Partners

AFL Barwon and Kings Funerals are delighted to announce a 3-year partnership extension.

The new agreement provides a more expansive connection between the two organisations and will extend the partnership to 6 years after its commencement in 2021.

Kings Funerals will have a greater presence in the Junior Female Football section, with naming rights to all Junior Female Division 2 & Division 3 competitions. There will be further Kings branding with all Junior Female Football playing shorts sublimated to include the Kings Funerals logo on the front.

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson stated his gratitude of the partnership extension.

“We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Kings and the enthusiasm they bring to this partnership, with a real vision to be collaborative partners in the growth of sport throughout the region. This enthusiasm and collaboration we at AFL Barwon appreciate immensely, and we look forward to what the future will hold, between our two organisations”.  

Kings Funerals General Manager, Beth King expressed her delight at the opportunity to support women in sport through this extension.

“Kings Funerals are delighted to support more girls and women to develop their skills and enjoy playing football. Strong junior competitions are essential for all girls who aspire to becoming AFLW players and we look forward to seeing many more elite women athletes in future who have played in the Kings Cup competitions.”

“We’re pleased to be extending our partnership for another 3 years after coming on board as Female Football finals live streaming partner in 2021.”

To find out more about Kings Funerals’ locations, services, and involvement in the community, simply visit https://kingsfunerals.com.au/

Buckleys Entertainment Centre has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community sports in the region by extending its partnership with AFL Barwon until 2025.

The renewed agreement will mark 30 years of collaboration between Buckleys and AFL Barwon in 2024.

Throughout challenging times for the region, Buckleys has consistently provided financial support to AFL Barwon and its clubs, notably making a $500,000 donation in 2020 to assist clubs affected by COVID-19 shutdowns.

As part of the extended partnership, Buckleys will maintain its naming rights for the Reserves and B-Grade competitions in the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues.

In the extended partnership, new club runner’s outfits will be provided for all Senior, Reserves, Under 18's Male Competitions, and Senior & Under 19's Female Clubs in the upcoming season.

Furthermore, Buckleys' outstanding and recently renovated facilities are set to remain the venue for all AFL Barwon end-of-season League Presentation evenings for the next two years.

Buckleys Entertainment Centre, Chair Bill Brebner expressed the organisation's pride in their ongoing financial support for AFL Barwon.

“Buckleys is proud of the continued financial support that we are able to provide to AFL Barwon through sponsorship of the Geelong FNL, Bellarine FNL & Junior Football, and the positive impacts this has on our region.”

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager Edward Wilson was thankful for the ongoing support from Buckleys,

“AFL Barwon is grateful for the continued support and engagement Buckleys continues to provide to our affiliated Clubs. We’re pleased to continue the long-term partnership that significantly supports several competitions and participation opportunities across the region, for both Football & Netball”.

To make a booking at Buckleys Entertainment Centre simply email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: (03) 5248 4866.

AFL Barwon in partnership with The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre have commenced the third iteration of the Respect Starts Here Program, a program that supports Football and Netball clubs across the Barwon region to progress gender equality and promote respect within Clubs and Communities. All clubs who participate in the program are working towards a shared goal of creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive club that supports all its members to thrive in their sport and their communities.

Respect Starts Here originally commenced as a pilot program with Geelong West Giants Football Netball Club in 2022, reaching 233 players and coaches. Program participant and Giants Chair, Sarah Naylor, is a strong advocate for Respect Starts Here and has said that that any club in the Barwon region would “benefit immensely from taking part in the program”. Naylor has found the program to be beneficial for her club, positively impacting the behaviour and attitudes players and members.

The program has evolved since the initial pilot, with AFL Barwon clubs are now offered a choice between two streams. The introductory stream, Getting Started,supports clubs who are in the foundational stages of exploring what gender equality means for them. The second stream, All In,is suited for clubs that are ready and have capacity to go all-in. Both streams help clubs to identify goals and actions to support gender equality and build on the capacity of members to stand up for equality and respect within the club.

Ocean Grove Football Netball Club (OGFNC) undertook All Inover the 2023 season resulting in several positive actions, such as the appointment of a Club Culture & Wellbeing team. The program had a powerful impact on the Club Action Group, whose members expressed feeling more “switched on” at the club when it came to recognising how things could be improved and done more inclusively.

Highlighting the importance of gender equality and education for sports, an OGFNC club participant who attended the Active Bystander Workshop emphasised that “it matters in every setting, and by making a stance and educating people, we can work towards building a society that respects everyone.” 

The Respect Starts Here Program has reached over 420 club participants over the first two years which is set to expand in 2024, thanks to the support of theGeelong Community Foundation. The 2024 version of the program launched last night at Geelong West Football Netball Club where it was announced that six AFL Barwon clubs will begin participating in one of the two streams of the program this year. Geelong West Giants, Drysdale and Newcomb will undertake the All In program, with Portarlington, Bell Park, and St Albans taking part in the Getting Started stream. AFL Barwon staff will also be taking part in the Respect Starts Here Program this season.

