General Updates
Key Updates
Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3
The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.
AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.
The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.
All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.
Game Balls & Medals
Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:
-
AFL Barwon HQ (Club pigeonholes) – from Tuesday 29 July 2025
-
Colac & District FNL Clubs (Colac RSL) – from Wednesday 23 July 2025
Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.
Tackle Your Feelings, Read the Play and Leisure Networks are coming together to help support the mental health of the football and netball communities in the Geelong, Barwon and Surf Coast regions. The organisations will be holding a special mental-health themed event at the Geelong and District Football Netball League clash between Winchelsea and Thomson at Eastern Reserve (Winchelsea) on Saturday August 9 starting at 12.30pm. The luncheon will include a panel discussion with Geelong footballers Mark O’Connor and Zach Guthrie, as well as some other activations and prize giveaways. For those looking to support or requiring further information, please get in contact with TYF’s Ben Guthrie (
AFL Barwon is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced media, broadcast, or production companies to deliver filming, live streaming, highlights, and digital content distribution services for football and netball matches across our competitions.
Our current broadcast footprint includes the live streaming of one senior football match per week in both the Geelong Football League (GFNL) and Bellarine Football League (BFNL). All senior football matches are filmed weekly, while netball coverage is provided using VEO technology.
This tender process aims to formalise and potentially expand AFL Barwon’s filming and broadcast arrangements from the 2026 season onwards.
The Expression of Interest Form can be found below.
AFL Barwon is excited to seek nominations for the 2025 AFL Barwon Community Awards.
The event has incorporated the historic AFL Barwon Coaches Awards with the additions of Community Netball Coaching, Club Administrator Awards, and both Football and Netball umpiring awards.
To nominate a Club Administrator, Football or Netball Coach, Personality of the Year or Club Trainer, simply answer the questions below associated with the specific award.
Nominations can be made by any member of the community and is open to all AFL Barwon Affiliated Clubs, Associations and Leagues (GFNL, BFNL, CDFNL, GDFNL, Female Football, Junior Football & Netball, and All Abilities FNL).
BFNL
Senior Football
26/7/25 - Ocean Grove vs Newcomb - 2:10pm
A Grade Netball
26/7/25 - Queenscliff vs Modewarre - 1:50pm
GFNL
Senior Football
26/7/25 - South Barwon vs Bell Park - 2:10pm
A Grade Netball
26/7/25 - South Barwon vs Bell Park - 1:50pm
CDFNL
Senior Football
26/7/25 - Irrewarra-Beeac vs Lorne - 2:15pm
Reminders
Connect your child’s passion with their education and complete Years 11 & 12 at SEDA College. SEDA College is an Independent Senior secondary school and our model places student interest at the forefront of their Senior Secondary education, alongside a practical connection to the sport & recreation industry.
We are currently following up on a few outstanding submissions to for this year’s award across all Senior Male and Female Football, and A Grade Netball competitions.
To maintain the integrity of the results and ensure players across all clubs are recognised appropriately, we kindly remind all coaches to submit their votes if they haven't already.
These votes provide a valuable opportunity for coaches to acknowledge standout performances, both from within their own teams and from the opposition.
At this stage, we are holding off on publicly releasing the leaderboards to ensure all data is complete and accurate.
If you have any questions or require assistance with submitting your votes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
With TAC Road Safety Round taking place across the weekend of July 26–27, AFL Barwon is gearing up to support this important community initiative, and we’re calling on all clubs to get behind it.
Club merchandise packs, including TAC Band Together blue armbands, posters and booklets, have been distributed and should arrive early this week (if not already). Clubs can now collect these from AFL Barwon.
Clubs can also access bonus armband rolls for urgent activity, early promotion, or media opportunities. Please direct requests to
A digital stakeholder pack to help clubs with messaging can be foound below.
Make sure to tag @TACVictoria, @AFLVictoria, and use #tacbandtogether when sharing any content.
For general club questions, please direct them to
Let’s band together and make a visible impact across the Barwon region.
We are seeking a creative, enthusiastic and motivated person to manage all operational and strategic facets of Football in the AFL Barwon Region.
The Football Operations Lead is responsible for the delivery, management and oversight of all football competitions and football operations across the AFL Barwon region. This role is a key driver of competition integrity, planning, stakeholder relationships and the successful coordination of regular season and finals competitions.
The Netball Competition Coordinator is primarily responsible for managing and coordinating all onsite venue requirements for the AFL Barwon Junior Netball midweek competitions. The AFL Barwon Junior Netball competitions are run across Tuesday and Friday evenings at multiple venues.
The successful applicant will be responsible for liaising with key stakeholders, clubs, netball umpires, AFL Barwon staff and other valuable groups present at our midweek competitions.
Commercial Partnerships
Netball Australia and The Back Court podcast are bringing the energy off the court with a special Trivia Night during SSN Grand Final Week!
