THE BARWON BULLETIN

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General Updates

New Updates

• 

  AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  GFNL ROUND 0

  Senior Football & A Grade Netball

  5/4/25 - Newtown & Chilwell vs St Joseph's

  ---

  BFNL ROUND 1

  Senior Football

  5/4/25 - Drysdale vs Anglesea

  A Grade Netball

  5/4/25 - Newcomb vs Queenscliff

  Go to AFLB TV

• 

  Rookie Me premium Club Licenses

  Have you submitted your request for FREE Rookie Me Premium Licenses? 

  AFL Barwon has 250 Rookie Me Premium licenses available to distribute across our 51 affiliated clubs. Licenses will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until all are claimed. This software provides valuable support for community coaches, equipping them with the tools and insights to enhance their coaching and player development. It also provides a way to manage fair play time for junior players. 

  Please note there has been a great take up by clubs already, so don’t miss out on your club’s chance. 

  To request licenses for your club or for any inquiries, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

  View Products

Club Noticeboard

Submit Now

Club Development

New Updates

• Critical Incidents 

  Whilst clubs hope that it never happens to them having a high level contact document completed before a critical incident saves clubs crucial time and emotional energy at a time of potential stress for our club volunteers. 

  Please find below an editable which help your club respond quickly to a incident. 

  Editable Document

• 

  Toyota Good for Footy Raffle 

  The Toyota Good for Footy raffle is back for 2025! Clubs who participated last year have been pre-registered and will 

  just need to login and for those who wish to participate for the first time, they can register their interest via the website. 

  For more information and for clubs to participate see link below.  

   

  Toyota Good For Footy

• 

  Telstra Footy Country Grants 

  Local footy clubs across the country can apply for Telstra Footy Country Grants, a partnership between the AFL and Telstra that will deliver $2m per year for a four-year period to community football. 

  More Information

Football

New Updates

• 

  Auskick & Superkick School Holiday Programs

  School Holidays Sorted: Looking for fun, active and engaging ways to keep your child entertained these holidays?

  • Inclusive for all
  • Play, laugh and make lifelong friends
  • Off screens and into the outdoors
  • Stay on top of your schedule and get them outside
  • Hone their skills: refine their skills to support their footy journey

  Download Flyer

• 

  CDFNL Round 1 Game day Info Update

  Correspondence from Simon Riddoch on 1/4/25

  ---

  Hello CDFNL Football Contacts,

  Round one started last week with the introduction of U12 & U15 football game time possibly impacting game day.

  With the feedback form last week, CDFNL's Game time has been changed to begin at 8.45 a.m. on Saturday and stretch out each game start time as follows.

  Under 12’s          8.45am

  Under 15’s          9.50am

  Under 18’s         11.10am

  Reserves            12.40pm

  Seniors                 2.15pm

  ---

  Marsh Insurance - Pre-Match Checklist

  Please refer to Simon's email for information on E-Scoring & White Card Policy.

• 

  GFNL Senior Male Coaches Votes & Game Day Info

  Correspondence sent by Simon Riddoch on 31/3/25

  Please refer to the email for all attachments & resources for Game Day. 

  ---

  Hello GFNL Football Club contacts please ensure this email information is passed on to your club matchday team managers,

  Below is the link for 2025 GFNL Coaches Player of the year 

  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.
   

  Best of luck to all clubs in 2025 and beyond.

  If any assistance is required, please feel free to reach out to the AFL Barwon football operations team to support you and your club.

  Talk Soon, 

  Simon Riddoch
  
  

  GFNL Coaches Player

• 

  BFNL Senior Male Coaches Votes & Game Day Info

  Correspondence sent by Simon Riddoch on 31/3/25

  Please refer to the email for all attachments & resources for Game Day. 

  ---

  Hello BFNL Football Club contacts please ensure this email information is passed on to your club matchday team managers,

  Below is the link for 2025 BFNL Coaches Player of the year 

  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.
   

  Best of luck to all clubs in 2025 and beyond.

  If any assistance is required, please feel free to reach out to the AFL Barwon football operations team to support you and your club.

  Talk Soon, 

  Simon Riddoch
  
  

  BFNL Coaches Player

Reminders

• U18 Comp Rule Change Feedback

  U18 Colts grading games (x4) start 26th April 2025.

  ---

  U18 Comp Rule Change - Clubs have been asked for feedback COMP RULE 23 Under 18s Competitions   

  Division one U18 Colts is deemed to be an “18 a side competition” with a maximum of 23 players and a minimum of 14 players. 

  All Lower U18 Colts Graded Competitions are deemed to be a “16 a side competition” with a maximum of 23 players and a minimum of 14 players. 

  ---

  More info - contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Individual Player Points

  Player points are being applied to CDFNL, BFNL, GDFNL, GFNL & Senior Women’s football.

  Clubs are reminded that player points may not be available to be granted on Saturday match days in season 2025. 

  Please remind players to register to your club for player point allocations any player points matter ref to Michael Limb Head of Football Operations. (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

• All-Abilities Fixture Requests

  All Abilities Fixture Requests: reminder to send your clubs fixture request times and dates to Simon Riddoch (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)  

• Match Day Paperwork & Football Collection

  BFNL & GFNL Senior & Reserve Football Match Day paperwork and Footballs are available from AFL Barwon office.

  ---

  Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information

• Reserves Football - Last Possession Rule Update

  The Last Possession Rule has been removed from reserve grade football, reach out to Jock Hillgrove (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more information. 

Resource Links

• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Football Umpiring

New Updates

Women & Girls Experience Hub

Netball

New Updates

• BFNL Round 1 and GFNL Round 0 is here! 

   ATT: Netball Coordinators & Administrators  

  With round one finally here, please see some key items to be ticked off: 

  • Team Selection:completed by Thursday evening – up to 12 may be selected (minimum of 9 for A Grade).
    FOR A GRADE - PLEASE ALSO SELECT STARTING POSITIONS TO ASSIST WITH E-SCORING 

  • Printing of Scoresheets: AFTER 10am Friday to allow for late changes. 

  • Player Names: MUST be listed on both scoresheet and position tracking sheets. 

  • Game Balls: AFL Barwon branded match balls must be used. 

  • League Votes:MUST be completed by umpires for every game (Panel umpires to use OfficialsHQ) – time must be allowed between games for umpires to complete this task. 

  • Bench Officials – only 5 bench officials permitted. 

  • Results – must be entered into PlayHQ by 6pm – including media best players for each team. Paperwork must be submitted to AFL Barwon by 10am Monday morning via the mail slot. 

  E SCORING is also a requirement for ALL A Grade games (in addition to normal score process). 

  • Please ensure you have someone assigned to this job. Completing this task also makes your end of day administration MUCH faster 

• The Match Day Operations Manual Now Available 

  We hope this is helpful for any new club personnel who are supporting the club in an administration capacity or on game day. It is broken down into: 

  • Pre season steps required for match day 

  • Weekly tasks (pre-match) 

  • Match Day 

  Please access it via the link below. 

