Round 4

Applications are now open for our 2022 Junior Representative Coaching Positions.

Positions Available:

BFNL 13/U, 15/U & 17/U

GFNL 13/U, 15/U & 17/U

Successful applicants will be responsible for a minimum 6 weeks of training sessions, followed by the Central West Association Championships Day on Sunday 22^nd May 2022.

If successful at the Central West day, teams will then take part in the Association Championships Finals Day on Sunday 24^th of July 2022.

Applicants must be available to assist with selection on Sunday February 6^th and 13^th.

Requirements and responsibilities of the role are as follows:

1. Participate as a member of the team Selection Panel for your appointed team.
2. Adhere to all league policies and guidelines.
3. Develop the team training program including skill development sessions, in line with player workloads and availability
4. Provide coaching instruction to team members in the areas of technique, specialist positional skills and team skills.
5. Identify and maximise underlying potential to deliver long term growth in individual athletes.
6. Evaluate and assess individual and team performance, ensuring individuals are appropriately challenged, and provided with constructive feedback.
7. Take appropriate action to ensure that underperformance is effectively dealt with.
8. Develop, implement, and adapt match play strategies.
9. Team coaches will supervise and mentor assistant coaches in both the training and competition environment.
10. Communicate clearly, concisely and with a high level of integrity to both the player and parent group.
11. Current Working with Children’s Check required.
12. Minimum Foundation Level coaching accreditation required.

Please submit your application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. detailing your experience, coaching ideology, and anything else you think we should know, along with a nomination of which age groups/league you would be willing to coach:

i.e. BFNL  15/U or 17/U

Coaches will receive an honorarium for their contribution.

Applications close Monday 31^st of January.

After unparalleled service to the AFL Barwon Commission and the region at a whole Ian McTaggart resigned from the commission last week. McTaggart was an inaugural AFL Barwon Commission member when it was formed in 2012. His service reigns back to the Football Geelong Commission in 2000, he continued his service as the name changed to Football and Netball Geelong Commission and then AFL Barwon Commission.

The AFL Barwon constitution allows for a commissioner to serve for a maximum of three consecutive terms, having served three terms on the AFL Barwon Commission McTaggart resigned his position leaving a casual vacancy.

McTaggart is a life member of the Ocean Grove Football & Netball Club and the Bellarine Football and Netball League, filling numerous roles within the club for over 25 years.

He has been involved in significant projects during his 21 years tenure, notably strategic plan development, policy development, financial benchmarking for clubs, VCFL and AFL Victoria reference groups and played a key role in development and management of football and netball databases. Another invaluable legacy is his mentorship of current and past AFL Barwon staff members.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager Bruce Harwood congratulated Ian for his service.

“Ian McTaggart has been a stalwart within the local Geelong football and netball community for many years. His service and dedication have been unsurpassed as he has been involved in the many changes and developments of the AFL Barwon organisation we see today. His willingness to help and mentor around his beloved Ocean Grove FNC and at AFL Barwon has been of immense benefit to all.” Harwood said.

AFL Barwon Chairman Craig Keating thanked Ian on behalf of the AFL Barwon Commissioners.

“Ian has provided great guidance to me as Chairman of AFL Barwon over the past 10 years for which I am very grateful. He understands the role of the Commission and has made a significant contribution to Community Football and Netball in the Barwon region. I am sure his wise counsel and friendship will continue to be welcomed by all stakeholders.” Keating said.

The AFL has announced a major $8 million extra investment to help bring community football back and ensure the grassroots game thrives, following two years disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community football is the foundation of the game and the AFL has made supporting community leagues, clubs, players, umpires, coaches, volunteers and administrators across the country a priority in 2022.

The package significantly increases the AFL’s commitment to community football and game development compared to the COVID-affected years of 2020 and 2021.

While the past two years have seen financial pressure placed on many parts of the game, the funding commitment directs funds to where they’re most needed and has been made in acknowledgement of the importance of community football and the people involved. The package will go towards getting kids active in schools, helping households return to their community clubs and bolstering support for volunteers, coaches and umpires.

