review this HERE.
An information session on Player Payments and Points outlining all requirements will be held NEXT WEDNESDAY for CLUB EDUCATION WEEK.
Player, Coach and Umpire Registrations
A reminder that ALL Players must register on both Netball Connect AND PlayHQ – this is compulsory and can lead to loss of match points.
Netball Connect is for ‘Netball Victoria Membership’ which includes player/coach/umpire insurance and has coverage for injuries sustained during training, practice matches and in season games.
Instructions on how to set up these forms can be found here:
Beginner Umpire Training Session
These training sessions are to provide individuals with the opportunity to take part in an education component discussing the basic netball rules then getting out on court to have a go at umpiring in a non-competitive environment with court side support from our mentors in the program.
Participating in one of these sessions is one of the pre-requisites for all umpires prior to starting their umpiring journey within AFL Barwon competitions.
Tuesday 11th March
4:30pm
Kardinia Park
Sign up via the link below
https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/umpire-netball
Requirements
- A reminder that it is an AFL Barwon By-Law that ALL COACHES must hold a minimum of FOUNDATION Coaching Accreditation.
- A Grade Coaches must hold a DEVELOPMENT level Accreditation which includes an online and face-to-face component.
Accreditations last for four years, and can be maintained by completing tasks as outlined on the netball learning site.
Upcoming Courses
To support coaches who require or wish to obtain the Development Coaching Accreditation, AFL Barwon have coordinated the face-to-face component of this course on Sunday 16th March at 12pm at Herne Hill Reserve – LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE!
Participants must register through their netball learning account, and will need to have completed the pre-requisites (ONLINE COMPONENT) in order to access is.
REGISTER FOR DEVELOPMENT COACHING PRACTICAL COURSE HERE.
Get ready for Come & Play Day on Saturday 15 February. Register your Centre's event and share what fun activities you have planned.
We can't wait to see your Come & Play Day event in action!
Friday Night finals (13&U and 15&U)
Semi Finals:
- Date: Friday 21st February
- Venue: Kardinia Park
- Format: knockout [1 v 4 (G1), 2 v 3 (G2)]
- Number of games: 40 games across 5 timeslots
- Times: 4:20pm, 5:15pm, 6:10pm, 7:05pm, 8:00pm
Grand Finals:
- Date: Friday 28th February
- Venue: Kardinia Park
- Format: W1 v W2
- Number of games: 20 games across 3 timeslots
- Times: 4:40pm, 6:00pm, 7:20pm
Tuesday Finals (17&U and All Abilities)
Semi Finals:
- Date: Tuesday 25th February
- Venue: Queens Park and Herne Hill (Cats preseason game at Kardinia Park)
- Format: knockout [1 v 4 (G1), 2 v 3 (G2)]
- Number of games: 16 games across 4 timeslots (14 x semi-finals for 17s + 2 x AA games – round 9)
- Times: 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm
Grand Finals:
- Date: Tuesday 4th March
- Venue: Kardinia Park
- Format: W1 v W2 (AA based on ladder position 1 v 2)
- Number of games: 8 games across 2 timeslots (7 x 17s + 1 x AA)
- Times: 5:00pm and 6:20pm
Finals Qualifications
- A Player must take the court in at least 4 games throughout the home and away season to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum of 4 games is not played the player is ineligible to play finals.
- NOTE – to be eligible under this rule – a player MUST have PLAYED ON COURT during the games that player team sheets have been submitted throughout the home and away game series.
- Where teams play less than 80% of the maximum number of scheduled games, a pro rata system will apply.
- Once a player takes the court in the 5th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower division in the same age group.
- A player is only allowed to play in one final over the night.
