The Barwon Bulletin
THE BARWON BULLETIN
The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
To recieve email notifications of the Barwon Bulletin, please contact
EDITION 35
April 24, 2025
(LAST UPDATED - April 24, 2025)
(Umpire appointments are updated Thursday 4pm)
Navigation
General Updates
New Updates
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Lisa Patterson appointed new AFL Barwon Region General Manager
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.
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AFL Barwon welcomes two new directors
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.
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AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule
GFNL
Senior Football & A Grade Netball
25/4/25 - South Barwon vs St Joseph's
Senior Football
26/4/25 - Geelong West vs St Albans
A Grade Netball
26/4/25 - Lara vs Grovedale
BFNL
Senior Football
25/4/25 - Newcomb vs Ocean Grove
A Grade Netball
25/4/25 - Drysdale vs Portarlington
Senior Football
26/4/25 - Anglesea vs Torquay
A Grade Netball
26/4/25 - Barwon Heads vs Geelong Amateur
CDFNL
Senior Football
25/4/25 - Lorne vs South Colac
26/4/25 - Otway Districts vs Apollo Bay
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ANZAC Day Fixtures
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
- South Barwon vs St Joseph's at McDonald Reserve
Local Scoreboards
Times Footy
Local Media
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LISTEN - The Warm Up
Times News Group
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LISTEN - Beyond The Boundary
K Rock Football
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Queenscliff aim to keep up winning streak
Times News Group
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Young Joeys outfit chasing first victory in top division
Times News Group
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Big names back Bellarine interleague return
K Rock Football
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Impressvive streak continues for Joeys
K Rock Football
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GALLERY - Torquay vs Barwon Heads A Grade
AFL Barwon
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GALLERY - Torquay vs Barwon Heads Senior Male Football
K Rock Football
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MATCH AUDIO - Leopold vs St Joseph's
K Rock Football
Football
Senior Football
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Player Payment Reporting
The Player Payment Reporting process requires the lodgement of specific documents to be completed by 30thApril.
The required documents are:
These documents must be uploaded onto your club portal by the club’s designated person.
Please ensure the appropriate person receives this reminder.
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Football Operations Update
Please see the below updates.
- U/18 Colts Round 1 starting this week, please take the time to review attached and below text to ensure a smooth game day experience.
- Use of AFL Barwon Football match day checklist.
- Team sheet input to PlayHQ at 7pm on Thursdays.
- Marsh Pre-match checklist
- Team manager's PlayHQ checklist.
- U18 Colts fixture is on PlayHQ , which can be accessed via LINK
- NOTE: Clubs that are fixtured as HOME club but are playing at an away venue, Its good practice for the team manager to reach out to the home senior club to avoid any inconveniences like rooms not open and goal post not attached. The home U18 Colt club will be responsible for the match day footballs, paperwork, interchange and PlayHQ updates.
Please find below information to assist with game day team managers with BFNL & GFNL senior male game day.
- Below is the link for 2025 BFNL Coaches Player of the year
- Below is the link for 2025 GFNL Coaches Player of the year LINK
Senior Match Day team managers please Note below post-match process:
- Both Team Managers must go to the Umpires’ Rooms after the match to receive the “all clear”. I.e. confirm any reports or video review requests and collect relevant copies of any reports.
- Home Team Manager to collect, footballs and all match day paperwork from the umpires.
- Away Team Manager to provide the home team manager with their best players and goalkickers.
- Home Team Manager to enter Match Results, Best Players, and Goalkickers into PlayHQ
- No change to the post-match day process for match day team managers from 2024.
The 2025 AFL Barwon Handbook is currently being prepared and will soon be available on the AFL Barwon website limited hard copies will be available to all clubs.
AFL Barwon’s Football Operations Contacts for 2025 are below –
- Michael Limb – Head of Football - MRP, Investigations, Tribunal, Management –
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Jock Hillgrove – Football Umpiring –
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - TBC – Male Senior Football & Under 18 Colts
- Lisa Patterson – Female Football (Senior & Junior) –
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Will Ross - Junior Football (U14/U16 Male) –
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Will Ross – Junior Football (U9/U10/U12 Mixed) –
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Junior Football
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Junior Female Football
Thank you to everyone for your continued patience as I navigated my way through fixturing for the next 2 weeks of grading for all age groups of female football.