Michelle Gerdtz, the first Female Chair of AFL Barwon, congratulated the clubs involved in the program and expressed that “The Respect Starts Here program is of vital importance, now more than ever before. We simply cannot accept the rates of violence against women.” Gerdtz also highlighted that sporting clubs are seen as a safe space and are “an ideal setting to foster wellbeing, connectedness, and openness”. Gerdtz encourages everyone to “remember that preventing violence against women is everyone's responsibility”. 

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson pointed out the importance of AFL Barwon’s partnership with The SAFV Centre. Wilson expressed that “AFL Barwon is proud to share a long-term community partnership with The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (The SAFV Centre), who are an important community leader in driving needed change. The Respect Starts Here program is a significant community engagement every year, to ensure members of our affiliated Football Netball Clubs, are respectful members of the community, who can also drive this needed change”.

The SAFV Centre and AFL Barwon encourage any additional clubs who are looking to participate in the Respect Starts Here Program to register their interest here.

AFL Barwon is very excited to announce that the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust has extended their support of the All Abilities Football Netball League in 2024, formally becoming the Major Partner for the next 3 years. 

Kardinia Park will be the Naming Rights Partner of the All Abilities Football Netball League, with all match footballs, football jumpers and netball bibs to carry the Kardinia Park logo.  

The 2024 Kardinia Park All Abilities Football Netball League season will return to Australia’s Best Regional Stadium for Round 1, with a double header of Football matches on Saturday 27 April. The opening round matches will kick off at GMHBA Stadium at 4.30 pm, with a Football & Netball showcase on the field between the two games.  

The All Abilities netball season starts on Tuesday, April 23rd at Kardinia Park Netball Courts with matches at 5.10 pm and 6.10 pm. 

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO, Gerard Griffin, stated:

“This is a unique ongoing partnership that demonstrates support of our community in a truly inclusive way. Our ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for participation and connection, has us once again hosting the opening round of the AFL Barwon All Abilities Football Netball League at GMHBA Stadium.” 

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson, was quoted:

“We’re humbled by the ongoing support of Kardinia Park in supporting AFL Barwon’s All Abilities Football Netball League. The Trust have been extremely proactive in engaging our community to deliver outcomes that prioritise positive promotion and sustainability of this League. We're excited by this announcement and the collaboration our two organisations working together will continue to deliver across the board". 

Admission to the Kardinia Park All Abilities Football Netball League games at GMHBA Stadium is free for all spectators.  

For further event information, please go towww.aflbarwon.com.au orwww.kardiniapark.vic.gov.au 

The Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) will return to the Barwon region’s best Football & Netball facility with the 2024 Blood Toyota Grand Finals to be held at Kardinia Park, on Friday 27^th September (AFL Grand Final Public Holiday).

In developing this plan for 2024, significant discussions have transpired between AFL Barwon, the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) and the Geelong Football Club (GFC). The three parties share a collective approach that community Football & Netball Grand Finals deserve to be played at the best regional sporting precinct in Australia.

KPST last hosted the Geelong FNL Finals in 2019, and AFL Barwon has shared a mutually beneficial and community-focused approach to exploring a return to Kardinia Park in 2024. The AFL Barwon & Geelong FC Strategic Partnership launched in May 2023, has spring boarded collaboration between the three organisations and has produced several strategic outcomes, for the benefit of the region, community stakeholders and Clubs alike.

This strategic decision between AFLB, KPST & GFC is aimed to enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators alike, setting the stage for an exciting and memorable event.

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin was quoted, 

“The Trust is thrilled to again host the local 2024 Geelong Football Netball League Grand Final at GMHBA Stadium.”

“With the collaboration of our three organisations, we can have this aspect of community sport, both football and netball back into the precinct where they rightfully belong”.

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson was quoted, 

““AFL Barwon shares incredibly strong partnerships with both the Geelong Football Club as well as Kardinia Park Stadium Trust. This announcement secures a future that promotes and elevates our region, to the platform it deserves. We’re grateful for the continued support of both GFC & KPST, and their community-focused mindsets to support the growth of both Football & Netball within the Barwon region. This tri-parity partnership is uniquely Barwon, and we look forward to collectively working together in years to come”. “

Geelong Football Club’s Chief Strategy & Growth Officer and General Counsel, Marcus King was quoted,

“We’re pleased to support AFL Barwon in having the biggest day on the GFNL calendar return to Kardinia Park and to see community football Grand Finals played on the hallowed turf of GMHBA Stadium again.

 “We see GMHBA Stadium, and the Kardinia Park precinct, as the home of sporting and special events for the region, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and AFL Barwon to ensure a highly successful day for our community and all involved.

AFL Barwon is excited to announce a new partnership with Marathon Food Industries, leaders in locally produced and great-tasting snack products.

Marathon is a family and community inspired business that strives to provide Australians with tasty and high-quality snack foods. The Victorian based company has continued to keep its sense of family over their 60-year journey, with continual investment back into community sporting clubs.

