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

AFL Barwon is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Patterson as the new Region General Manager.

Lisa steps into the role following a successful 13-month tenure as AFL Barwon’s Group Manager of Operations, where she oversaw football and netball competitions across the region.

Lisa brings a wealth of experience in operations, community engagement, and leadership, positioning her to drive the continued growth and innovation of football and netball in the Barwon region. She has been instrumental in delivering key initiatives, including the introduction of female football day of play and a division restructure for the 2025 season, aimed at enhancing participation and visibility for women in sport.

Prior to joining AFL Barwon in March 2024, Lisa forged a 15-year career in retail banking and spent five years working for a State Government member in Launceston, Tasmania. In both roles, she was deeply engaged in community initiatives, reflecting her longstanding commitment to grassroots sport. Lisa is a current member of the Board of Basketball Tasmania, further highlighting her passion for sport and her experience in governance. Lisa has been involved in local football committees in Tasmania, contributing to her experience at the grassroots level.

It is an important time for football and netball in the Barwon region, with ambitious growth and retention aspirations across all forms of participation. Lisa’s appointment as Regional Manager, officially commencing on 30 April, represents a significant step forward in achieving these objectives. Lisa will continue to focus on strengthening the connection between the AFL Barwon community and the broader football and netball landscape, driving key initiatives that support the region’s goals for growth, inclusion, and sustainability.

Lisa will work closely with the competition management team at AFL Barwon, Geelong & District FNL & Colac & District FNL on developing the capability & capacity of the competitions, in line with the Role of AFL Victoria. 

Upon her appointment, Patterson expressed her enthusiasm:​

“I’m honoured to step into the role of Region General Manager at AFL Barwon. My journey in community sport has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to support and grow our local football and netball communities.”

“The past 12 months at AFL Barwon have given me valuable insight into the organisation and its member clubs. I’m excited to build on that foundation and help drive continued growth and progression across the region.”

“I’m eager to begin delivering on our key business priorities and working closely with clubs to continue to support and strengthen relationships within community sport in the Barwon region.”

AFL Barwon Chair Michelle Gerdtz welcomed Patterson’s appointment, stating:

“Lisa’s extensive experience and passion for community sport make her an outstanding fit for the Region General Manager role. Her leadership and guidance will be invaluable as we work toward delivering some key strategic outcomes and projects.”

“Lisa has already made a significant impact during her time with AFL Barwon. Her strategic vision and strong commitment to community engagement make her the ideal leader to guide the organisation into its next chapter.”

AFL Victoria Community Growth Manager, Jack Henty stated

“The Regional Manager role is the key leadership position for AFL Victoria in the Barwon region for Game Development, working closely with the community & our key industry partners on leading the agenda for growth & sustainability of our code. Lisa demonstrated in the recruitment process that she is a people focused leader, with a proven track record for developing strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders”

AFL Barwon congratulates Lisa on her appointment and looks forward to her continued leadership in supporting and growing both sports across the region.

Anzac Day holds a special place on the football and netball calendar, and in 2025, communities across the region will once again come together to honour the Anzac spirit through sport. Clubs in the GFNL and BFNL will take to the field and court in a full day of competition. In addition to the Anzac Day fixtures, a number of female football matches will also be played as part of the regular Friday schedule

GFNL Anzac Matches :

• South Barwon vs St Joseph's at McDonald Reserve
  1:30pm Anzac Day Ceremony on the ground
  Senior Football & A Grade Netball matches will be streamed live via AFL Barwon TV. Senior Football game radio commentary will be broadcast on krockfootball.live.

BFNL Anzac Matches:

• Drysdale vs Portarlington at Drysdale Recreation Reserve
  1:30pm Anzac Day Ceremony on the ground
  A Grade Netball match will be streamed live via AFL Barwon TV
  
  
• Newcomb vs Ocean Grove at Grinter Reserve
  Ceremony details TBC
  Senior Football match will be streamed live via AFL Barwon TV

CDFNL Anzac Matches:

• Lorne vs South Colac at Stribling Reserve
  Ceremony details TBC
  Senior Football match will be streamed live via AFL Barwon TV. Senior Football game radio commentary will be broadcast on CDFNL Live

Here's what’s on around the grounds this Anzac Day:

McDonald Reserve (Belmont)

Football:

• 9:00 - U18 Male - South Barwon Blacksell vs St Joseph's 1
  
  
• 10:45am - Senior Female 2 - South Barwon vs Newtown & Chilwell
  
  
• 11:00am - Reserves Male - South Barwon vs St Joseph's
  
  
• 2:15pm - Senior Female 1 - Thomson vs St Joseph's
  
  
• 2:15pm - Senior Male - South Barwon vs St Joseph's
  WATCH LIVE ON AFL BARWON TV