  View Manual

• Player Registrations 

  Players are NOT permitted to take the court unless they are registered in BOTH 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.”  

• AFL Barwon Junior Netball Update

• Rule Change Reminders 

  There are a few rule changes concerning the midweek competition for the 2025 Winter season. 

  1. Rule 7.1 Players must take the court in at least 4 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals. (Once a player takes the court in the6th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/division in the same age group). 
     
     a. Number of games that seals a player in a higher division lowered from 8 games to 6 games.
     
     
  2. Rule 8.6 Players may play no more than two games over one night in midweek competitions.
     8.6.1 Movement between teams is not permitted in the grading period of the competition without the explicit consent of the competition coordinator.
     8.6.2 Other competition rules relating to player movement and game limits still apply. 
     
     a. Removed the part about not playing two games in the same age group over one night to hopefully reduce the number of forfeits we see from teams not being able to find fill ins. However, movement between teams is not permitted during the grading period (first 4 rounds) and competition rules relating to player movement and game limits still apply. Players will not be able to fill in for a team in the same age group if they become sealed in a higher division. 
     
     
  3. Rule 8.9 Players can play in both Saturday Division 2 & Friday night Finals over one weekend, however, this must not be in the same age group and must not exceed two finals per weekend. 
     
     a. Previously not allowed. Must still qualify for each respective team as per rules 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1. 

• Midweek Affiliation Netballs

  Affiliation netballs for the midweek competition will be available for collection from the AFL Barwon Highton Office between 9am and 5pm.

• Other Midweek Updates 

  Other midweek updates can be found in the presentation slides from the netball meeting which were distributed via last week’s Bulletin (access via archive link at top of this page). This includes updates on the grading and fixturing process, key dates and arrangements for when Kardinia Park is unavailable due to AFL Games. 

• Representative Netball Fixtures 

  The representative teams will have a few weeks off their weekly competitions over the school holiday and Easter period. Games will resume on Monday 28th April. 

CDFNL Update

Resource Links

• Pre-Season handbook
• Netball resources

Netball Umpiring

New Updates

BFNL and GFNL Season Starts 

Good luck to all umpires and umpire coordinators this weekend. 

A reminder that all umpires under the age of 18 are required to wear the green wristband or scrunchie. 
If needing support before the weekend please contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Reminders

• Winter Season Expression of Interest (Tuesdays & Fridays) 

  Season starts April 29th 

  Must have completed the Foundation Umpires Education Course, Rules of Theory Netball Exam and participated in an AFL Barwon Beginner Training Session. 
   
  You will receive an email with further instructions to complete prior to competition starting. 

  EOI Form

• Netball Umpire Windbreakers - LAST CHANCE!

  Reminder that the window to purchase an AFL Barwon Windbreaker is between Tuesday 1st April and Monday 7th April. 

  Order Here

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

• 

  P&R Food Services Special Club Offers 

  P&R Food Services is a locally owned family business that has been serving the region since 2003. Specializing in quality food distribution, they supply a wide range of products to clubs, businesses, and hospitality venues across the region. 

  P&R Food Services is offering exclusive deals for AFL Barwon clubs—check out the list of offers below. 

  View Offers

• 

  Face Footys Competition

  Click to enter

• 

  Grill'd Local Matters

  Local Matters is our way of giving back to the communities Grill'd is part of, right around Australia.  Every month, each restaurant splits $500 between three groups doing amazing work in the community. 

  Apply for a jar and join our Local Matters movement. 

   

  Sign Up Here

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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General Updates

• Parkinson’s Fundraising Gala Luncheon

  AFL Barwon is supporting the Parkinson’s Fundraising Gala Luncheon in the Captains Room at GMHBA Stadium on Friday 9^thAugust 2024 to raise money for Parkinson's Disease research.

  Our esteemed colleague in Sean Atkinson (AFL Barwon: Partnerships & Communications Manager) was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease in January 2023, and in supporting of his inspirational fundraising and advocacy works to date, we invite the entire community to collectively support Sean. 

  The luncheon will include special guest speakers in:

  • Vicki Miller (Shake It Up CEO);
  • John Eren (Former Minister of Sport, Tourism and Major Events);
  • Dr Sanjay Raghav (Neurologist); and
  • Kylie Christian (Elite Equestrian Athlete). 

  In addition, the Luncheon will feature a video interview from Parkinson’s disease advocate and dual Cricket & Soccer International athlete, Ellyse Perry.

  Stand-up comedian, actor, and Shake It Up Ambassador Dilruk Jayasinha will MC the event. 

  Tickets to the event can be purchased via the link below, and the support from the wider community, would be greatly appreciated: 

  Event Page

• 2024 Finals Hub

  A dedicated information Hub for all finals information, including Presentation Nights. 

  Go to finals hub

Football

• AFL Barwon Women & Girls Focus Groups

  Author: Paris Rowe (Female Football Coordinator) 

  ---

  To ensure we build on the current success whilst addressing the challenges and opportunities for Women & Girls Football within the region, we are eager as an organisation to engage Club representatives in the coming weeks to collaborate and plan for the future. 

  To enable collaborative discussions and sufficient opportunities for all in attendance to contribute, we’ve scheduled three focus groups focusing on all of Women & Girls Football (i.e. Juniors & Seniors – all age groups) with all Women & Girls Football Clubs invited as per the dates below:  
  

  ---

  WEDNESDAY 31ST JULY 2024 
  Barwon Heads FNC 
  Geelong Amateur FNC 
  Grovedale FNC 
  Lara FNC 
  Newtown & Chilwell FNC 
  St. Joseph’s FNC 
  St. Mary’s FNC 
  Thomson FNC 
  Torquay FNC 
   
  MONDAY 5TH AUGUST 2024 
  Anglesea FNC 
  Belmont FNC 
  Drysdale FNC 
  Geelong West FNC 
  Modewarre FNC 
  North Geelong FNC 
  South Barwon FNC 
  St. Albans FNC 
   
  MONDAY 12TH AUGUST 2024 
  Armstrong Creek FNC 
  Bannockburn FNC 
  Bell Park FNC 
  East Geelong FNC 
  Inverleigh FNC 
  Ocean Grove FNC 
  Peninsula Sharks FC 
  Surf Coast FNC  

  ---

  KEY EVENT DETAILS FOR ALL THREE EVENINGS: 
  6:30pm start time 
  Anticipated finish time of 8:30pm 
  AFL Barwon HQ, 204 Roslyn Road Highton VIC 3216 

  Anyone within your Club’s ranks are welcome to attend - whether they may be a President, Coordinator, Coach, Team Manager etc. However, your support with catering requirements and overall evening preparation is greatly appreciated, through the completion of the RSVP Form below: 

  RSVP Form

• Senior Male & U18 Colts Competition Update

  Author: Simon Riddoch (Football Coordinator)

  ---

  AFL Barwon Football Senior & U18 Colts contacts  

  • 2024 AFL Barwon Club managers, Coordinators game day meeting #3 17th July 2024, was very well supported by clubs in the region, we now have a view of the finals coming up. 