I am sure there are many girls extremely excited to start their footy journey or return to footy for another season.
As previously mentioned in club communications, we have tried to get the fixture as best as possible for the first two rounds, obviously acknowledging we may not always get it right either, however with reviewing of results weekly ensuring the required changes to have fair results for the remainder of the season is our priority.
If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to reach out and all the best for this weekend.
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Match Day Information and Reminders
Leading into the first week of football for 2025, please see the below important reminders to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Match Day Paperwork – Submission Process
For non-competitive football, we will continue with the QR code system introduced by Lachlan. I've made a few adjustments to simplify the process, so it’s easier to complete and no longer requires files to be renamed. The key update is that all clubs can now use the same QR code, eliminating the need for club-specific codes.
For competitive football, we’re transitioning to an online submission process, which will be the responsibility of the appointed umpires. Only AFL Barwon umpires have access to the official HQ system. In cases where there are no league-appointed umpires and parent umpires are required; I’ve provided all clubs with a generic QR code. This allows those parent umpires to submit the necessary paperwork and votes. There’s no longer a need to drop paperwork off at AFL Barwon. I strongly recommend keeping any paperwork left in the umpire rooms after each game for your records and in case we have any issues.
Team Managers – Match Day Tools
To ensure Team Managers are well-prepared for the weekend, please confirm that they’ve received the PlayHQ Team Manager Match Day Guide, which covers:
- Selecting teams
- Printing team sheets
- Entering post-game results
See below the guide, which will help ensure a smooth match-day experience. If any Team Manager has questions about PlayHQ or needs assistance, they can contact me directly.
Multiple Teams in the Same Age Group
A quick reminder for clubs with multiple teams in the same age group, as outlined in the AFL Barwon Handbook – Junior Competition Rules:
25 Multiple Teams in the Same Age Group:
In AFL Barwon Junior Football, a player can only play one game in a particular age group per weekend (including Friday night).
To summarize, a player can only play one game per weekend in their designated age group, regardless of when it’s scheduled.
Finals Eligibility
Please keep the following criteria in mind for Junior Finals Eligibility:
Eligibility for Finals:
A player must play at least three AFL Barwon Junior Football games in a particular age group to be eligible for finals in that group.
Players who’ve played in a higher grade/division must play at least six (6) games in the lower grade to qualify for that team’s finals.
Players who have played more than half the season in a higher grade are ineligible for lower-grade finals.
Players may only play in one final per weekend, even if eligible across teams or age groups.
Finals eligibility is based on the number of games played during the home & away season, including grading games. Playing in older age groups, higher divisions, or rep teams counts as a higher grade.
Key Resources
Non-Appointed Umpire Match Report
Non-Competitive - Umpire Match Report
PlayHQ - Team Manager Matchday Guide
CDFNL Football
Football Operations Update
2025 CDFNL's Football Game times with the day beginning at 8.45am and stretch out each game start time as follows.
NOTE if the senior game is ready to start at 2pm please proceed to start the game.
Under 12’s 8.45am
Under 15’s 9.50am
Under 18’s 11.10am
Reserves 12.40pm
Seniors 2.15pm
Otway home game start times:
U12 - 10:00
U15 - 11:10
Res - 12:40 as per other league games
Sen - 2:15 as per other league games
Playing Times
Playing times for Seniors, Reserves Under 18 and Under 15 games will be no later than:
Home & Away Games
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Start |
Quarters |
¼ time |
½ time |
¾ time |
|
Seniors |
2.15 pm |
20 min + TO |
5 min |
15 min |
5 min |
|
Reserves |
12.40 pm |
18 min |
5 min |
5 min |
5 min |
|
Under 18’s |
11.10 am |
15 min |
5 min |
5 min |
5 min |
|
Under 15’s |
9.50 am |
15 min |
4 min |
5 min |
4 min |
|
Under 12’s |
8.45 am |
12 min |
3 min |
4 min |
3 min |
If early games (prior to Seniors) are running behind time at half time the last 2 quarters are to be shortened accordingly to allow the game to finish on time. This provision is NOT applicable in finals games
12.1.1
All Senior Home and Away matches shall commence (no later than 2.15pm) The Reserve Grade matches are to commence at12.40pm, with 10 minutes grace.
