AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekends men's football matches accross the Geelong and Belarine FNL competitions.

Geelong Football Netball League

Bell Park vs Geelong West Giants

Hi Sushi Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

Both sides come into the match with a 2-3 record, and an opportunity to push their way into the top 5 with a win.

Bell Park came in with a strong performance against Lara, where they were victors by 142 points.

The Giants will be hoping to respond after they were gallant in defeat against South Barwon in tricky conditions.

For the Dragons major ball winners, Fraser Marris, Isaac Wareham and Jeff Bermingham will be very important at the weekend.

For the Giants, Ethan Liddle, who’s averaging 31.5 disposals, and Finley O’Keefe averaging 115.5 ranking points will both have a say in the result of the game.

Geelong West Giant’s Guernsey will be on display with Indigenous Round covering this week’s round. Ethan Liddle has designed the jumper within the middle of G, an emphasis on the Geelong West community, coaches, members, filtered down to those running water.

Colac Tigers vs Lara

Australian Lamb Company Stadium, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

Colac will be looking to respond after a hard-fought loss against ladder leader St Joseph’s. Lara is looking for their first win of the season and will be playing with plenty of emotion.

Colac’s experienced heads will be hoping to take control in the midfield and cement a position in the top 5, Colac currently holds a 3-2 win-loss record.

Colac’s wide variety of goal scorers, Darcy Lang, Jonathan Simpkin and Luke Hillman all who have kicked eight goals or more will be dangerous inside 50.

Lara’s own Darby Henderson should have a major influence in the game averaging an extraordinary 49.6 disposals per game, while averaging just under 10 marks per game. The Cats will be looking to him through the midfield.

Newtown & Chilwell vs St Albans

Jardon Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

The towners are eyeing a 4^th consecutive win against the surprise team of the GFL competition in the Saints.

The towners have taken multiple large scalps over the past few weeks and will be looking to consolidate themselves at the top of the table.

Albeit, the Saints have made tremendous improvements over the first quarter of the season and will also be looking to prove to the competition they’re a threat against the top of the table sides.

Newtown’s Connor Fopiani will be dangerous up forward having kicked 15 goals in six games, with a bag of eight against Grovedale last week.

St Alban’s own Tom Higgins is leading the way with 19 goals in five games posing a threat for Newtown’s defense.

Newtown’s football and netball will be wearing their indigenous jumpers from 2022, in celebration of the community coming together through sport, paying homage to the first nations people.

North Shore vs Grovedale

Windsor Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

Grovedale will be looking to respond after a tough loss against Newtown and showcase their forward brigade against a Seagulls outfit who’re in a development phase.

North Shore, however, can jump Lara with a win against the Tigers and be on the same win-loss ratio as the Tigers.

Seagulls skipper Jacob Sammut-Mijevic will be important around the ground in nullifying his opponents as well as Connor Walmsley, averaging 33 disposals per game, with 6 of those intercept possessions.

Grovedale’s Ryan Abbott has had a red-hot start to his campaign averaging a whopping 144 ranking points and should have an influence on the game, as well as William Ford and Harrison Whyte, who are both averaging over 20 disposals per game.

North Shore’s netball sides will run out with their own indigenous dress, designed by L Kailee Kennedy, the artwork tells a story of the turtle’s journey by water to the sands of the traditional lands of the first nation people.

South Barwon vs Leopold

McDonald Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

One of the matches of the round, the Swans will be looking at 3 wins in a row and an opportunity to consolidate their place in the top 5.

The reigning premiers need a response, sitting eighth on the ladder with a 2-3 win-loss record and staring at a 3^rd straight loss, we expect plenty of fireworks to be held at this game.

South Barwon’s star forward Fraser Fort, averaging 3.4 goals per game could give headaches to Leopold’s defense.

Leopold’s on-ball brigade could dictate the outcome of the game with Marcus Thompson, Logan Wagener and Brock Williamson all averaging over 26 disposals per game.

