General Updates
New Updates
Together For Inclusion.
Next week is AFL Barwon's Inclusion Round supported by our Inclusion Partner, Leisure Networks, and our Competition Partner, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.
The major event for Inclusion Round will be the All-Abilities football games held at GMHBA Stadium on Friday the 13th June, with gates opening at 4:30pm. Details can be found in the flyer below.
There is also an Inclusion Round Toolkit for Clubs to use to promote the round (linked below).
Clubs are required to collect yellow armbands within the next week from AFL Barwon's office at Highton Reserve. We ask that players & umpires wear armbands during their games on the 13-15th June to show their support for Inclusion and raise awareness in the Barwon Region.
AFL Barwon is proud to support a community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to thrive. Thanks to our Inclusion Round Naming Rights Partner, Leisure Networks, we’re growing our All-Abilities competitions and creating more opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved.
This Inclusion Round (10–15 June 2025), we celebrate the people who make our clubs strong — because everyone deserves to feel part of the game, no matter their ability, culture, gender, or identity.
In 2025, Pride celebrations will also be a key part of the round, promoting visibility, acceptance, and safety for all.
Together with Leisure Networks, we’re breaking down barriers and building a sporting community where everyone belongs.
The 2025 Female Festival of Sport Week will be held from the June 30th - July 6th, with the annual Breakfast event held on the 4th of July.
Details of breakfast:
- Date - Friday July 4th
- Location - Geelong West Town Hall
- Time - 6:45am Arrival, 7:00am Start
- Host - Madi Browne
This year’s line-up of guest speakers includes:
- Meagan Mifsud – Torquay Netball Club
- Jaz Shelley – Professional basketballer, Geelong United Basketball
- Taylah Hassett – Head Coach, Geelong VFLW
Join us for a powerful morning of networking, storytelling, and inspiration as we champion the future of female participation in sport.
BFNL
Senior Football
14/6/25 - Geelong Amateur vs Modewarre - 2:10pm
A Grade Netball
14/6/25 - Ocean Grove vs Torquay - 1:50pm
GFNL
Senior Football
14/6/25 - Colac vs St Mary's - 2:10pm
A Grade Netball
14/6/25 - Colac vs St Mary's - 1:40pm
CDFNL
Senior Football
14/6/25 - Birregurra vs Alvie - 2:15pm
Do you know an amazing community club volunteer?
Nominate them for the 2025 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season.
Category prizes include a money-can’t-buy 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota.
Reminders
As part of Female Festival of Sport week AFL Barwon and AFL VIC be running NetSetGO and Auskick clinics on Monday 30th June.
Event Details:
Leopold Memorial Reserve
Auskick: 4:30pm - 5:15pm
NetSetGo: 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Age Groups
Auskick: ages 5 - 12 years
NetSetGo: ages 7 - 11 years
For more information, please contact
Maddie Okely -
Hannah Quinn -
Mid-season entries to Auskick and Super Kick for all new participants is now only $55!!
It's not too late to join the fun.
AFL Barwon Clubs – Rising Star Nominations.
Do you have a rising star lighting up the field or the court?
AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Geelong Times, is now calling for club nominations for the Football and Netball Rising Star Award – recognising the brightest young talent in our region.
This prestigious award celebrates standout players under the age of 21 (as of January 1) from the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues and Female Football Competitions, who show exceptional promise and performance on the field or court.
Each month, a Rising Star nominee will be featured in the Geelong Times, with all monthly nominees remaining eligible for the overall Rising Star Award, to be presented at the end of the season. Therefore, you only need to submit the application once for the season.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be under 21 years of age as of January 1
- Must have played no more than 10 Senior Football and A Grade games prior to the start of the current season
Clubs are invited to submit a nomination that includes a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve recognition.
Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/38tcL8rEhRawV41B6
Commercial Partnerships
Reminders
AFL Barwon has teamed up with global sauce and condiments brand Lee Kum Kee to launch the Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative for the 2025 season!
This exciting new program invites clubs to take part in a fun and creative video challenge using Lee Kum Kee products, with a $4,000 prize up for grabs to support a club improvement project.
The initiative is all about celebrating community spirit, creativity, and supporting long-term growth for local football and netball clubs.
Find out more and get involved:
Read the full article here
A reminder to clubs to RSVP if they would like to take up the offer as per the email earlier this week.
Please complete the RSVP link by 5pm Friday June 13th.
Join us for an important conversation on how to better support neurodivergent youth in sport!
Monday 16 June 2025
6:15 PM – 8:30 PM
GMHBA Stadium
$15 per person
This session is perfect for coaches working with young people aged 12–18. Learn practical strategies to:
- Coach inclusively
- Communicate effectively
- Create positive team environments
- Recognise and work with diverse strengths
Featuring keynote speaker A/Prof Erin Hoare, with insights from Simon Lloyd and Travis Zimmer
Hosted by Claudia Gunjaca, AFLW athlete with the Geelong Cats
All proceeds go directly to supporting Read the Play’s youth mental health programs.