Gather your team and test your netball and footy knowledge in a night of fun, food, and fanfare – hosted by The Back Court podcast crew.
Your ticket includes:
Chicken or eggplant parma
A drink of your choice
A merch pack to take home
Plus, there’ll be plenty of prizes, laughs, and special guests from the footy and netball world. Whether you're a die-hard netballer, a footy tragic, or just love a good pub trivia night, this event is made for you!
Don’t miss out – all the details and tickets are available below.
Club Development
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HELP MAKE YOUR CLUB A LEADER IN SUSTSAINABLE SPORT
The AFL and Footy for Climate are teaming up to survey local footy clubs about solar energy use and broader sustainability efforts and we need just 5 minutes of your time.
Your input will help shape future support for local clubs and highlight the teams already driving change in our game.
Complete the survey by Thursday 31 July to make sure your club’s voice is heard.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors Program.
Each year, women and girls in the footy community are nominated and recognised for the outstanding efforts within our great game.
Ambassadors will receive a $1,000 grant, and a money can’t buy 2025 NAB AFLW Final experience.
Nominations close July 20
As we approach finals the AFL Vic Coaching and Umpiring teams will collaborate on an online webinar for Junior Coaches across Victoria who are competing in finals competitions at the end of this season. The webinar will take place on Wednesday 30 July from 7pm – 8pm.
The workshop will be named “Your Actions, Their Game” with the aim to help “Shape Finals Football Environments”.
- We would love to see all Junior Head Coaches online, however a minimum of 1 per club competing in finals + a member of the clubs Executive Committee.
- Junior Coordinators, Assistant Coaches and Team Managers are also encouraged to join where possible
Please register HERE
Some of the key outcomes your club will be achieve from this webinar are below:
- Walk away with a ‘charter’ of what they as a team and club are going to do in the final part of the season.
- Ensuring that coaches provide a positive experience forALL players who participate in finals regardless of scoreboard outcome.
- Provide an Umpires perspective on the field and how that differs from a coaches/parent’s position
- Ensuring we as Coaches are supporting an Umpires finals experience
- This workshop will be aiming to help aid retention of both playersand umpires following the conclusion of the season, heading towards 2026.
These are the key points; however, there will be other important elements that will be covered beyond this throughout the workshop.
Enquires can be directed to Tim Secombe
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.
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.
Football
General Football
Now is a good time to check player eligibility for finals. Players must have played a minimum number of games in a particular age group to qualify. Those who’ve played in higher grades/divisions may have additional requirements to be eligible for lower division finals. If there are any questions about eligibility, please reach out, and we can assist you.
Please note: Even if a player qualifies for multiple teams, they are only permitted to play in one finals match per weekend.
The below link will provide clubs with a tool to check players games played this season.
AFL Barwon is currently seeking updated information from all clubs regarding their home venues. This information will play a vital role in helping us better understand the current landscape and assist with planning and decision-making for future facility development and support.
We kindly ask each club to complete the form linked below to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date details.
Resource Links
Netball
General Netball
We have been made aware that there have been some errors in game totals in the STATISTICS report.
Please use the ‘Games Played’ report moving forward. As over 600 pieces of paperwork being checked each week, there may be a record that hasn’t been updated.
If any records in this report don’t look right, please email either
Netball Victoria
Monthly Online Education Session
The next Monthly Online Education Session is coming up on Monday 4th August. This session will be targeted specifically at Complaints Managers and will also be extremely relevant and useful for Child Safety Officers.
We will re-visit what each role means and then spend time working through Complaint Management in detail. The session will be run by Netball Victoria’s Child Safety and Integrity Coordinator, Penny Forrest, and will also feature a special section specifically on Investigations, run by an external expert in that area. It will be a hugely informative session and we hope to have all appointed Complaints Managers and Child Safety Officers in attendance to help them navigate such an important space.
The topics are:
6-6.30pm - Netball Connect: System updates from the 15 July release.
6.30-8pm - Child Safety and Complaints Officers/complaint management and complaint investigation.
Umpire tester meeting – Monday 11 August
Interested in learning more about becoming an umpire tester? A new umpire tester meeting has been confirmed for 2025.
Great for new testers, current testers, umpire mentors and umpire coordinators.
Intermediate coach course – Sunday 31 August
Another date has been locked in for an Intermediate coach course, full day, face-to-face workshop at State Netball Centre - the perfect way for coaches to consolidate their learnings across the season and increase their knowledge and accreditation.
Places are limited and some prerequisites apply. Please share with your coaches.
2025 Woolworths Netball Grants Program
The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations running Woolworths NetSetGo.
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.
Bring a Friend for FREE to Woolworths NetSetGo in August
This August, Woolworths NetSetGo centres across Victoria are celebrating friendship and fun by inviting participants to 'Bring a Friend' to their sessions.