12.1.2
Any Club not ready to commence play at the expiration of 10 minutes grace shall be fined unless an acceptable excuse can be given to the League. Any Club not ready to commence aSenior Grade game by 2.40pm or a Reserve grade game by 1pm shall forfeit the match, and in addition shall pay the appointed Umpires' expenses for that match. Timekeeper’s cards will be taken as final as to the time of the start of play. Umpires will note on their report the cause of any delay in starting, and whether either, or both teams were responsible for such late start. If, in the opinion of the CDFNL Board, the failure of any Club to commence before the designated forfeit time was occasioned by circumstances outside the control of that Club, the CDFNL Board may, if they see fit, order such match to be played.
13 Time of Quarters
All Senior grade matches shall consist of four quarters of 20 minutes duration with time on to be added to each quarter to which it is incurred. All Reserve grade matches shall consist of four quarters of 18 minutes duration. Time on is only to be applied in the Finals Series. All Under 15 matches shall consist of 4 quarters of 15 minutes, andUnder 18s shall consist of 4 quarters of 15 minutes.
LAST POSSESSION CLARITY FOR U15 AND BELOW
Both clubs agree prior to the game to play NO last possession rule
if both clubs reach agreement then play thegame as per normal AFL Laws of The Game will apply
If agreement is not reach – last possession rule will apply as per below.
20.8 Boundary Umpires & Out Of Bounds Rule
20.8.1 In all Senior, reserve, & U18’s games normal AFL Laws of The Game will apply.
20.8.2 Under 15’s and below games the following
“Last Possession” variation will apply.
A free kick shall be awarded against a player who:
- Kicks or Handballs the football over the Boundary Line without the football being touchedby another Player;
- For the purposes of defining a kick, a kick shall be an intentional action, not accidental.
When the ball comes off the foot or lower leg of a player without the intent of the playerbeing to kick the ball, it will be deemed accidental contact and will not be determined as a kick by the umpire and therefore will result in a ball-up 15 metres in from the boundary.
Resource Links
- 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
- Non-Appointed Umpire Match Report
- Non-Competitive - Umpire Match Report
- PlayHQ - Team Manager Matchday Guide
- Local PPS BY LAWS
- E-Scoring via PlayHQ Apps
- On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
- Football Order Form
Football Umpiring
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Community Umpire Week
From Sunday 28 April to Saturday 4 May, AFL Barwon is proudly celebrating Community Umpiring Week – an annual initiative that shines a spotlight on the important role umpires play in our game.
AFL Barwon has a number of exciting initiatives and training opportunities lined up across the region:
Monday 28 April – Women and Girls Experience HUB at Kardinia Park
Kicking off Community Umpiring Week is a special session dedicated to engaging and supporting women and girls in umpiring. AFLW umpires will be in attendance at AFL Barwon Umpire Training from 4:30pm, offering mentorship and sharing their journey through the umpiring ranks.Tuesday 29 April – Drysdale Precinct Satellite Training Set to Launch
Pending confirmation from the Drysdale Football Netball Club, a new satellite training venue is expected to open its doors. This marks an exciting step forward for umpiring on the Bellarine Peninsula, providing accessible training opportunities closer to home for clubs like the Peninsula Sharks.Wednesday 1 May – A Visit from the Top
AFL and State League umpires will be in Geelong to attend AFL Barwon Umpire Training. This is a golden opportunity for local umpires to connect with the elite, ask questions, and gain insights into the professional umpiring world.Tuesday 6 May – Surf Coast Training Begins
While outside the official week, the momentum continues with the launch of a new umpire training venue in North Torquay. This Surf Coast hub is a key piece in the ongoing expansion of umpire support and development in the region.Umpiring: More Than Just a Whistle
Umpiring provides young people with leadership experience, keeps people active, and connects individuals to the game in a unique and rewarding way. Community Umpiring Week is about growing respect and appreciation for this role while creating a pathway for future umpires from all backgrounds and abilities.