  • Any Football Club volunteers looking to extend their services during Senior finals (Timekeepers, Umpire escorts, ECT) please let me know. I have a job for you!  

  • Geelong Addy Votes – clubs reminded Tuesday at 9.30 am to be submitted. 

  • The TAC round last week had amazing support and all clubs should be proud of their efforts. 

  • Size 4 branded leather Footballs available for $70 each from AFL Barwon office 

  ---

  All Football game day managers remember  

  • 13.3 Both Home and Away Team Managers 

  • Both Team managers are responsible for the following match-day duties 

  • Provide Team Sheet to the umpires, showingall players with correct jumper numbers and all officials with correct numbers where applicable generated from PLAY HQ Data Base and signed by the Team 

  ---

  COMP RULE 3 Registrations 

   3.1 Every player must be a registered member of their Club and approved by their Club Committee.  

  ---

  22 Eligibility for Finals 

  22.1 Definitions: 

  A player must be in attendance, in suitable attire to take the field and at a minimum be on the field in the club’s interchange area for the duration of the game. (Unless forced to leave for medical reasons) 

  In this rule a reference to 

  Seniors = Community Club’s First Senior grade team, 

  Reserves = Community Club’s Second or lower Division Senior grade team, 

  Under 18s = AFL Barwon Club’s Under 18 grade team. 

• 2024 Female Football Finals Update 

  Author: Paris Rowe (Female Football Coordinator)

  ---

  An overview of the upcoming AFL Barwon Female Football Finals Series: 

  Week 1 – Sunday 11th August 
  Venues: Grovedale FNC, Belmont FNC, Bannockburn FNC 

  Week 2 – Sunday 18th August 
  Venues: North Geelong FNC, Modewarre FNC 

  Week 3 Grand Finals – Sunday 25th August 
  Venue: Lara FNC 

  * Please note this excludes U19 Female Football (please see separate Barwon Bulletin Article) 
   
  The fixture will be released as of Week 1 of the finals. 

  ---

  Female Football and Netball Finals 
  In anticipation of there potentially being impacted players between football and netball this finals series, please be advised of the below process should you be aware of any clashes. Netball times are fixed, however there may be some scope to manipulate football times if we are informed early enough. 

  • AS SOON as the clash is identified, please email myself and Sophie Allison to advise. 

  • i.e. 2v3 netball played on Saturday & game is lost so know they will play Sunday the following week – email SATURDAY NIGHT to inform us as soon as possible. 

  We MUST be informed by 5pm Sunday of that weekend IN WRITING – no requests post this time will be considered. 

  We will make every effort to mitigate a clash, however it is not always possible and cannot be guaranteed. Early communication on your part supports us in supporting you. 

• 2024 U19 Female Football Finals Update

  Author: Paris Rowe (Female Football Coordinator) 

  ---

   Based on club feedback, it has been noted that some clubs may face challenges in fielding a team for the U19 Female Finals scheduled initially on Sunday. 

   Based on this feedback we have revised the U/19 Female Finals series which will now be a standalone series held on Friday nights. 

  AFL Barwon appreciate the feedback received to ensure Female football at this level can still be showcased. 

   Please see below the updated scheduled dates and venues for the 2024 U/19 Female Football Series: 

  ---

   Week 1 Semi-Finals 

  Friday 9th August 
  Newcomb FNC 

    

  Week 2 Preliminary Finals 

  Friday 16th August  
  St Mary’s FNC 

    

  Week 3 GRAND FINAL 

  Friday 23rd August 
  Newcomb FNC 

   

Netball

• BFNL & GFNL Netball Operations Update

  Author: Sophie Allison

  ---

  LIVE SCORING REQUIREMENT – ALL A GRADE GAMES 

  Please be reminded that it is a requirement that ALL A GRADE GAMES are live scored. Over the weekend, 1 of 5 BFNL games and 2 of 5 GFNL games were live scored.  

  All Club Admins already have e-scoring access, or it can be granted to an individual via the ‘my organisation tab’ on PlayHQ.- This only gives an individual e-score access and not full admin access. 

  The site for live scoring ishttps://na.score.playhq.com/auth/login  

   For more information on how to e-score, please see the following resources:  

  • PlayHQ E-Scoring PDF Poster 

  • Netball Australia Support Page – How to Score 

  ---

  Female Football and Netball Finals 

  In anticipation of there potentially being impacted players between football and netball this finals series, please be advised of the below process should you be aware of any clashes. Netball times are fixed, however there may be some scope to manipulate football times if we are informed early enough. 

  • AS SOON as the clash is identified, please email myself and Paris Rowe to advise. 

  • i.e. 2v3 netball played on Saturday & game is lost so know they will play Sunday the following week – email SATURDAY NIGHT to inform us as soon as possible. 

  WeMUST be informed by 5pm Sunday of that weekend IN WRITING – no requests post this time will be considered.  

  We will make every effort to mitigate a clash, however it is not always possible and cannot be guaranteed. Early communication on your part supports us in supporting you. 

  ---

  Games Played Report 

  We will send out games played information closer to finals, however please know you are able to download this data at any stage. To download aGames Played report in excel format, please follow the below steps: 

  • Log in to admin portal 

  • Click ‘reports’ tab on the left 

  • Scroll down to ‘Games Played’ report 

  • Generate 

  ---

  Finals Information 

  All resources have been sent to your club netball director, senior coordinator or junior coordinator, but can also be found HERE:https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/news/uncategorised/finals-hub#Netball  

   

  Netball finals information

• All Abilities & Midweek Netball Update 

  Author: Sophie Allison & chloe Prout

  ---

   All Abilities Netball Finals start next week! 

  Our All-Abilities Netball teams have finished their home and away games with finals starting next Tuesday 6th July. We will have two weeks of finals, with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3 playing next week in the semi-finals. The games will play as below. 

  Game 1 (2 v 3):  

  St Josephs v Surf Coast Suns 5:10pm Kardinia Park court 5 

  Game 2 (1 v 4):  

  Newcomb Power v Geelong West Giants 6:10pm Kardinia Park court 5 

   The winner from each game will play in the Grand Final on Tuesday 13th July at 5:30pm. 

  ---

  Midweek Netball Finals Dates 

  The AFL Barwon Junior Netball competition only has a few weeks left! Following the home and away games, we will have 3 weeks of finals as below. 

  Week 1 (Semi Finals): Friday 23rd August 

  Game 1:1 v 2 

  Game 2:3 v 4 

  Week 2 (Preliminary Finals): Friday 30th August 

  Game 3:L1 v W2 

  Week 3 (Grand Finals): Friday 6th August 

  Game 4:W1 v W3 

  Our 11&U teams will celebrate the end of season with a mini-round robin “party round” next Sunday 11th August at Kardinia Park. 

