Grovedale's Janessa Fitzgerald has taken home her first of potentially two medals this week, winning the Senior Female Football Division 1 Best & Fairest.

Fitzgerald held on from former AFLW star, and Thomson recruit Phoebe Monahan. The count came down the last round of the season however Monahan didn't play allowing Fitzgerald to hold on. Janessa's teammate and coach Taylah Hassett and Barwon Heads's Isabella Farchione tied for third.

South Barwon speedster Elara Dillon took home the medal in a tight count over St Joseph's Paris Stokes. Drysdale's former medallist, Tara Smith continue her sensational polling record, finishing three votes behind in third.

The Division 3 count was an all-Modewarre affair with Monique Martin holding off teammate Clodagh Newton in a quinella for the Warriors. Martin and Newton take on Belmont Lions in this weekend’s Grand Final.

The Under 19 count was a Newtown & Chilwell quinella, with Jayde Morrissy finishing one vote ahead of teammate Belle Fletcher.

The full votes for the divisions can be found below:

Epworth Senior Female Football Division 1

Epworth Senior Female Football Division 2

Epworth Senior Female Football Division 3

Epworth Under 19 Female Football 

AFL Barwon in collaboration with Leisure Networks are thrilled to announce the first-ever Inclusion Round, set to take place on the 2nd – 4th of August. This historic event aims to raise awareness and celebrate inclusion within our football and netball community. Inclusion Round highlights the importance of supporting individuals to feel connected and valued.

A vibrant display of yellow, representing energy, warmth, and positivity, will be seen throughout the weekend. The Senior Football Teams and A Grade Netball Teams from St Joseph’s Football & Netball Club and Geelong West Giants, both leaders in fostering inclusive club environments, will participate in a special match, wearing yellow socks and ribbons to symbolise their commitment to inclusion.

The sea of yellow will be continued throughout the weekend at the Joeys and Giants Senior female football match, netball matches and the four all-abilities football and netball matches. This powerful visual statement underscores our community’s dedication to inclusivity.

Leisure Networks chief executive officer David Meade welcomes the AFL Barwon’s commitment to inclusion and to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.

“Inclusion should be at the heart of every sports organisation, as they bring people together and break down barriers,” he said. “By creating a safe and inclusive environment for all we foster a sense of belonging and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.”

“AFL Barwon is proud to launch the 2024 Inclusion Round in partnership with Leisure Networks, to elevate the importance that inclusive environments can positively attribute to sporting Clubs and all members within their respective communities. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who contributes to inclusive environments, no matter how defined the impact is” AFL Barwon Regional Manager Edward Wilson”

AFL Barwon in collaboration and support of our community partner the Sexual Assault and Family Violence (SAFV) Centre, will be leading a ceremony to raise awareness and show solidarity, during the Newtown & Chilwell FNC vs Grovedale FNC match day on Sunday, August 4^th.

AFL Barwon have been in partnership with the SAFV Centre since 2022, providing affiliated Clubs the opportunity to participate in the Respect Starts Here Program, which is designed to raise awareness in preventing family violence.

The program supports Football and Netball clubs across the Barwon region to progress gender equality and promote respect within Clubs and Communities. Seven AFL Barwon clubs are participating in one of the two program streams in 2024.

Newtown & Chilwell FNC and Grovedale FNC Senior Male Footballers, A-Grade Netballers, Club Officials and AFL Barwon representatives will take part in a ceremony and moment of silence to acknowledge this community issue.

There will be adjustments in game times for the following matches:

• Newtown & Chilwell FNC vs Grovedale FNC Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Seniors will now commence at 2:20pm.
• Newtown & Chilwell FNC vs Grovedale FNC Blood Toyota Geelong FNL A Grade Netball will now commence at 2:20pm.

Game times for all matches across the day can be found below.

NETBALL

FOOTBALL

We welcome any AFL Barwon Club and community members to attend the ceremony as we raise awareness and show solidarity for this significant community issue.

For further media comment, please contact AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..