South Barwon will be wearing their indigenous jumper in both football and netball. Both designs were centered around the club’s traditional colors and integrating the light blue into a sign to the rich history of the club transferring from the Barwon Football Club.

Bellarine Football Netball League

Drysdale vs Torquay

Mortimer Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

Drysdale were given an almighty scare against improving squad, Newcomb Power, and will need to vastly improve against a tiger’s outfit looking to make it five wins in a row after their defeat to the Power in round 2.

The Hawks will need to put speed on the ball out of the back half of the ground with Jack Jenkins averaging 7.3 rebound 50’s per game proving a vital cog of their team.

Star midfielder James Boag should have a major influence for the Tigers through the midfield averaging 27.2 disposals per game.

Drysdale football squad will be wearing their indigenous guernsey, with the boomerang demonstrating the strength of the club’s junior program, and progression to the senior level.

Torquay’s Female Football squad will be wearing their own indigenous jumper. The front of the jumper displays a large circle in the middle, representing the meeting place of the club they call home, Spring Creek Recreational Reserve.

Geelong Amateur vs Ocean Grove

KFC Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

The ladder leaders were given their first loss of the season in a tight tussle against the youthful Coutas and are looking to bounce back against a young developing Grubbers side.

After a week off for the BFNL competition, don’t be surprised if the Grubbers come out firing early.

Ammos will look to experienced trio Blake Sutterby, Tom Gribble and Tom Zeitz through the midfield, all are which averaging 25 disposals or more.

Important figures, Joseph McDonald and Joshua Lange for the Grubbers will be relied upon through the midfield and Lange with his team involvement, averaging just under 15 per game.

Geelong Amateurs Female Football Program will be wearing artist, Hayley Bohme’s designed indigenous Guernsey. The figure in the middle of the jumper represents warriors with an ochre marking. The five dots on the forehead represent the Kulin Nations, the middle being Wathawurrung Community.

Modewarre vs Barwon Heads

Community Bank Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

Both sides come in with decent form lines, in which shapes as an intriguing fixture for Indigenous round.

The Warriors couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities against the reigning premier and require a win to stay in the hunt for a top five spot, sitting at eight, on a win-loss record of 2-4.

The Seagulls have come close against some of the premier clubs at the top of the table in the first quarter of the season.

With a host of new personnel over the past couple of seasons, the Gulls have been building their chemistry, and a win against the Warriors should give the BFNL community a reminder of the strength of their side.

Modewarre’s forwards will need to be firing with Scott Morter averaging 2.8 goals per game and Tom Hornsey averaging 4 goals in 3 games.

Barwon Heads will look to star recruit, Damian McMahon who is averaging 33.3 disposals per game, and returning star Zach Walter through the midfield and off half back.

The Seagulls will also be represented by, artist, Rhys Jeffs indigenous Guernsey. The artwork tells the story of the Barwon River, and the significance of flowing through the stunning landscapes of the Wadawurrung Community.

Queenscliff vs Portalington

Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

Coming off one of the biggest wins in the club’s history, some might say the Coutas would’ve preferred to continue playing through the bye. Looking to three wins in a row, the Coutas can establish themselves as a major threat to the competition.

With Coutas young star, Lachie Kidd has continued his form from last year, averaging 28 disposals per game and can open a game up with his disposal.

However, Portalington I’m sure have plenty to say about this game, and their form line reads quite well. They were less than a kick away from defeating third placed, Anglesea, and were right in both Torquay and Drysdale’s games until falling away in the second half.

A consistent four quarter effort could prove to be a danger game for the Coutas.

Former Hawthorn player, Teia Miles, will create plenty of opportunities around the ground with his ability to win the football in the midfield and back half, and push forward and kick goals. Showcased with averages of 2.7 goals per game, from a tick over 29 disposals per game.

Both Portalington’s football and netball program will be running out with, artist, Chris Delamont’s design of their indigenous Guernsey/dress. Bunjil the tailed Eagle is looking over the Portalington Football Netball Club in recognition of their welcoming club, and its place as creator spirit for the Wadawurrung community.