Netball:

• South Barwon vs St Josephs (ALL GRADES)
  WATCH A GRADE LIVE ON AFL BARWON TV

Drysdale Recreation Reserve

Football:

• 9:20am - U18 Male - Drysdale McGuire vs Portarlington 1
  
  
• 11:30am - Reserves Male - Drysdale vs Portarlington
  
  
• 2:10pm - Senior Male - Drysdale vs Portarlington

Netball:

• Drysdale vs Portarlington (ALL GRADES)
  WATCH A GRADE LIVE ON AFL BARWON TV

Drysdale Sports Precinct

Football:

• 7:00pm - U18 Female - Peninsula Sharks vs St Joseph's 

Grinter Reserve (Newcomb)

Football:

• 4:00pm - Reserves Male - Newcomb vs Ocean Grove
  
  
• 6:30pm - Senior Male - Newcomb vs Ocean Grove
  WATCH LIVE ON AFL BARWON TV

Netball:

• Newcomb vs Ocean Grove (ALL GRADES)

Football:

• 8:45am - U12 - Lorne vs South Colac
  
  
• 9:50am - U15 - Lorne vs South Colac
• 11:10am - U18 - Lorne vs South Colac
  
  
• 12:40pm - Reserves - Lorne vs South Colac
  
  
• 2:15pm - Seniors - Lorne vs South Colac
  WATCH LIVE ON AFL BARWON TV

Netball:

• Lorne vs South Colac (ALL GRADES)
  WATCH A GRADE LIVE ON AFL BARWON TV

Victoria Park (Bannockburn)

Football:

• 10:00am - U18 Male - Bannockburn/Anakie vs Inverleigh Cations

Mount Moriac Reserve (Modewarre)

Football:

• 7:30pm - Senior Female 2 - Modewarre vs St Mary's

Osborne Park (North Geelong)

Football:

• 5:00pm - Senior Female 2 - North Geelong vs Belmont Lions

Kardinia Park West

Football:

• 7:00pm - U18 Female - St Marys vs Bell Park Giants

Ocean Grove Memorial Park

Football:

• 7:00pm - U18 Female Ocean Grove King vs Torquay Scott

The AFL Barwon Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Naylor and Kim Cummins as Directors.

Sarah and Kim will fill the vacancies created by the resignations of Commissioners Michael Overman (in January) and Lachlan Young (in March). Kim will assume the remainder of Michael’s term, which continues beyond this year, while Sarah will complete Lachlan’s current term, concluding at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. As such, Sarah will be eligible for election later this year, while Kim will not be up for election at this time

Kim is a CPA-qualified professional with 20 years’ experience in the sports, venues, and major events industry. He has held senior roles with some of Australia’s most recognised organisations, including the MCG, Marvel Stadium, the AFL and Visit Victoria, where he led the development of major event partnerships and funding strategies. He brings deep expertise in financial management, governance, and strategic planning, and has advised boards and executive teams on major projects, commercial growth strategies, and stakeholder engagement across both government and community sectors.

Sarah Naylor adds a unique blend of financial acumen and deep community involvement to the Commission. She has spent the past eight years in finance and analyst roles at local wheel manufacturing company Carbon Revolution, developing a strong foundation in financial strategy, analysis, and operational support within a high-performance, innovation-driven environment.

Outside of her professional career, Sarah has contributed 14 years of volunteer service to the Geelong West Giants (and previously Geelong West Cheetahs Football & Cricket Club). Most notably, she served as Executive Chair from 2019 through to the end of 2024, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to leadership, teamwork, and community development.

The AFL Barwon Commission extends its sincere gratitude to Lachlan Young for his valuable contribution during his time as a Commissioner, after being formally elected at the 2022 AFL Barwon Annual General Meeting and was serving the final year of his three-year term.

AFL Barwon Chair Michelle Gerdtz welcomed the new appointments and acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Commissioners:

“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah and Kim to the Commission. Sarah’s financial expertise and strong community involvement, alongside Kim’s extensive experience in the finance, sports and major events sector, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our efforts to enhance grassroots football and netball across the region.

We extend a massive thanks to outgoing Commissioners Michael Overman and Lachlan Young for their dedicated service and valuable contributions to AFL Barwon.”

Lachlan made the difficult decision to step away from his role in March to focus on family commitments. The Commission fully supports and respects this decision.

Lachlan shared the following reflection:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past two-and-a-half years working with clubs, stakeholders, commissioners, and the incredible AFL Barwon staff, and will miss the opportunity to give back to grassroots football and netball in our region.

However, family will always come first, and I know this is the right decision for myself, those closest to me, and AFL Barwon as the organisation heads into a busy and exciting new phase.”