Football Umpiring

• 

  Women and Girls Experience - Colac

  Author - Jock Hillgrove

  ---

  AFL Barwon Umpires – Colac, hosted an Umpire Experience Day for Women and Girls during the school holidays, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants. The event was designed for both newcomers to the sport and those looking to refine their skills. 

  AFL Field Umpire Nathan Williamson made a special guest appearance, sharing his insights and experiences with the group. Additionally, Liv Grcic, (VFL umpire and AFL Women’s and Girl’s Experience Officer), attended to provide a glimpse into the life of an elite athlete. 

  This was Colac's second Women and Girls Umpire Experience of the year, and it was met with high expectations and excitement. Participants had the opportunity to learn the intricacies of umpiring, connect with one another, and offer mutual support." 

  Congratulations to Evie Knight (AFL Barwon Women’s and Girls Liaison Officer) and the CDFUA for organizing and hosting. 

  Image: AFL Field Umpire Nathan Williamson at the AFL Barwon Umpire – Colac Women’s and Girls Experience. 

• 

  Guest Umpire Visit To Torquay Football Club

  Jock Hillgrove and Joshua James visited Torquay Football Club to educate and discuss umpiring in community football with the coaches and players.

  Dom Gleeson expressed that it created "positive discussions out on the track with some players and coaches. Congratulations on the role that you are playing within local footy."

  If your club is interested in coordinating something similar, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Netball Umpiring

Netball Umpiring Update

Author: Rachael Kirtley

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Advanced Mentoring Course 

Netball Vic are hosting an advanced mentoring course on Wednesday the 14th of August.   

The Advanced Mentoring workshop has been developed for Umpire Mentors of C Badge accredited umpires who are working towards their B badge.  It provides umpire mentors and umpire coaches guidance, advice and tips that they can use with their umpires to advance them through their pathway.  This workshop looks at key areas of development and expectations of B badge umpires, and ways to provide effective feedback to achieve these skills with a successful mentor/mentee relationship. 

Kardinia Park 

6pm – 8pm 

Presented by Jo Davidson 

Cost: $10 

 

 

Register Here

Partnerships

• 

  Marathon Foods Community Grant

  The Marathon Foods Community Grant is a targeted investment initiative designed to support our AFL Barwon clubs with projects that improve canteen or club kitchen cooking equipment and support the cooking of Marathon Food products. The objective of the program is to assist AFL Barwon affiliated clubs with small investments that will have a long-term benefit to their club and enhance community engagement.

  The grants program is only available to clubs that have senior football or netball teams affiliated with the Bellarine & Geelong Football Netball League or are junior-only clubs competing in AFL Barwon Junior Male or Female Football and AFL Barwon Junior Netball competitions with no senior teams.

  view Grant Information

• 

  WorkSafe Regional Signage Rollout

   AFL VIC & WorkSafe have been working on the rollout of fresh signage rollout to replace old and damaged signs that stretch back to 2002.  

  As WorkSafe's status as Premier Partner, each club venue is required to display the WorkSafe sign. 

  They have provided the dimensions and details of the signage below.  

  WorkSafe signage specs 

  1. 900 mm (high) x 2000 mm (wide) 

  1. 3 mm aluminum sheet 

  1. Laminated vinyl 

  If there are any clubs in need of newWorkSafe signs, please fill in the following survey.

  Click for Survey

Club Development

• Bad behaviour campaign / Calling out vilification and discrimination

  The AFL has launched a free online hub of resources to help leagues and clubs understand what’s available to them to help creative inclusive environments and address vilification and discrimination in the game, at all levels.

  Links:

  • AFL Victoria statement saying that when it comes to those who cross the line, ‘enough is enough’ and links to resource hub: https://aflvic.com.au/news/enough-is-enough-no-place-for-poor-behaviour-at-local-footy-378843
  • Direct link to the AFL Safety & Inclusion hub of resources on Play AFL is: https://play.afl/clubhelp/safety-inclusion/vilification
  • Vilification toolkit for local clubs, including social media assets: https://play.afl/sites/default/files/2024-07/Vilification%20Toolkit%202024_1.pdf
  • E-newsletter that will be going to registered participants: https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?e=%5bUNIQID%5d&u=3e967be278c0b19184d274a9b&id=f7e5d15e87

• AFL Victoria Board appointments

  A series of appointments have been made to bolster the AFL Victoria board. Coming onto the board as external directors are Damian Drum and Clare Walker, who together bring skills and experience from distinguished backgrounds covering a mix of sport, politics and business.

  Damian’s appointment particularly is aimed at strengthening the links with country footy.

  Full announcement on aflvic.com.au: https://aflvic.com.au/news/afl-vic-welcomes-new-board-members-166339

  AFL Vic Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/aflvic/posts/pfbid0Wsu1SpX8bU5c6ycbkYvkdmADAzYwZd2pMzBwJbUuAz8cWFwhAQxyNHyTKV9hiaZRl

• Ballarat to host the 2024 V/Line Cup

   Ballarat to host the 2024 V/Line Cup

  AFL Victoria has announced that the City of Ballarat will host the 2024 V/Line Cup, the annual representative carnival for the best under 15 boys and girls footballers from regional Victoria, from Monday 23 until Wednesday 25 of September.

  Website article: https://aflvic.com.au/news/vline-cup-heads-to-ballarat-for-2024-179110

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aflvic/posts/pfbid0xUcKYZRPTZURSGVDapK8KDb4zPzuxWVHBQdK7EqurBY9tdP6RQCbz3AnZ7ApQ88gl

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9Oi5v0yJX9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

  X: https://x.com/aflvic/status/1810881688446325109

Gallery Highlights

• 

  Grovedale V Lara

  A Grade Netball

• 

  Grovedale V Lara

  Senior Male Football

• 

  St Albans V Surf Coast Fishos

  U14 Div 2 (Female)

AFL Barwon Facebook

Media Highlights

• 

  2024 Finals Hub

  Visit

• 

  Safeguarding Hub

  Visit

• 

  Community Awards

  Nominate

Read All Latest News

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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• Bulletin Archive
• Contact US

General Updates

• 2024 Finals Hub

  A dedicated information Hub for all finals information.

  Go to finals hub

• 2024 Presentation Nights

  You will find all the details of the 2024 Best & Fairest Presentation Nights via the link below. 

  The next Presentation Night is the Under 19 & Senior Female Presentation Night which will be held on the 21st August. 

  Your Club's Female Football Coordinator and Club President will recieve your recommended attendees in the coming days. Ensure you include these guests in your RSVP. 

  Please submit your RSVP by Wednesday 14th August via the below link. 

  For any questions regarding Presentation Nights, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  Presentation Night Info

• Community Awards Nominations Closing

  AFL Barwon is seeking nominations for the 2024 AFL Barwon Community Awards.

  Nominations can be made by any member of the community and is open to all AFL Barwon Affiliated Clubs and Leagues (GFNL, BFNL, CDFNL, GDFNL, Female Football, Junior Football & Netball, and All Abilities FNL).