AFL Barwon encourages clubs, players, and supporters to thank their umpires this week – and every week – for their contribution to the game.
If you or someone you know is interested in umpiring, get involved today. Visit aflbarwon.com.au to learn more or contact the AFL Barwon Umpiring Department directly.
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Women & Girls Experience Hub
The Experience Hubs are an opportunity for Women and Girls in community umpiring to come together and connect with one another. We are extending this invitation to players and those involved in community football to join us for this experience as well! No umpiring experience is required to be a part of the event. We would love to see as many women and girls involved in community football as possible to learn together, make meaningful connections with others in the community and most importantly, have fun!
Watch this promotional video to see what it's all about! Women and Girls Experience Hub!
Where is the Experience Hub?
Kardinia Park, Geelong
Field umpiring: 4:45pm
Boundary umpiring: 5:00pm
Goal umpiring: 5:30pmFinish time approx. 7pm
What to expect:
- Run through on field skills with AFLW u7mpires Sam Ritchie, Emily Best and Jenna Green
- Hear from and pick the brains of AFLW umpires on their football journey from community to the elite level
- Share dinner and snacks with new and current friends
- Enjoy your place on the Experience Hub National Tour by being a part of this event!
Who can attend?
- Any Woman and Girl in community football, umpiring, or on the sidelines supporting of ALL ages!
This event is free for all involved! Don't just hear about it, register here to be a part of it!
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Umpire Appointments - NEW PROCESS
Please follow the below button to view umpire appointments. This is a live document that will update each week on Thursday afternoons. The link to the document will not change, so you may like to bookmark it for convenience.
There is also a link currently at the top of the Bulletin.
Netball
Senior Netball
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HIGH IMPORTANCE – Player Payment (Salary Cap) Reporting
A huge thank you to all clubs who have already submitted their budgets and player contracts.
To all those who are yet to complete this step, budgets and player contracts (declared and non-declared) are due to AFL Barwon by COB April 30th.
All clubs must submit a budget at the beginning of the season. The budget can exceed your club’s allowable player payments (as it is only a budget), but clubs must remain under their permitted player payment limit at the conclusion of the season.
All players who take the court in A Grade must also have either:
- A Standard Player Declaration
- Non-Declared player statement
Each of these Allowable Player Payment reporting documents MUST be submitted NO LATER THAN April 30th.
These can be submitted to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For all player payment and player points documentation, you can find this HERE.
If you require support in this space, please see the video linked below, or contact Sophie Allison.
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How to Score Documents for Volunteers
Please in the below resource links, the ‘How to Score’ document (previously circulated in 2024), in addition to the example scoresheet and position tracking document.
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Reminder: Player Registrations
Players are NOT PERMITTED to take the court UNLESS THEY ARE REGISTERED INBOTH PLAYHQ & NETBALL CONNECT.
“Every player must be a registered member of their club on the clubs Netball Connect and PlayHQ databases.
Penalties for not registering players with their club before they take the court: Loss of 4 Premiership Points and $50 fine to the offending club on each occurring occasion.”
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Reminder: BFNL/GFNL Game Time Length
Please be reminded that 19&U games are now 12-MINUTE QUARTERS, in line with C Grade.
Please see the updated Timekeepers and Scorers information sheet.
GFNL
Start Time
Court 1
Concluded
Court 2
Concluded
8:15 AM
13&U Div 1
9:02 AM
13&U Div 2
9:02 AM
9:10 AM
15&U Div 1
9:57 AM
15&U Div 2
9:57 AM
10:05 AM
17&U Div 1
10:52 AM
D Grade
10:52 AM
11:00 AM
C Grade
11:55 AM
17&U Div 2
11:47 AM
12:10 PM
B Grade
1:21 PM
19&U
1:05 PM
1:40 PM
A Grade
2:51 PM
E Grade
2:27 PM
3:00 PM Finish
BFNL
Start Time
Court 1
Concluded
Court 2
Concluded
8:15 AM
15&U Div 2
9:02 AM
13&U Div 2
9:02 AM
9:15 AM
13&U Div 1
10:02 AM
17&U Div 1
10:02 AM
10:15 AM
D Grade
11:02 AM
19&U
11:10 AM
11:15 AM
C Grade
12:10 PM
15&U Div 1
12:02 PM
12:20 PM
B Grade
1:31 PM
17&U Div 2
1:07 PM
1:45 PM
A Grade
2:56 PM
E Grade
2:32 PM
3:00 PM Finish
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Reminder - New Netball Website & Resource Hub
All Match Day resources can be found on our BRAND NEW ‘AFL Barwon Netball’ website.