Football
Junior Female Football
Please note that due to recent results and competition changes, there have been updates to team placements and fixtures across U14 & U16 Female divisions. We encourage all participants to review this week’s fixtures carefully, as some games have been adjusted.
To ensure fairness and equal opportunity across both divisions, a match ratio system will now be implemented for ladder standings.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a balanced and competitive environment for all.
AFL Barwon is seeking Expressions of Interest from clubs interested in entering a team in the Under 9 Girls competition, set to commence in August.
The competition will be held across two venues, which are yet to be confirmed. As outlined, it will begin following the conclusion of Auskick programs.
This exciting initiative provides young girls with their first opportunity to play footy in a game-like environment. It’s a fantastic chance for clubs to promote participation, continue building their junior girls programs, or even kickstart one for the first time.
Closing date for EOI’s is Friday 27th June.
Further information will be provided post cutoff date for EOI’s.
Resource Links
Football Umpiring
New Updates
Jock Hillgrove will be taking some well-deserved leave from the 6th June - 7th July 2025.
If you are requiring assistance during this time, please contact Will Ross at
Netball
General Netball
Please be reminded that all players who intend to take the court must be in appropriate uniform. This includes complying with the information nominated by clubs, which can be found at the back of the AFL Barwon Handbook (page 181).
Players who are not in correct uniform may not take the court until the matter is rectified.
Please note: If a club has nominated more than one colour of socks, players within a team can wear either colour, and do not need to whole team to be in the same colour.
As per AFL Barwon By-Law 2.3 and Netball Competition rule 2, player registrations and clearances in netball close on June 30th.
Please ensure all players are registered/cleared to your club prior to this date.
No late registrations will be accepted
Netball Victoria
Accreditation information on Netball Connect
A reminder to make sure your coaches and umpires include their Netball Learning email address in the registration process. This will allow their correct accreditation information to be added to their User profile for administrators to view. Please view the resource here to help with this process- Umpire and Coach Accreditations
Community coaches recruitment
Netball Victoria is recruiting accredited coaches to assist with delivery of school programs and clinics.
Payment is $50/ hour (tax free!), flexible shifts, school hours, support and training provided, and sharing the love of the game - what more could there be?!
Australian concussion guidelines
The AIS and Sports Medicine Australia have developed concussion guidelines for community sport. You can access the full guidelines plus a downloadable A3 poster outlining simple steps to help ensure athletes with suspected concussion receive proper care and sufficient recovery time.
Advanced & Elite coach courses
Expressions of interest are now open for Advanced coaching course (November) and Elite coaching course (October).
Find out more or email
Train Like a Vixen clinics - July school holidays
Get in early and encourage your members to secure their spots in our July school holiday Train Like a Vixen clinics (8 -18 July), ideal for netballers aged 9–15 years.
These clinics are a great way to keep players active, engaged, and developing their skills during the break.
WorkSafe mental health and wellbeing workshop registrations now open
Registrations are now open for a range of FREE mental health and wellbeing workshops, thanks to our Principal Partner, WorkSafe, and delivery partner, Sport and Life Training (SALT).
Workshop 1- Mental health and wellbeing program
Workshop 2- Empowered
Workshop 3- Team first leadership
Sign up now for your chance to win a meet and greet with a Vixen player at your club or association!
2025 Woolworths netball grants program
The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations running Woolworths NetSetGo across the country to improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids.
This year, grants of $2,000 will be awarded to up to 40 clubs across Australia, as well as there being a massive $20,000 grant for the winner of the 2025 People’s Choice Award.
Reminder - The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program is currently open for application.
The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program (CFNP) is now open, and closes on 7 July 2025. Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of sports lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including gender‑neutral change rooms. If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or the NV facilities team. Please note that all applications must be submitted via your local Council.
Action Required - Appointment of child safety officers and complaints officers on Netball Connect
As part of Netball Victoria’s continued commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for every young person involved in our sport, we have introduced a requirement for all associations, leagues and clubs to appoint a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager.
These appointments are a mandatory requirement under the Netball Victoria Affiliation Policy. Please upload the name and contact details of your appointed CSO and Complaints Manager by 30 June, 2025 via Netball Connect.
This can be done by logging into Netball Connect > Click on the User module > Administrator > Our Organisation. Please view the resource here- Our Organisation - Contacts
Dedicated training and support details will be communicated and commence in July.
We also have a resource where you search for your frequently asked questions. Please view the resource here- Answers to frequently asked questions.