  Nominations close for all Community Award Categories at 5pm on Friday August 9th. 

  Shortlisted nominees will be notified in the first week of September with the event to take place on Friday October 25th.  

  Further event information and ticketing arranging will be released in the coming months.

  Any further questions please contact AFL Barwon Commercial Partnerships and Communications Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Nominate Here

• Geelong Falcons - Regional Development Coach Position

  The Regional Development Coach (RDC) for Geelong Falcons is a 12-month parental leave cover role focused on developing young footballers aged 15-19 and fostering a supportive program culture.

  Responsibilities include planning and managing player pathways, ensuring a positive environment, and collaborating with stakeholders.

  Ideal candidates will have coaching accreditation, experience with youth, strong communication skills, and knowledge of player development.

  Benefits include flexible working, health and wellbeing programs, and AFL memberships. Applications close on 21 August 2024.

  See Job Description & Apply

Football

• Female Football Presentation Night - August 21

  The 2024 Under 19 & Senior Female Presentation Night will be held on the 21st August. 

  Your Club's Female Football Coordinator and Club President will recieve your recommended attendees in the coming days. Ensure you include these guests in your RSVP. 

  Please submit your RSVP by Wednesday 14th August via the below link. 

  For any questions regarding Presentation Nights, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  RSVP Here

• Senior Male & U18 Colts Competition Update

  Author - Simon Riddoch (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

  ---

  AFL Barwon Football Senior & U18 Colts 

  • 2024 AFL Barwon Club managers, Coordinators game day meeting #3 17th July 2024, was very well supported by clubs in the region, we now have a view of the finals coming up. 
  • Any Football Club volunteers looking to extend their services during Senior finals (Timekeepers, Umpire escorts, ECT) please let me know. I have a job for you!
  • Geelong Addy Votes – BFNL one round to go clubs GFNL four rounds remaining – reminder votes must be submitted Tuesday at 9.30 am.
  • The TAC round had amazing support and all clubs should be proud of their efforts.
  • Size 4 branded leather Footballs available for $70 each from AFL Barwon office
  • BFNL & GFNL Rookie Of The Year 2024 nominations. Communications have been circulated to BFNL (due backMonday 12th August 2024 ) GFNL (due backMonday 2nd September 2024)Senior football coaches and managers. 

• - Football Game Day Managers Reminder (Senior Male & U18)

  13.3 Both Home and Away Team Managers 

  • Both Team managers are responsible for the following match-day duties 
  • Provide Team Sheet to the umpires, showingall players with correct jumper numbers and all officials with correct numbers where applicable generated from PLAY HQ Data Base and signed by the Team 

  ---

  Comp Rule 3 -Registrations

   3.1 Every player must be a registered member of their Club and approved by their Club Committee.  

  ---

  23 Under 18s Competitions 

  23.1 Player Qualification Criteria 

  23.1.1 Where there are multiple divisions, all other than thelowest graded competition are deemed to be an “18 a side competition” with a maximum of 23 players and a minimum of 14 players. 

  23.1.2 The Lowest Graded Competition is deemed to bea “16 a side competition” with a maximum of 23players and a minimum of 14 players. If either side has less than 16, both teams must play with the same number of players. If both sides have 20 or more players on the day, then both teams will field 18 players 

  ---

  5 Interchange/Order Off Rule  

  Interchange and order-off rules are to operate for Seniors, Reserves and Under 18s as per AFL VictoriaRule 10.0 & AFL Laws of Australian Football Rule 7. 

  Note:All underage competitions inclusive of Under 18 Colts are to comply with theabove Rules and areunable to replace carded players until the relevant playing time has elapsed. (Yellow Card = 15 minutes. Red Card = 20 minutes) 

  In all AFL Barwon Senior & Reserve matches any player receiving a yellow or red card may be replaced immediately. A player receiving a red card in any grade is to remain off the field for the remainder of the game. A player receiving a yellow card can return to the field after 15 minutes of playing time has elapsed. 

  5.1 Interchange bench numbers in all Senior Football Leagues are four (4), Reserves & Under 18s are five (5). 

  5.2 For all AFL Barwon competitions, Clubs shall be required to field a minimum of 14 players to commence the game. Failure to do so will result in their side forfeiting the match. 

  5.3 If any irregularities are noted on the Interchange sheet, the Commission shall have the power to determine a fine and to deal with the match as they deem appropriate. 

• 

  - Eligibility for Finals (Senior Male & U18)

  22 Eligibility For Finals

  22.1 Definitions: 

  A player must be in attendance, in suitable attire to take the field and at a minimum be on the field in the club’s interchange area for the duration of the game. (Unless forced to leave for medical reasons) 

  In this rule a reference to:

  • Seniors = Community Club’s First Senior grade team
  • Reserves = Community Club’s Second or lower Division Senior grade team
  • Under 18s = AFL Barwon Club’s Under 18 grade team

  ---

  Finals Eligibility Checklist

  Step 1: - Identify which team you are wishing to check. 

  Step 2: - Work down the table to see if they meet the requirements. 

  Step 3: - Cross reference if required from the notes. 

  Note:

  • Requirements are for games played in the current season 
  • Grading games are included in calculations
  • If a player participates in multiple games on the same weekend in different age/grades, only thehigher graded game will be recognised for eligibility purposes
  • Requirements 2 & 3 not applicable for reserves/lower grade open age finals if eligible for club &Seniors are playing finals on the same weekend (unless played 10 or more Talent League games) 
  • Requirements 2 & 3 not applicable for lower graded Under 18 finals if eligible for higher gradedUnder 18 finals & both Under 18 teams are playing finals on the same weekend (unless played10 or more Talent League Games) 
  • Requirements 2 & 3 may vary at the discretion of AFLB if season is compromised
  • Byes do not count as games played

• - Finals Host & Participation Club Game Day Responsibilities (Senior Male & U18)

  Host Club:  

  • Umpire escorts  
  • Interchange & look after Spare ball. 
  • Scoreboard attendant  
  • Footballs (One to umpires – Spare to interchange steward). 
  • Match day Paperwork (To umpires and timekeepers). 
  • Collect paperwork and football from the umpires’ post-game & get the all-clear. 
  • Collect the best players and goalkickers from the club post-game & notify them of any reports or review requests. 
  • Results entry after each game were (live scores) possible. 

   Participating Clubs: 

  • Timekeepers 
  • Team sheets (given directly to the umpires) 
  • Best Players & Goalkickers (give to host club post-game) 
  • Brief timekeepers regarding time on in under-18s, as well as extra time procedures. 
  • Ensure clubs come out on time. 