Newcomb vs Anglesea

PlasterCom Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 24^th May, 2025

Football can be a long week. In this case two weeks for the Newcomb Power Football Club, after a heartbreaking loss to Drysdale.

Tony Mirabella’s outfit will be hoping to give another major scare to the competition in a sign, they’re ready to push for finals with vast improvements over the first six rounds of action.

Anglesea will be looking for three wins in a row, and to continue their strong hold on top three credentials.

The Roo’s took bragging rights over the Power last year, which shapes as an eye-catching game for the competition.

Newcomb’s new look forward line has provided optimism with young key forward Jacob Watson averaging 2.5 goals per game and star recruit Dion Johnstone averaging just under a goal per game.

Expect Roos gun, Jordan Keras to have lots of the footy on the weekend, averaging 30.7 disposals per game, as well as defender Noah McGregor-Dawson who leads the side in intercept marks and possessions.

Anglesea’s Female Football Squad will be representing, artist, Donna Conley’s design of their indigenous jumper. The design is painted with gratitude and love in celebration of Indigenous round 2023. The Artwork has an original depiction of a Kangaroo at its Centre to honor the Clubs history and icon.

The Netball Squads will also be representing artists, Maddy Allardyce and Corrina Eccles design of their indigenous skirt. The Gathering circles showcased in the waves represent the Wadawurrung people.

Another important step in strengthening football umpiring across the AFL Barwon region has been taken with the launch of a new satellite training venue at the Surf Coast Suns Football Netball Club, set to begin on Tuesday, May 6th. This initiative not only reduces travel barriers for umpires living on the Surf Coast and in surrounding areas by offering greater accessibility and convenience but also presents a valuable opportunity to grow umpire numbers in one of the region’s highly populated communities.

This Surf Coast location becomes the second satellite umpire training venue established in the past 12 months, following the successful launch of the Drysdale hub in 2024. It will provide a valuable boost for current umpires, offering a convenient, locally based facility that supports their ongoing development and weekly training needs. By reducing travel time and bringing sessions closer to home, the venue is set to encourage greater participation, create stronger community ties, and enhance overall engagement within the umpiring network.

The Surf Coast Suns venue has been strategically chosen to not only support the ongoing development of current umpires, but also to help drive recruitment and retention of new officials in one of the fastest-growing corridors in the region. With the Surf Coast and Armstrong Creek areas experiencing significant population growth — with Armstrong Creek alone projected to exceed 22,000 residents by 2026 — the number of local football teams and matches continues to rise. This increase in participation has created a pressing need for more umpires and establishing accessible training options like this is essential to meeting that demand and supporting the future of the game.

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager Lisa Patterson highlighted the importance of the new facility,

“This new satellite umpire training base is a crucial step in our ongoing work to grow umpiring in the region. It strengthens our ability to support, develop and retain umpires by making training more accessible and aligned with the needs of our expanding community across the Surf Coast region.”

We thank the Surf Coast Suns for their progressive and open-minded support of this important initiative. We encourage anyone aged 13 and above to get involved — there’s never been a better time to pick up the whistle.”

AFL Barwon is always looking to welcome new umpires, find out how to get involved by going to https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/umpire

AFL Victoria, in collaboration with metropolitan football leagues and country football regions, has amended the process for club and team transfers and the subsequent appeals process ahead of the 2026 application period, following an assessment of recent cases across metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria.

The amendments come after it was recognised that the current Victorian State Affiliate Regulation which administer this process, and the introduction or amendment of any underage competition was not adequate in managing the significance of such changes.

The amended regulations have been designed to best provide a collaborative and strategic approach amongst community football bodies in Victoria to prioritise positive outcomes for the game. By providing early intent notifications to relevant parties and maintaining transparent communications throughout the process, the revised process to assess a proposed transfer will allow more informed and efficient decision making. 
 
Newly created resources to capture evidence relevant to a proposition and amended timeframe requirements will ensure a more thorough assessment of applications by all involved stakeholders. Effective collaboration to reach agreement on these applications is important due to the weight of influence that such decisions can have on the future direction of the game in Victoria. 

