The AFL Barwon Commission are seeking nominations for the 2025 BFNL and GFNL Number 1 Ticket Holder(s).

The Number 1 Ticket Holder is a prestigious honour that is bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies outstanding support, dedication, and passion for their respective league.

This role is often reserved for a person of high standing within the community, someone who has made significant contributions to their league or has a strong connection to their club.

Criteria for nominations

• Service to the League over an extensive period of time, and/or
• Service to the affiliated Club over an extensive period of time, and/or,
• A person who provides significant material support to the Club/League and/or who has very high standing or profile in the community which would bring interest and prestige.

To nominate an eligible person(s) for the BFNL or GFNL Number 1 Ticket Holder, click on the following link Number 1 Ticket Holder Application Form

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

Nominations will close on Febraury 21st, 2025.

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

• 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 
• U18 Male Football Div 1 Best on Ground in a Grand Final
• U18 Male Football Div 2 Best on Ground in a Grand Final

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

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

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

Nominations will close on Febraury 21st, 2025.

We are seeking qualified and experienced individuals to officiate Senior Netball matches in Winter season competitions. These matches are typically played on Saturday's from April to September.

Reporting to the Netball Umpire Coordinator, you will be responsible for officiating A and B Grade matches in the Geelong Football Netball League and Bellarine Football Netball League.

Requirements: 

• Minimum C Badge required, with experience umpiring Senior Netball
• Ability to umpire A and B Grade BFNL and GFNL games
• Willingness to take on feedback from AFL Barwon Development Mentors 
• Ability to deal with conflict and high-pressure situations 

Please see link below to sign up for Panel Umpiring in 2025.
https://forms.office.com/r/RSJ8mM5CpS

If you require any further details, please email AFL Barwon Netball Umpire Coordinator, Maddie Okely (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ian McTaggart, a pillar of the Geelong region’s football and netball community, has been named the latest recipient of the prestigious Carter Costa Service Award. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service at the club or community level within the Geelong region.

McTaggart’s journey in local football began in the 1980s with the Ocean Grove Football & Netball Club, where his passion for the game and commitment to his community quickly became evident. Over the decades, he has held numerous roles and earned life memberships with both the Grubbers and the Bellarine Football Netball League.

His influence extended beyond club level, with McTaggart serving on the Football Geelong Commission from 2000 to 2012. Following this, he became a foundational member of the AFL Barwon Commission in 2013, dedicating nine years to shaping and strengthening football and netball in the region. His contributions included strategic planning, policy development, mentoring staff, and supporting clubs across the Barwon region.

Reflecting on the award, McTaggart expressed humility and pride.

“Other than being chuffed about being nominated and being awarded this, to be named in the same sentence as (Frank) Costa and (Colin) Carter is just amazing as far as I’m concerned. Two people I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing at all, but their service to the club – to this club – as president and board members and onto the AFL as well, it’s pretty special.”

The Carter Costa Service Award, named after two of Geelong Football Club’s most influential leaders, Frank Costa and Colin Carter, is a tribute to those who have devoted themselves to the betterment of their clubs and communities. McTaggart’s legacy of dedication and service makes him a fitting recipient of this esteemed recognition.

AFL Barwon celebrated McTaggart’s achievements, acknowledging the indelible mark he has left on the local sporting landscape. His story serves as an inspiration to current and future administrators, showcasing the profound impact of leadership, commitment, and passion for community sport.