Monday 17th February 2025
Barwon Junior Netball Championships – Championship Teams
Venue: Oberon High School Stadium, Armstrong Creek
13&U at 5:20pm, 15&U at 6:30pm, 17&U at 7:40pm
- Colac & District FNL v Geelong FNL
- Bellarine FNL BYE
Geelong Central Netball Competitions – Development Teams
- 13&U Bellarine FNL v Covenant Yellow – Kardinia Park – Court 4 @ 6:05pm
- 13&U Geelong FNL v KIC Kangaroos – Kardinia Park – Court 5 @ 6:05pm
- 15&U Bellarine FNL vs KIC Koalas – Kardinia Park - Court 4 @ 7pm
- 15&U Geelong FNL vs Devious Devils – Kardinia Park - Court 6 @ 7:55pm
Commercial Partnerships
New Updates
Geelong is calling on nominations for the 2025 Carter/Costa Award and R J Hickey Award.
The Carter/Costa Award Criteria
The Carter/Costa Award is awarded to an individual in recognition of their exceptional service at Club or Community level within the Geelong region.
By demonstrating commitment to teamwork and for their outstanding personal values.
This Award seeks to recognise either an Employee or Volunteer at Club or Community level.
The R J Hickey Award Criteria
The R J Hickey Award is awarded annually by the Geelong Football Club to an individual in recognition of their “outstanding service to Australian Football” particularly but not limited for their contribution to football in the Geelong region.
- Roles held in Australian Football such as Player, Coach, Administrator; a member of the Media or a Volunteer at all levels of our game are eligible for consideration.
- Geelong FC Officials / Staff / Players and Volunteers are ineligible during their tenure with the Club.
- Nominations will be sought from the following:
- Honouring the Hoops Committee
- Executive Team
- Board of Directors
- AFL Barwon Commission and Clubs
- Members of the public can submit nominations via the Honouring the Hoops Committee
Recipients of the Carter/Costa Award and R J Hickey Award will be announced at the Annual General Meeting or other appropriate event in 2025.
How to Nominate?
Click Here to see our new Awards Program which outlines each award, the process and nomination form.
Download the Nomination Form here.
Email your Nomination Form to
Do you know someone who truly stands out in their dedication to making a positive impact in our local community? Nominate them today as a 2025 Westfield Geelong Local Hero.
Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition and awards program that shines the spotlight on individuals in Australia and New Zealand who make a positive impact to their local community. Community members nominate their heroes, and we select three finalists for each Westfield centre to go through to a community vote.
The successful heroes are awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent, and the finalists receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation.
It’s easy to recognise your hero and put them in the spotlight to potentially receive a $20,000 grant to help continue their work.
1. Visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes
2. Tell us who your hero is and how they create positive impact for your community or environment.
Nominations for 2025 Westfield Local Heroes are now open and close Thursday 13 March 2025.
If you have any questions, please email Dylan Komiyama (
Westfield Geelong is providing an exciting opportunity for local community groups and sporting organisations to promote their clubs and build brand awareness amongst local customers. Through this initiative, Westfield Geelong aims to support the local community while generating excitement and engagement with shoppers.
Westfield Geelong’s Community Sport Zone will be available for use from March 21st to March 30th, offering a promotional space for AFL Barwon clubs to showcase their offerings and attract new members.
Community Sport Zone Details:
- Location: Westfield Geelong Level 1, near Cotton On
- Size: 4m x 4m, fenced-in area
- Equipment Provided: Desk with computer screen and USB connection for branding
- Activation Options: Clubs can design their own activations, including practice drills, sports displays, and club branding (no pull-up banners or A-frames permitted).
- Manning Requirements: The site must be staffed between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at a minimum on all allocated days.
This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for local sporting organisations to engage with the community, drive participation, and increase visibility in a high-traffic retail environment.
Clubs interested in securing a spot in the Community Sport Zone are encouraged to email Sean Atkinson (
Cub Warehouse are excited to be continuing our partnership with AFL Barwon as the official medical supplier in 2025.
Receive 10% off wholesale pricing on their entire strapping tape range throughout February.