Camryn has spent a lot of time redesigning this site to best support clubs moving forward.
This also includes the NEW Match Day Operations Manual, which we hope will support new administrators, or even those who have been in the role before.
**Please note some of the old pages on the website still exist as we transition, but the below site will be your source moving forward.
CDFNL Netball
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Coaching Accreditations - DUE APRIL 30TH
A reminder that all coaching accreditation information (Foundation Course or higher, AND Rules of Netball Certificate) must be provided to Sally Montano (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or Sophie Allison (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) by the 30th of April.This applies to head coaches and assistant coaches.
Any club who has a coach that does not obtain the relevant accreditation is subject to fines and match penalties as outlined below:
The penalty to be imposed by the CDFNL Board if coaches continue to coach having not obtained the necessary
accreditation must be:
i) a $200 fine (Senior) or $100 fine (Junior) and
ii)the loss of match points for the matches won by the team whilst the unaccredited coach continues to coach.
In the event of no match points being received the AFL Barwon must apply the above fines.
Fines are applied once only ($200 or $100) and are not applicable to every match.
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CDFNL Paperwork and Data Entry
Paperwork - CDFNL
- Starting positions on scoresheet
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- ALL POSITIONS including starting positions and changes, recorded on POSITION TRACKING SHEET –this sheet forms part of the official scoresheet.
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- THIS INCLUDES GOALER CHANGES BEING NOTATED ON SCORESHEETS VIA A BRACKET IN THE GS/GA BOXES
- ALL PLAYERS must be listed on both of these documents before the game commences. These lists MUST be the same – position tracking sheet should be in the same order as the scoresheet for ease.
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- Players cannot be added after the commencement of play to EITHER document as per competition rules.
- Please do not use landscapeposition tracking sheets – new position tracking template attached if preferred.
Data Entry - CDFNL
- Goals must be entered as goals andattempts – not misses.i.e. Should read 3 goals from 5 attempts – not 3 goals and 2 misses.
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- Attempts are not required for 15&U and below.
- Any playerwho does not take the court must beremoved from the PlayHQ line up –please refer to position tracking sheets for this data.
- Player positions MUST be entered for A Grade matches.
- Any player who is handwritten on must be added to the PlayHQ line up (if they took the court)
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- DO NOT use the ‘fill in player’ button – use ‘club players’ only.
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- If you’re unable to add players to the line-up, you’re welcome to flick us an email as we check paperwork each Mon-Weds.
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CDFNL Representative Coaching Applications
CDFNL Representative Coach Applications for the Association Championships are now open!
More information available via the form.
Express your interest here: https://forms.gle/WPRPn8bVot7w2fBr7
Junior Netball
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AFL Barwon Junior Netball Update
Representative Netball Fixtures
Games will resume on Monday 28th April for both BJNC and GCNA Competitions.
Barwon Junior Netball Championships
- Geelong FNL vs Bellarine FNL @ Oberon High School
- 13U at 5:20pm, 15U at 6:30pm, 17U at 7:40pm.
- Colac & District FNL vs Geelong Central NA @ Bluewater Leisure Centre, Colac
- 13U at 5:50pm, 15U at 5:50pm, 17U and 7pm.
Geelong Central Netball Association
- 13&U Geelong FNL vs CC Eagles Red @ 6:05pm, Kardinia Park court 4
- 13&U Bellarine FNL vs Mixtures @ 7:00pm, Kardinia Park court 1
- 15&U Geelong FNL vs 15&U Bellarine FNL @ 7:55pm, Kardinia Park court 1
Fixture Released – Grading Rounds 1 & 2
The fixture for grading rounds 1 and 2 has now been released on PlayHQ and available through the public website.