Marathon and AFL Barwon will partner for the next three years, with the plan to bring their delicious dim sims and snack food products to the Region. Marathon dim sims are a staple in AFL Barwon community club canteens, with the plan to work with clubs to continue to grow this presence.

“We’re excited by this newly formed partnership with Marathon, and what our respective organisations have in store to support Clubs across the Barwon region. Noting the passion and commitment to community sport, AFL Barwon welcomes Marathon and we’re collectively looking forward to this partnership successfully serving the community for years to come”, AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson said.

Jenny Dardalis Marathon, Managing Director stated, “As an organisation deeply rooted in family values, Marathon is thrilled to partner with AFL Barwon to strengthen community ties and support local football and netball. Our commitment extends beyond just a sponsorship; it's about fostering long-term relationships and creating meaningful impact in the communities where we live, work and play."

To learn more about Marathon’s, history, and its product range, simply go to https://www.marathonfoods.com.au  

AFL Barwon and SEDA College will collaborate for the next three years after agreeing to a commercial partnership. 

The newly formed partnership will see SEDA College become the Official Secondary School Education Partner of AFL Barwon.  

The two organisations have been close associates for many years, with Seda College students gaining industry experience in administration and game development at AFL Barwon.  

There is a demographic synergy between the two organisations, with students from SEDA College being active participants in some of the AFL Barwon community football and netball competitions. 

Travis Agg, Regional Manager Geelong at SEDA College said “The SEDA model places student interests at the forefront of their Senior Secondary education, integrating practical connections to industry. We are therefore very excited to partner with AFL Barwon so we can continue to expand that connection to local industry and the community. 

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson stated “We’re looking forward to this new partnership with SEDA College, building on projects of collaboration to deliver more opportunities for members of our wider community. SEDA College already contributes to great extents within the Barwon community, and we envision to broaden and deepen this support through this partnership”. 

About SEDA College 

SEDA College was established in 2007 to address gaps in traditional education and has evolved into an Independent Senior Secondary School and the largest provider of the Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major (VCE VM), with over 800 students across Victoria.  

At SEDA, students who share a passion for sports thrive in an applied, hands-on learning environment. 

SEDA College has been operating in Geelong since 2009 and boasts three classes in partnership with prominent organisations like the Geelong Football Club, Melbourne Vixens, Cricket Victoria, Western United and Melbourne United. 

To find out more about SEDA College and their education offerings, simply go tohttps://seda.vic.edu.au.  

The Athlete’s Foot and AFL Barwon have agreed to an exciting three-year partnership.

Locally owned and operated, The Athlete’s Foot has 150 stores in Australia and New Zealand, with their local Geelong store located in Market Square. The Athlete’s Foot are the experts in fit, making them one of the largest specialty athletic and lifestyle footwear retailers.

The Athlete’s Foot will be the naming rights holder of the highly successful AFL Barwon Female Festival of Sport Breakfast, which will take place on Friday May 31^st at GMHBA Stadium.

The partnership with Athlete’s Foot has a strong focus on providing opportunities to the local community, with AFL Barwon members receiving opportunities to attend exclusive VIP events.

The Athlete’s Foot team will be looking for ways to support clubs and players through the setup of product sales activations at major events and competition days within the region.

“We’re extremely enthused to partner with The Athlete’s Foot to promote and support their approach to ensuring players within the AFL Barwon region, can prioritise performance and wellbeing with trusted experts to support their sporting journeys. The integration of The Athlete’s Foot within our local community is paramount, and their support of the upcoming AFL Barwon Female Festival of Sport is testament to this integration”, AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson said.

Naomi Duncan, Marketing Assistant at The Athlete’s Foot stated, “The Athlete’s Foot is excited to work in partnership with AFL Barwon to help ensure the area of Geelong and surround has a thriving sporting community. Our team are committed to providing absolute customer satisfaction, caring professional service and quality products, with a perfect fit each and every time.”

Tickets for the AFL Barwon Female Festival of Sport Breakfast supported by The Athletes Foot can be purchased at www.intix.com/event/female-festival-of-sport-breakfast-2024

To check out The Athlete’s Foot range of products, locations, or careers, simply go to www.theathletesfoot.com.au

The AFL Barwon Commission and Staff send their condolences to the family and friends of Bill Brebner who passed yesterday at the age of 72. 

Bill had a significant influence on the local football community through involvements as President at of the South Barwon Football Netball Club, VCFL West Coast Regional Manager, Buckleys Chair and he served on the AFL Barwon Match Review Panel.

Bill spent 3 years as President of the South Barwon Football Netball Club from 1997 until 1999, which was a critical period of time for the club. He was recognised for his service at the club with a Life Membership.

He was part of the Buckleys Entertainment Centre Board where for 26 years, with several as the Chair. Bill was a strong advocate for giving back to the Football and Netball clubs across the Region and was a regular representative at AFL Barwon Functions and Grand Final Events.

Bill was a respected member of the Match Review Panel until recently, where his health forced him to resign.

A celebration of his life will be held at Buckleys on Friday, July 12, at 1pm.