The AFL Victoria Affiliate Regulations which contain the Transfer of Clubs and Teams guidelines are effective April 23rd 2025 and apply for all relevant applications for the 2026 season onwards.

Key amendments to Transfer of Clubs and Teams regulations are:

• Dates to lodge applications have been brought forward with Club Transfer application required to be submitted by June 30th, previously October 31st.
• The introduction of forms to make a transfer application, including the requirement for more specific evidence to support the application. 
• Requirement for clubs to meet with their existing league to discuss the application once the Intention to Transfer Form has been lodged. 
• The two relevant leagues must meet to discuss the proposed transfer and the consequences, both positive and negative with a view to resolving the application in a way that is most beneficial to all involved parties.

Whilst a collaborative and strategic approach amongst community football is necessary, it is possible that an agreement on a transfer proposition may not be reached and therefore an objection process (appeal) has been retained. The appeal is to be submitted to AFL Victoria with all parties having full disclosure of the evidence in support and defence throughout the entire process, not just in the final stages.  

In summary, the amended processes (both application and appeal) require the evidence in support of the proposed transfer to be identified at the earliest possible stage of the process, as opposed to the latest under previous regulations. This allows all interested parties to be fully informed and for an accurate and thorough assessment of the proposed transfers strategic benefit to the game immediately and longer term. 

Peter Nash is a proud Portarlington local who has spent the majority of his life in the coastal town. It’s where he raised his children, worked locally shearing sheep, and took up work as a fencing contractor. He’s never had much reason to leave, and to this day, still calls Portarlington home. 

However, in 1965, Peter did leave for a very different reason. He was called up for National Service and served in Vietnam for two years. Like many young Australians of his generation, Peter answered the call to serve his country during a turbulent period in history.

While Peter acknowledges that chapter of his life, he prefers to focus on the mateship that emerged from it, the lifelong friends he made, and sadly, the ones he lost. Many of his fellow servicemen now live interstate, with Peter being the only member of his battalion still residing in Victoria. Their regular reunions have become harder to organise as the group grows older, so phone calls have become their main way of staying in touch.

ANZAC Day, for Peter, is a time to remember, not only what happened, but also what never did. Like many who served, it took time for him to embrace the significance of the day. For Peter, it wasn’t until recent years that Anzac Day played a pivotal role in his life. He stayed in his “cocoon” for a fair few years, and didn't want to get involved in the day’s events. This changed around 15 years ago where Peter come out of his shell, and started to get involved, marching each year with family and others in the community. 

Peter is no stranger to the football field. A proud Portarlington Demon, he debuted in the Seniors in 1961 as a ruckman. Though he jokes that with today’s taller players, he’d probably have to line up as a half-forward flanker instead. He played for eight or nine years, though he lost two seasons to his National Service. While he never played football on Anzac Day himself, Peter has always supported matches held on the day. He believes football has played an important role in raising awareness of Anzac Day, particularly among younger generations. He credits clubs for the respectful way they honour the day, participating for the right reasons and helping raise funds for veterans who need support. 

The rivalry between Portarlington and Drysdale is one Peter knows well – it’s a long-standing one that stretches back generations. In fact, even in his own family, the rivalry ran deep: his mother was born in Portarlington and his father in Drysdale. Despite this, Peter never considered playing for anyone other than Portarlington – and certainly not pulling on the brown and gold.

To Peter, the Anzac spirit and football share common values—protecting your teammates and the camaraderie of standing together. But he’s quick to point out that football is not war and should never be compared to it. What he and his mates endured during their service is something he hopes no modern player will ever have to experience. His hope is for younger generations to enjoy the freedom to play the game without ever needing to know the hardship of war.

This Anzac Day, Drysdale will host Portarlington at Drysdale Recreation Reserve. The on-field Anzac Day Ceremony will commence at 1:40pm, followed by the Senior Men’s football match at 2:30pm and A Grade Netball at 2:45pm.

Author: Sean Atkinson