Plus claim up to $3,500 value in Bonus stock through their reward packs available here:
Speak to Martin Gaul for more details or to request tape samples at:
- Phone: 0413 576 677
- Email:
Martin@clubwarehouse.com.au
Club Development
New Updates
AFL Victoria is proud to announce an unmissable Coaching Forum this March 2025, designed to elevate your coaching skills and knowledge. Whether you're an experienced coach or just starting out, this forum is the perfect chance to hear from some of the best in the industry, including keynote speakers, top coaches, educators, and mentors. As well as build your coaching community by connecting and sharing insights with other coaches.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Informative sessions & professional development
- Gain firsthand knowledge from AFL experts and coaches (Nathan Buckley, Sam Mitchell + more to come)
- Interactive workshops
- Earn valuable points towards your coaching progression
- Connect with other coaches, share insights, and build your coaching community.
Reminders
AFL Victoria are excited to announce that the Melbourne Satellite Training Hub will continue in season 2025. This AFL Victoria initiative is aimed at providing a structured training session for players from AFL Victoria Country affiliated leagues and clubs residing in Metropolitan Melbourne.
Summary of the 2025 details:
- When: Tuesday night every week (one night a week), starting at 6.00pm finishing at 7.15pm. The hub will run from mid-March to mid-September with the official start date to be communicated closer to March.
- Where: Merv (Mervyn G) Hughes Oval. 99 Farnsworth Ave, Footscray VIC 3011.
- Purpose: To create a club-like atmosphere where country club players can train together as a group that are living in Metro-Melbourne.
- Coach: Each session will be coached by a qualified AFL Victoria Coach Developer.
- Communication: Registered players for the hub via PlayHQ will be added to an AFL Victoria WhatsApp group where week-to-week updates and communication is shared.
- Registration: Registrations will again be facilitated through Play HQ, ensuring user-friendly and efficient onboarding for players. Players wanting to train at the hub will be required to register in PlayHQ and pay the player levy, to ensure players are covered for insurance.
- Registration Link: Players can now register for the 2025 Melbourne Satellite Training Hub via this link - https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/6f5e8f
- Cost: $90 – for the full 2025 season.
AFL Victoria are leading the annual Regional Satisfaction Survey and we invite all Clubs to submit a response of feedback to enable AFL Barwon & AFL Victoria to adequately prepare for 2025.
Your time and comments are greatly appreciated, and you can complete the Survey via the link below
Come and learn how to use Prep-to-Play and prevent injuries this season.
A practical workshop to give you the confidence and skills to use new warm-up, tackling and ground ball drills at your next training. This will include a structured, evidence-based football specific warm-up and cool down, as well as how to teach and introduce contact skills (tackling/being tackled/ground ball focus) safely and effectively.
When and where: 6.00pm -7.30pm Tuesday March 25th, 2025, Location in Geelong TBA.
Who can attend: Coaches, players, parents, trainers, health/exercise professionals. Prep-to-Play can be used in female and male teams, and all age groups.
Coaches will earn 50 CPD points via AFL Learn.
Please contact Tim Secombe (
The Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program funds community level initiatives that enable participation, build capability and celebrate the role of women and girls in community sport and active recreation.
The program has many outcomes:
- increased participation by women and girls in community sport and active recreation
- enhanced understanding of gender equity practices within community sport and active recreation organisations
- more women in leadership roles in community sport and active recreation
- promotion and elevation of women and girls in sport and active recreation
Applications close on the 26th of February.
Local footy clubs across the country can apply for Telstra Footy Country Grants, a partnership between the AFL and Telstra that will deliver $2m per year for a four-year period to community football.
Ahead of the Game is a free program for players (12 years-18 years), their parents and coaches. Funded by Movember and partnering with the AFL, Ahead of the Game has delivered 1000+ sessions and reached 18,000+ young players nationally in 2024.
Ahead of the Game provides young players with the tools to deal with life’s challenges, and the confidence to support their mates through tough times, whilst also empowering them to look after their own mental wellbeing. The program has been designed to have localised Delivery Partners come to community clubs to deliver at a time that suits during the season.
In 2025 Ahead of the game will have capacity to deliver up to 40 workshops in the Geelong & Colac regions.
Further information and to register your interest can be found here - https://play.afl/movember-ahead-game
Watch video about Ahead of the Game - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azNYnVgXL6s