- Geelong FNL vs Bellarine FNL @ Oberon High School
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Kardinia Park Carparking Impacts
Due to filming of a movie taking place at Kardinia Park from 26th April until May 3rd, carparking at Kardinia Park will be impacted for our Tuesday and Friday round 1 competitions.
Please allow PLENTY of time to get to your game. We encourage car-pooling, or parking offsite and walking to the venue.
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Junior Umpires Starting this week
With a new season comes new umpires on their very first games! We are so excited to welcome them to umpiring, and look forward to seeing their development over the course of the season. We wish them the best in their umpiring journey!
Please be reminded of the green wristband initiative – if they wear green, they’re under 18!
It goes without saying, however, it is an expectation that all spectators, players, team officials, and anyone present at matches, will not engage in any sort of disrespectful behaviour towards these officials. Poor behaviour will not be tolerated.
If you wouldn’t say it to your own child, grandchild, relative or friend, don’t say it to our umpires!
Resource Links
- Netball Website
- Netball resources
- Pre-Season handbook
- How to score - AFL Barwon
- EXAMPLE Scoresheet and Position Tracking
Netball Umpiring
Clubs are required to email through their umpire rosters by the conclusion of each round to
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Umpire Appointments – AFL Barwon Junior Netball - Midweek
Please ensure you have completed the relevant sign-ups communicated via email and Heja app. If this has not been completed, you can’t be appointed to games.
Each Thursday umpire appointments will be published for Tuesday and Friday the following week.
If you have any questions, please emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . -
Uniform Requirements – Midweek, Club and Panel Umpires
9.8 Club Umpires are to be dressed appropriately in umpire’s attire: White t-shirt or jumper, white or navy shorts or skirt, correct sports shoes. White or navy tracksuit pants/leggings and white rain jacket are permitted.
9.9 Panel umpires are to be dressed appropriately in umpire’s attire: White t-shirt or jumper, white or navy skirt or shorts, and correct sport shoes. Penalty: $20.00 fine to the offending Club or Panel Umpire
Purchase uniform from our online shop
https://shop.locosportswear.com.au/collections/afl-barwonWe do have very limited stock of white hoodies that can be purchase from AFL Barwon Office, Highton. Please email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange. Note: XS is similar to a ladies 8. -
Pre-Game Checks – Club and Panel Umpires
12.9 Club and panel umpires shall ensure that players:
- 12.9.1 Are wearing NO jewellery, earrings or piercings. NO taping of piercings allowed NOTE – wedding ring or medical alert bracelet may be taped.
- 12.9.2 Fingernails are short & smooth. NO taping allowed.
- 12.9.3 NO gloves except where a qualified and registered medical certificate is provided to the officiating umpires prior to the player taking the court for medical conditions requiring the wearing of gloves.
- 12.9.4 Sunglasses are not permitted.
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Green Wrist Band Initiative
MIDWEEK UMPIRES WILL RECEIVE THIER WRISTBANDS WHEN CHECKING IN ON TUESDAY/FRIDAY NEXT WEEK.
Please be reminded of the statewide ‘If they’re wearing green, they’re under 18’ umpiring initiative!
Our underage umpires will be out in force with midweek commencing this next week, and while NO umpire deserves to be abused or disrespected– there is absolutely no place in our competitions for disrespect of our underage umpires.
Don’t be a by-stander if this occurs – please stand up and support our umpires, and advise AFL Barwon of any instances whereby this occurs.
Club Development
New Updates
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Coaching Information
A warm welcome to our recently appointed new football coaches and returning coaches, please don't forget to register for season 2025 by following the below link to ensure your coaching profile can added to PlayHQ. -
New: Play.AFL Concussion Hub
‘If in doubt sit them out’
The AFL has launched a new concussion hub. One centralised location where our community coaches, umpires, volunteers,
players and parents can brush up on their concussion smarts.
Check out the more than 150 educational assets on the new hub below.
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City of Greater Geelong Fair Access Workshop
The City of Greater Geelong is excited to present a Fair Access Workshop.
The introductory workshop will be led and delivered via partnership with Regional Sporting Assembly - Leisure Networks. The workshop aims to progressively build the capacity and capabilities of the sporting Clubs and associated stakeholders in identifying and eliminating systemic causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications, delivery and allocation of community sports and recreation infrastructure.