Additionally, four-time Hawthorn Football Club premiership coach Alastair Clarkson will be a community coaching ambassador, giving coaches at all levels access to insights from one of the game’s all-time greats.

“There is no greater priority for our game in 2022 than ensuring community football bounces back and thrives,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.

“Footy means so much to so many people, towns and communities right across the country and we have an important role to play in helping everyone come back together, reconnecting families and friends and getting everyone back, engaged and active.

“Many have done it tough, and we don’t take for granted that community football has been affected. In some markets, particularly Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT, the community game has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to support the thousands of volunteers around the country who keep community clubs going and play our role in reconnecting communities, particularly where so much footy has been missed.

“It’s fantastic that someone of Alastair Clarkson’s calibre and experience has come on board to help community coaches across the country. Alastair is passionate about working with those involved at grassroots level and I’m sure the community football coaching network will benefit from what he has to offer.”

Below are some of the key components of the AFL’s $8 million extra support package for community football nationally:

• $1.6 million towards volunteer support – more resources on the ground in all markets to benefit volunteers
• $1.5 million investment into schools – consolidate AFL schools program offerings nationally and help schools/teachers get kids active
• $1.4 million to remove coaching and umpiring registration fees across Australia
• $1 million COVID fighting fund to benefit Victoria and New South Wales
• $800,000 commitment to Victorian clubs for the 2022 season, such as covering certain administrative and insurance costs
• Four-time Hawthorn Football Club premiership coach Alastair Clarkson will come on board as a community football coaching ambassador

AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld, said: “Despite the challenges and disruptions community sport has faced, our game rebounded strongly this year with grassroots participation back around record levels from 2019. More than 820,000 people were registered to participate in the game from NAB AFL Auskick through to junior and senior club football, women’s and men’s.

“But there have been considerable added responsibilities placed on volunteers and coaches to manage clubs and teams through uncertain periods. We must continue to provide opportunities and remove barriers for everyone involved in the game.

“Covid-related protocols and breaks in seasons have placed a significant burden on those leading and administering the community game, while many players and coaches have missed large chunks of football. Volunteers are a massive part of community football and they need greater support.

“This is why the AFL is prioritising support for community football in 2022 and making this extra investment, to bring people, clubs and communities back and get the game going in the way that makes it such an important and special part of so many lives.”

Further details about the AFL’s commitment to investing in community football in 2022 will follow.

Registrations for Trials

Registrations are now open for both GFNL and BFNL Junior Representative Netball Teams.

Trials will be held on the 6^th and 13^th of February, at the Newtown & Chilwell Netball Courts. Times are as follows:

9am – 10:30am – 13 & Under

10:30am – 12pm – 15 & Under

12pm – 1:30pm – 17 & Under

Dress Code: White T-Shirts and dark shorts/skirt are to be worn for all trials (Any player in club or representative uniform will be asked to go home and change)

• Please ensure lower leg is not covered so that a number may be written for selection

Those successful will represent their respective league at the Central West Region Association Championships Day on Sunday 22^nd May 2022.

If successful at the Central West day, teams will then take part in the Association Championships Finals Day on Sunday 24^th of July 2022.

TALENT IDENTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

• Players in the 13 & Under group are observed by the Victorian Regional Academy of Sport (VRAS), in partnership with Netball Victoria, to link Regional Academies of sport with high performance pathways.
• Players in the 15 & Under group are observed by Netball Victoria Talent scouts for potential TID invitation to selection for the Zone academy and 17 & Under state teams for the next year.
• Players in the 17 & under group are observed by Netball Victoria Talent scouts for potential invitation to state selection in the 17 & Under or 19 & Under for the next year.

To register your interest, please complete the registration form, found here: https://forms.gle/iMoeHmJqwHrGNLwy6

For any further information please contact Sophie Murley This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Registrations close Monday 31^st of January.