  ---

  NOTE U18 Colts games and finals reminders below 

  • Division #1 three rounds remaining – Finals following GFNL – Top 5 
  • Division #2 One round remaining – Finals following BFNL – Top 5 
  • Division #3 Two rounds remaining- Finals following GDFNL – Top 5 – NOTE access to the ground will be behind the St Albans change rooms using the team sheet for entry. 
  • Division #4 One rounds remaining – Finals following juniors (U16& U14) – Top 4 @ Surf coast Suns FNC & Torquay FNC ovals  

• Tackling Vision 

  Below is the education link from AFL Vic 6.50 min of the vision covering how to teach players to tackle and prevent sling tackle.  

  Tackling Vision

• 

  Auskick & Superkick Programs

  Author - AFL Victoria

  ---

  School-based Programs (Click Heading for Link)

  • St Robert’s Newtown
  • St Patrick’s Geelong West
  • Northern Bay College Peacock Campus
  • Northern Bay College Wexford Campus

  ---

  Community Auskick (Click Heading for Link)

  • Highton & Surrounds All-Girls
  • St Mary’s & Surrounds Colac 

  ---

  Community Superkick (Click Heading for Link)

  • Ocean Grove & Surrounds 
  • Colac & Surrounds All-Girls

   

Netball

• BFNL & GFNL Netball Operations Update

  Author: Sophie Allison

  ---

  Salary Cap Reporting – DUE 4 WEEKS POST YOUR CLUBS FINAL A GRADE GAME 

  As the season draws to a close, please be reminded of your post season reporting requirements.  

  All clubs are required to submit their player payment reporting via the spreadsheet on our websiteHERE  

  (scroll to “Netball Budget Template”) 

  All relevant player payment policies can be found on this site should you need any further information. If you are unsure about anything, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

  ---

  Finals Information 

  All resources have been sent to your club netball director, senior coordinator or junior coordinator, but can also be found HERE.

  A reminder that teams for each final must be in PlayHQ by 12pm WEDNESDAY. 

  ---

  Games Played Report 

  We will send out games played information closer to finals, however please know you are able to download this data at any stage. To download aGames Played report in excel format, please follow the below steps: 

  • Log in to admin portal 

  • Click ‘reports’ tab on the left 

  • Scroll down to ‘Games Played’ report 

  • Generate 

  ---

  Female Football and Netball Finals 

  In anticipation of there potentially being impacted players between football and netball this finals series, please be advised of the below process should you be aware of any clashes. Netball times are fixed, however there may be some scope to manipulate football times if we are informed early enough. 

  • AS SOON as the clash is identified, please email myself and Paris Rowe to advise. 

  • i.e. 2v3 netball played on Saturday & game is lost so know they will play Sunday the following week – email SATURDAY NIGHT to inform us as soon as possible. 

  WeMUST be informed by 5pm Sunday of that weekend IN WRITING – no requests post this time will be considered.  

  We will make every effort to mitigate a clash, however it is not always possible and cannot be guaranteed. Early communication on your part supports us in supporting you. 

• Junior Netball Update

  Author - Chloe Prout

  ---

  11&U Competition – Party Round and Certificates 

  Tuesday night saw the final round of the 11&U competition, with Party Round being held this Sunday to celebrate the end of the season.  

  Each player receives a participation certificate for their involvement in the competition. These certificates will be available for clubs to collect at Party Round on Sunday. Otherwise club coordinators are welcome to organise pick up from the AFL Barwon office in Highton. 

  AFL Barwon Junior Netball Finals 

  Finals for the Friday midweek competition are around the corner. See more information below. 

  Junior Netball Finals Information

Umpiring

• 

  Geelong Football Umpiring - Women & Girls Program

  Register Here

• 

  Colac Football Umpiring - Women & Girls Experience Recap

  Author - Jock Hillgrove

  ---

  AFL Barwon Umpires – Colac, hosted an Umpire Experience Day for Women and Girls during the school holidays, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants. The event was designed for both newcomers to the sport and those looking to refine their skills. 

  AFL Field Umpire Nathan Williamson made a special guest appearance, sharing his insights and experiences with the group. Additionally, Liv Grcic, (VFL umpire and AFL Women’s and Girl’s Experience Officer), attended to provide a glimpse into the life of an elite athlete. 

  This was Colac's second Women and Girls Umpire Experience of the year, and it was met with high expectations and excitement. Participants had the opportunity to learn the intricacies of umpiring, connect with one another, and offer mutual support." 

  Congratulations to Evie Knight (AFL Barwon Women’s and Girls Liaison Officer) and the CDFUA for organizing and hosting. 

  Image: AFL Field Umpire Nathan Williamson at the AFL Barwon Umpire – Colac Women’s and Girls Experience. 

• 

  Guest Football Umpire Visit To Torquay FC

  Jock Hillgrove and Joshua James visited Torquay Football Club to educate and discuss umpiring in community football with the coaches and players.

  Dom Gleeson expressed that it created "positive discussions out on the track with some players and coaches. Congratulations on the role that you are playing within local footy."

  If your club is interested in coordinating something similar, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• 

  Advanced Netball Umpiring Mentor Course

  Advanced Mentoring Course 

  Netball Vic are hosting an advanced mentoring course on Wednesday the 14th of August.   

  The Advanced Mentoring workshop has been developed for Umpire Mentors of C Badge accredited umpires who are working towards their B badge.  It provides umpire mentors and umpire coaches guidance, advice and tips that they can use with their umpires to advance them through their pathway.  This workshop looks at key areas of development and expectations of B badge umpires, and ways to provide effective feedback to achieve these skills with a successful mentor/mentee relationship.   

  Location: Kardinia Park 

  • 6pm – 8pm 
  • Presented by Jo Davidson 
  • Cost: $10  

  register

Partnerships

Marathon Foods Community Grant

The Marathon Foods Community Grant is a targeted investment initiative designed to support our AFL Barwon clubs with projects that improve canteen or club kitchen cooking equipment and support the cooking of Marathon Food products. The objective of the program is to assist AFL Barwon affiliated clubs with small investments that will have a long-term benefit to their club and enhance community engagement.

The grants program is only available to clubs that have senior football or netball teams affiliated with the Bellarine & Geelong Football Netball League or are junior-only clubs competing in AFL Barwon Junior Male or Female Football and AFL Barwon Junior Netball competitions with no senior teams.

view Grant Information

Club Development

• Club Development Update (incl. COGG Grant Info)

  Author - Tim Secombe 

  ---

  Hi All, 

  I Hope you are well.  

  I had previously sent the below information from the City of Greater Geelong in early June as part of my Club Development update. 

  In relation to the Sport & recreation census. I am advised that COGG have received7 submissions from Clubs under the City of Greater Geelong LGA.  

  This is a fantastic opportunity to have your say about your club’s future from a community & facilities management perspective, I urge you to spend 10 minutes of your time completing this SURVEY LINK,which will: 

  • 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 facilities and reserves 

  • Obtain data to support our strategic planning for our clever and creative future.  