Netball Victoria Community Award Nominations NOW OPEN
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Netball Victoria Community Awards, celebrating the passionate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make netball thrive across Victoria.
You know better than anyone the incredible people who dedicate their time and energy purely out of love for the game – now’s the time to recognise them.
Award categories include:
- Volunteer of the Year
- NetSetGO Centre of the Year
- Inclusive Netball Community of the Year
- Contribution to Coaching
- Contribution to Umpiring
- Association/League of the Year
- Teacher of the Year
- WorkSafe Safety Initiative of the Year
We encourage every association, league, and club to submit at least one nomination. Let’s share and celebrate the inspiring stories of those at the heart of our sport.
BFNL & GFNL Netball
AFL Barwon will be delivering an education session on a collaborative approach to the delivery and process of game management that incorporates input from both coaches and umpires to support the game. This session will be presented by A badge umpire Emily Green.
Aimed at:
- Coaches involved in grades 17&U Division 1 and above.
- Badged umpires who are umpiring grades 17&U Division 1 and above.
Clubs are expected to have 2 people attend both the Umpires and Coaches session.
Coaches: Monday 16 June – 6pm, AFL Barwon Highton Office
AFL Barwon are seeking support from a club within our region to host the practical component of the Development Coaching Course in approximately 6-8 weeks.
The course runs for approximately 4-5 hours, and requires the use of courts and a meeting space with TV/projector.
CHECK LIST:
- Organise venue – meeting room (TV and audio-visual equipment required) and netball court (indoor court is preferred). Ensure sufficient seating is available.
- Organise and confirm players for practical session. (14 to 18 players) – AFLB can support
- Contact Coach Developer prior to workshop day. – AFLB can support
- Ensure basic first aid kit is available.
- Organise equipment (balls, bibs and cones).
- Organise whiteboard & markers
- Mark participant attendance on Registration Sheet. Check all required information is completed.
- Ensure course material provided by Netball Victoria is distributed at the course.
- Forward completed Registration Sheet and any additional manuals to Netball Victoria’s Workforce Department within 7 days after the course using the reply-paid envelope supplied.
If your club has someone who needs/wants to undertake the course, or you’d just be happy to help out for the day, please contact
Junior Netball
AFL MATCH CLASH - Friday 20th June
The fixture for the Friday 20th June has now been finalised. With Kardinia Park unavailable, we are hosting games at six different venues to accommodate all games. The venues are:
- Lara Recreation Reserve (Lara)
- Queens Park (Geelong Amateur)
- McDonald Reserve (South Barwon)
- Banyul-Warri Fields (Surf Coast Suns)
- Grinter Reserve (Newcomb)
- Shell Road Reserve (Ocean Grove)
As previously mentioned, due to the scale of this night, we have been unable to accommodate fixture requests, therefore, clubs and teams will need to make alternate arrangements as needed.
Fixtures
Geelong Central Netball Association
- Semester 1 Finals start Monday 16th June
CDFNL Netball
This Sunday, Colac Imperials' Western Oval will host an exciting day of representative netball as the CDFNL junior teams take on the Central Highlands in the 13U, 15U, and 17U age groups. Game times are set for 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm respectively.
Best of luck to all players representing the league, we’re proud of your efforts and can’t wait to see you in action!
AFL Barwon will be delivering an education session on a collaborative approach to the delivery and process of game management that incorporates input from both coaches and umpires to support the game. This session will be presented by A badge umpire Emily Green.
Aimed at:
- Coaches involved in grades 17&U and above.
Coaches: Monday 16 June – 6pm, AFL Barwon Highton Office
Resource Links
Netball Umpiring
AFL Barwon will be delivering an education session on a collaborative approach to the delivery and process of game management that incorporates input from both coaches and umpires to support the game. This session will be presented by A badge umpire Emily Green.
Aimed at:
- Coaches involved in grades 17&U Division 1 and above.
GFNL and BFNL clubs are expected to have 2 people attend the Coaches session.
Coaches: Monday 16 June – 6pm, AFL Barwon Highton Office
Club Development
AFL Victoria, in collaboration with WorkSafe Victoria, are proud to announce that all AFL Victoria affiliated country football and netball clubs are once again eligible to benefit from the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund in 2025.
Officially opening on the 03/06/25 closing on the 25/08/25.
Clubs can now register to participate in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads and share in the chance to earn up to $10k.
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2025! If a club has never engaged with the program, they can now register for free via the link below.
Clubs who have previously registered are automatically re-registered and can start fundraising Immediately.
A nation-wide search to find, recognise, and reward local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their clubs. for more information.
Nominations are open now! Closing: 24 August 2025.
The 2025 PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program is now open for all AFL Victoria affiliated clubs.
Subsidy will provide up to $1000 towards the cost of new posts for your ground.
This program is open until 30 June, 2025