The initiative is to help encourage people within your communities to come and try netball at the introductory level and see what it’s all about!
If you are a Woolworths NetSetGo centre wanting to be a part of this initiative, you can register here.
Green Wristbands & Scrunchies Now Available via Netball Connect Shop
We’re pleased to announce that Green Wristbands and Scrunchies are now available for purchase via the Netball Connect Shop.
These items form part of Netball Victoria’s Green Band Initiative, supporting the development and recognition of our junior umpires and junior coaches. This purchase option is designed for affiliates who have already received their free wristbands and/or scrunchies during phase 1 of the initiative and would like to purchase additional items - Green Bands - Netball Connect Shop
Thank you for continuing to support our young umpires and coaches and their development in a safe and encouraging environment.
To learn more about the Green Band Initiative, visit: vic.netball.com.au/green-bands
2025 Netball Victoria Community Awards
Nominations for this year’s awards are now open, and we’re encouraging all affiliates to nominate coaches, umpires, teachers and officials in their community who deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Winners receive $500 and a trophy, and leagues/associations/clubs can receive up to $2000 thanks to WorkSafe.
Netball Victoria’s pathway raffle
One lucky Victorian will drive away in a brand new car, thanks to PEUGEOT and Netball Victoria’s pathway raffle.
All proceeds raised from the raffle will go directly into Netball Victoria’s pathway programs, supporting the next generation of athletes, umpires, coaches and officials across the state.
BFNL & GFNL Netball
Please be advised that once a game has commenced, scorers for a match should not change.
We understand at times there are extenuating circumstances for which this may need to occur, but we do request that this be avoided where possible.
Finals information documentation will be distributed shortly.
There will be some changes to the following processes:
- starting line-up selection (completed via PlayHQ instead of paper packs as per previous years) and
- bench officials submission (to be completed via supplied template in coming weeks)
So please ensure you keep an eye out for this information.
With TAC Road Safety Round taking place across the weekend of July 26–27, AFL Barwon is gearing up to support this important community initiative, and we’re calling on all clubs to get behind it.
Club merchandise packs, including TAC Band Together blue armbands, posters and booklets, have been distributed and should arrive early this week (if not already). Clubs can now collect these from AFL Barwon.
Clubs can also access bonus armband rolls for urgent activity, early promotion, or media opportunities. Please direct requests to
A digital stakeholder pack to help clubs with messaging can be foound below.
Make sure to tag @TACVictoria, @AFLVictoria, and use #tacbandtogether when sharing any content.
For general club questions, please direct them to
Let’s band together and make a visible impact across the Barwon region.
Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3
The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.
AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.
The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.
All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.
Game Balls & Medals
Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:
-
AFL Barwon HQ (Club pigeonholes) – from Tuesday 29 July 2025
Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.
Junior Netball
A reminder that any decisions on weather will be communicated via AFL Barwon by 3:30pm on Match Day.
Club Officials will be advised via email and push notification sent via NetballHQ – please ensure you are signed into your participant account on the app in order to receive these updates.
- 11&U and 17&U will play on Tuesdays
|
Tuesday 11&U and 17&U |
Round |
|
14-Oct |
Round 1 |
|
21-Oct |
Round 2 |
|
28-Oct |
Round 3 |
|
4-Nov |
BYE- MELB CUP |
|
11-Nov |
Round 4 |
|
18-Nov |
Round 5 |
|
25-Nov |
Round 6 |
|
2-Dec |
Round 7 |
|
9-Dec |
Round 8 |
|
16-Dec |
Round 9 |
|
SCHOOL HOLIDYAS |
|
|
3-Feb |
Round 10 |
|
10-Feb |
Round 11 |
|
17-Feb |
Round 12 |
|
24-Feb |
SF |
|
3-Mar |
GF |
|
Friday 13&U and 15&U |
Round |
|
10-Oct |
Round 1 |
|
17-Oct |
Round 2 |
|
24-Oct |
Round 3 |
|
31-Oct |
BYE |
|
7-Nov |
Round 4 |
|
14-Nov |
Round 5 |
|
21-Nov |
Round 6 |
|
28-Nov |
Round 7 |
|
5-Dec |
Round 8 |
|
12-Dec |
Round 9 |
|
19-Dec |
BYE |
|
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS |
|
|
30-Jan |
Round 10 |
|
6-Feb |
Round 11 |
|
13-Feb |
Round 12 |
|
20-Feb |
SF |
|
27-Feb |
GF |
CDFNL Netball
We have been made aware that there have been some errors in game totals in the STATISTICS report.
Please use the ‘Games Played’ report moving forward. As over 600 pieces of paperwork being checked each week, there may be a record that hasn’t been updated.
If any records in this report don’t look right, please email either
Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3
The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.
AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.
The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.
All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.
Game Balls & Medals
Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:
-
Colac & District FNL Clubs (Colac RSL) – from Wednesday 23 July 2025
Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.