  *Just a reminder, it is not too late to apply for the COGG. Community Infrastructure Grant with submissions closing on the 19th of August. Details are found in the link below: 

  Community Infrastructure Grants:https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants/article/item/8d4cd36e5143fb6.aspx 

  ---

  General Update 

  Reminder - Club Preparations for Annual Reporting Requirements 

  Jo O’Reilly from the AFL Vic previously put together 2 simplified guides for not for profit and incorporated association clubs should they need help to manage the newly introduced requirements from the ATO & Consumer Affairs Vic. 

  The following guides are provided for Club Awareness: 

  CAV - new financial reporting thresholds for NFPs 

  Preparing for the annual reporting requirements for NFP (draft - option 2) - May 2024 

  https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/clubs-and-fundraising/incorporated-associations/running-an-incorporated-association/annual-reporting/financial-statements-and-auditing 

  Email questions to Jo viaThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  ---

  Regards  

  Tim Secombe   

  Club Development Lead   

  M: 0417665173 

  E:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Bad behaviour campaign / Calling out vilification and discrimination

  The AFL has launched a free online hub of resources to help leagues and clubs understand what’s available to them to help creative inclusive environments and address vilification and discrimination in the game, at all levels.

  Links:

  • AFL Victoria statement saying that when it comes to those who cross the line, ‘enough is enough’ and links to resource hub: https://aflvic.com.au/news/enough-is-enough-no-place-for-poor-behaviour-at-local-footy-378843
  • Direct link to the AFL Safety & Inclusion hub of resources on Play AFL is: https://play.afl/clubhelp/safety-inclusion/vilification
  • Vilification toolkit for local clubs, including social media assets: https://play.afl/sites/default/files/2024-07/Vilification%20Toolkit%202024_1.pdf
  • E-newsletter: https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?e=%5bUNIQID%5d&u=3e967be278c0b19184d274a9b&id=f7e5d15e87

• Ballarat to host the 2024 V/Line Cup

   Ballarat to host the 2024 V/Line Cup

  AFL Victoria has announced that the City of Ballarat will host the 2024 V/Line Cup, the annual representative carnival for the best under 15 boys and girls footballers from regional Victoria, from Monday 23 until Wednesday 25 of September.

  Website article: https://aflvic.com.au/news/vline-cup-heads-to-ballarat-for-2024-179110

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aflvic/posts/pfbid0xUcKYZRPTZURSGVDapK8KDb4zPzuxWVHBQdK7EqurBY9tdP6RQCbz3AnZ7ApQ88gl

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9Oi5v0yJX9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

  X: https://x.com/aflvic/status/1810881688446325109

Gallery Highlights

• 

  Newtown & Chilwell V Grovedale

  Domestic Violence Awareness Match

• 

  Drysdale V Ocean Grove

  A Grade

• 

  Drysdale V Ocean Grove

  Senior Football

AFL Barwon Facebook

Media Highlights

• 

  2024 Finals Hub

  Visit

• 

  Parkinson's Fundraising Luncheon

  Read More

• 

  Safeguarding Hub

  Visit

Read All Latest News

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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• Bulletin Archive
• Contact US

Contents

• General
• Football
• Netball
• Umpiring
• Partners
• Club Development

General Updates

• 

  Week 1 BFNL Finals Tickets

  Dow Bellarine FNL Finals Series:

  • Qualifying Finals - Saturday, 17th August, 2024
  • Elimination Finals - Sunday, 18th August, 2024

  Location: Portarlington Reserve, Portarlington

  Join us for an exciting weekend of football and netball action as the AFL Barwon community comes together for the Qualifying & Elimination Finals. Set against the backdrop of Portarlington Reserve, this day will showcase some of the region's best talent as they battle for a spot in the finals.

  Highlights:

  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Bring the whole family to enjoy an exciting day of sport.
  • Food and Beverages: A variety of food and beverage options will be available to keep everyone refreshed throughout the day.
  • Community Spirit: Celebrate the camaraderie and sportsmanship of AFL Barwon clubs and support local teams and athletes.

  For more information and updates, visit the AFL Barwon website or follow us on social media.

  FINALS TICKETS

• 2024 Presentation Nights

  You will find all the details of the 2024 Best & Fairest Presentation Nights via the link below. 

  The next Presentation Night is the Under 19 & Senior Female Presentation Night which will be held on the 21st August. 

  Your Club's Female Football contact will have recieved your recommended attendees & RSVPs should have been submitted on Wed 14th Aug.

  For any questions regarding Presentation Nights, please contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  Presentation Night Info

• Geelong Falcons - Regional Development Coach Position

  The Regional Development Coach (RDC) for Geelong Falcons is a 12-month parental leave cover role focused on developing young footballers aged 15-19 and fostering a supportive program culture.

  Responsibilities include planning and managing player pathways, ensuring a positive environment, and collaborating with stakeholders.

  Ideal candidates will have coaching accreditation, experience with youth, strong communication skills, and knowledge of player development.

  Benefits include flexible working, health and wellbeing programs, and AFL memberships. Applications close on 21 August 2024.

  See Job Description & Apply

Football

• 2024 AFL Barwon Finals Ticketing Process

  Click here to view process

• Female Football Presentation Night - August 21

  The 2024 Under 19 & Senior Female Presentation Night will be held on the 21st August. 

  Your Club's Female Football contact will have recieved your recommended attendees & RSVPs should have been submitted on Wed 14th Aug.

  For any questions regarding Presentation Nights, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  RSVP Here

• Junior Football Presentation Night - August 27

  The 2024 Junior Football Presentation Night will be held on the evening of the 27th August at Deakin Cats Community Centre.

  Your Club's Junior Football (male & female) will recieve your recommended attendees from Will Ross in the coming week.

  For any questions regarding Presentation Nights, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• 

  FINALS - BFNL Week 1 Information

  The following communication was sent out to BFNL Football Contacts on Monday 12th August at 1:30pm
  

  ---

  Good Afternoon BFNL Football Contacts,

  BFNL 2024 finals start this weekend, well done and good luck to all teams participating.

  Week one & Two of the BFNL 2024 Qualifying and Elimination Finals will be held at Portarlington, all game times are available on PlayHQ.

  Fixtures and team info are found via the button below.

  Host & Participating clubs game day responsibilities.

  • Host Club: Portarlington FNC
  • Umpire escorts
  • Scoreboard attendant
  • Interchange & look after Spare football.

  Participating Clubs:Anglesea, Bannockburn, Barwon Heads, Colac, Drysdale, Geelong Amateur, Grovedale, Modewarre & Queenscliff.

  • Timekeepers – important to have a timekeeper sorted during the week not the day of the game. (Ensure clubs come out on time)
  • Team sheets (can either be given directly to the umpires or via AFLB Staff 1 copy for AFL Barwon staff)
  • Best Players & Goalkickers (give to AFLB staff post-game) 

  AFL Barwon Staff:

  • Footballs (One to umpires – Spare to interchange steward)
  • Paperwork (To umpires and timekeepers)
  • Brief timekeepers regarding time on in Reserves & Under 18s, as well as extra time procedures
  • Ensure clubs come out on time.
  • Collect paperwork and football from the umpires’ post-game & get the all-clear.
  • Collect the best players and goalkickers from the club post-game & notify them of any reports or review requests.
  • Results entry after each game. 