We welcome Clubs across the G21 region to learn how we can collectively and inclusively develop sustainable and equitable practices in a sport and recreation environment.
Date: 14 May
Time: 6.00pm
Location: Online or in person at Wurriki Nyal 137-149 Mercer Street Geelong, VIC 3220
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City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census
The 2025 City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census is now live and we would love to hear from your club.
The aim of the Sport and Recreations Census is to
- Understand the constraints on pavilions and reserves
- Identify gaps, opportunities and address challenges
- Understand sport and recreation trends
- Understand who, when and how our people are using council assets
- Obtain data to support our strategic planning for our future.
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Trainers Course Opportunity
We have been approached with the opportunity for club trainers to complete their level 1 trainer’s course.
The cost is $299 per person with the date TBC pending registrations.
If you are interested, please email
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Toyota Good for Footy Raffle
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2025! If a club has never engaged with the program, they can now register for free via the link below.
Clubs who have previously registered are automatically re-registered and can start fundraising Immediately.
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Mental Health
An increasing challenge clubs are facing is the support to community members for mental health and wellbeing. Those not familiar with the vast numbers of resources, programs, toolkits and guides make sure you check out theMental Health & Wellbeing Page on the AFL Help website.
Our Mental Health partners in Read the Play and Tackle your Feelings also provide wonderful programs and services for clubs too. More information can be found at our Mental Health Page on the AFL Barwon website.
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Bunnings Legend of the Tongs
A nation-wide search to find, recognise, and reward local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their clubs. for more information.
Nominations are open now! Closing: 24 August 2025.
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2025 PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program - Now Open
The 2025 PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program is now open for all AFL Victoria affiliated clubs.
Subsidy will provide up to $1000 towards the cost of new posts for your ground.
This program is open until 30 June, 2025
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Local club fundraising opportunity through new Container Deposit Scheme partnership
Local football clubs across the state will be supported to raise funds and become more sustainable through a new partnership between AFL Victoria and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic provides the opportunity for Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund.
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Club Health Checks
We want to hear about your club!
AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria want to better understand your clubs’ structures,
challenges and priorities so we can better support, not only your club,but club volunteers across the state for 2025 and beyond.
The best ways to complete the survey are to:
- Complete as a whole committee at your next committeemeeting; or
- Get a few members of your committee to complete the surveyseparately in their own time.
No matter how the survey is completed, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs’ structures, challenges, and priorities.
Commercial Partnerships
New Updates
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Upgrade Your First Aid Kits with Club Warehouse
Club Warehouse offers a wide selection of first aid kits tailored for sporting clubs. Starting at just $35, the 66-piece D3 First Aid Kit provides all the basic essentials, making it ideal for junior sporting clubs needing a simple kit for each team. Alternatively, for more comprehensive coverage, equip yourself with the Sports Trainer Complete Medical Kit, the ultimate solution for managing sports injuries and emergencies.
As an AFL Barwon member, you can enjoy 10% off Club Warehouse’s Complete First Aid Kits by using the code CWFIRSTAID2025 at checkout or emailing
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Plus, with orders over $300, you’ll receive a free drink bottle carrier and 8 chin rest water bottles.Don’t miss out—this offer ends May 1st!
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Geelong Cats Hoops Raffle
The Hoops Raffle is here for 2025, with great prizes on offer as the Cats look to raise funds for the Geelong Cats Community Foundation to support the Club’s important community initiatives.
First prize in the draw is a 2025 Ford Everest Ambiente $64,607 (drive away), while other prizes include spending The Ultimate Day with the Cats, two 1859 memberships for the 2026 AFL season, game day experiences, hospitality packages and more.
The Geelong Cats annual Hoops Raffle is a vital fundraiser that directly supports the Cats Community and its wide range of impactful programs and initiatives. From heartfelt moments through Cats Wishes and Ward Walks, to building connection via BioCATS, Game Development, The Resilience Project, and the Dulux Community Bay, every ticket sold helps bring these programs to life.
Tickets in The Hoops Raffle are $10 each with bundles available and can be purchased from Wednesday 16 April 2025 to Thursday 8 May 2025.
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BSV LED Scoreboards