  Any Questions please reach out.
  
  Regards, 
  Simon Riddoch (Senior Male Football Coordinator)
  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
  
  

  Week 1 Fixtures & Team Info

• FINALS - Female Week 2 Information

  2024 Female Football Finals Overview 

  An overview of the upcoming AFL Barwon Female Football Finals Series as we head into Week 2: 

  Week 2 – Sunday 18th August 
  Venues: North Geelong FNC, Modewarre FNC 

  Week 3 Grand Finals – Sunday 25th August 
  Venue: Lara FNC 

  ---

  IMPORTANT:Updated Female Football Fixture – 18th Aug North Geelong 

  There has been a change in game times for Sunday 18th August for games fixtured at North Geelong. 

  These changes have been made to ensure we can accommodate those players who are also participating in netball finals held in Portarlington.   

  Please see below updated game times, which is also reflected in PlayHq: 

  Senior Female Division 2 

  • St Joseph’s vs Newtown & Chilwell 
  • 10:00am  
  • North Geelong 

  U16 Female Division 1 

  • Lara Jenkins vs Torquay Wood 
  • 12:00pm
  • North Geelong 

   U14 Female Division 1 

  • Peninsula Sharks Bulls vs St Mary’s Garing 
  • 1:45pm 
  • North Geelong 

  Thank you for your understanding, as you can appreciate trying to accommodate teams/players across both netball and football is challenging and we want to ensure that as minimal teams are impacted as possible in the 2024 Finals Series. 

• FINALS - Junior Overview

  2024 Junior Football Finals Overview 

  An overview of the upcoming AFL Barwon Junior Football Finals Series: 

  Week 1: 
  Saturday 17th& Sunday 18thAugust– Surf Coast & Torquay  

  Week 2: 
  Saturday 24th& Sunday 25thAugust– Bell Park 
   
  Week 3: 
  Saturday 31stAugust & Sunday 1stSeptember– North Geelong 

• REMINDER - Game Day (Senior Male & U18)

  13.3 Both Home and Away Team Managers 

  • Both Team managers are responsible for the following match-day duties 
  • Provide Team Sheet to the umpires, showingall players with correct jumper numbers and all officials with correct numbers where applicable generated from PLAY HQ Data Base and signed by the Team 

  ---

  Comp Rule 3 -Registrations

   3.1 Every player must be a registered member of their Club and approved by their Club Committee.  

  ---

  23 Under 18s Competitions 

  23.1 Player Qualification Criteria 

  23.1.1 Where there are multiple divisions, all other than thelowest graded competition are deemed to be an “18 a side competition” with a maximum of 23 players and a minimum of 14 players. 

  23.1.2 The Lowest Graded Competition is deemed to bea “16 a side competition” with a maximum of 23players and a minimum of 14 players. If either side has less than 16, both teams must play with the same number of players. If both sides have 20 or more players on the day, then both teams will field 18 players 

  ---

  5 Interchange/Order Off Rule  

  Interchange and order-off rules are to operate for Seniors, Reserves and Under 18s as per AFL VictoriaRule 10.0 & AFL Laws of Australian Football Rule 7. 

  Note:All underage competitions inclusive of Under 18 Colts are to comply with theabove Rules and areunable to replace carded players until the relevant playing time has elapsed. (Yellow Card = 15 minutes. Red Card = 20 minutes) 

  In all AFL Barwon Senior & Reserve matches any player receiving a yellow or red card may be replaced immediately. A player receiving a red card in any grade is to remain off the field for the remainder of the game. A player receiving a yellow card can return to the field after 15 minutes of playing time has elapsed. 

  5.1 Interchange bench numbers in all Senior Football Leagues are four (4), Reserves & Under 18s are five (5). 

  5.2 For all AFL Barwon competitions, Clubs shall be required to field a minimum of 14 players to commence the game. Failure to do so will result in their side forfeiting the match. 

  5.3 If any irregularities are noted on the Interchange sheet, the Commission shall have the power to determine a fine and to deal with the match as they deem appropriate. 

• 

  REMINDER - Finals Eligibility (Senior Male & U18)

  22 Eligibility For Finals

  22.1 Definitions: 

  A player must be in attendance, in suitable attire to take the field and at a minimum be on the field in the club’s interchange area for the duration of the game. (Unless forced to leave for medical reasons) 

  In this rule a reference to:

  • Seniors = Community Club’s First Senior grade team
  • Reserves = Community Club’s Second or lower Division Senior grade team
  • Under 18s = AFL Barwon Club’s Under 18 grade team

  ---

  Finals Eligibility Checklist

  Step 1: - Identify which team you are wishing to check. 

  Step 2: - Work down the table to see if they meet the requirements. 

  Step 3: - Cross reference if required from the notes. 

  Note:

  • Requirements are for games played in the current season 
  • Grading games are included in calculations
  • If a player participates in multiple games on the same weekend in different age/grades, only thehigher graded game will be recognised for eligibility purposes
  • Requirements 2 & 3 not applicable for reserves/lower grade open age finals if eligible for club &Seniors are playing finals on the same weekend (unless played 10 or more Talent League games) 
  • Requirements 2 & 3 not applicable for lower graded Under 18 finals if eligible for higher gradedUnder 18 finals & both Under 18 teams are playing finals on the same weekend (unless played10 or more Talent League Games) 
  • Requirements 2 & 3 may vary at the discretion of AFLB if season is compromised
  • Byes do not count as games played

• REMINDER - Game Day Responsibilities (Senior Male & U18)

  Host Club:  

  • Umpire escorts  
  • Interchange & look after Spare ball. 
  • Scoreboard attendant  
  • Footballs (One to umpires – Spare to interchange steward). 
  • Match day Paperwork (To umpires and timekeepers). 
  • Collect paperwork and football from the umpires’ post-game & get the all-clear. 
  • Collect the best players and goalkickers from the club post-game & notify them of any reports or review requests. 
  • Results entry after each game were (live scores) possible. 

   Participating Clubs: 

  • Timekeepers 
  • Team sheets (given directly to the umpires) 
  • Best Players & Goalkickers (give to host club post-game) 
  • Brief timekeepers regarding time on in under-18s, as well as extra time procedures. 
  • Ensure clubs come out on time. 

  ---

  NOTE U18 Colts games and finals reminders below 

  • Division #1 Three rounds remaining – Finals following GFNL – Top 5 
  • Division #2 One round remaining – Finals following BFNL – Top 5 
  • Division #3 Two rounds remaining- Finals following GDFNL – Top 5
    • NOTE: access to the ground will be behind the St Albans FNC change rooms using the team sheet for entry. 
  • Division #4 One round remaining – Finals following juniors (U16& U14) – Top 4 @ Surf Coast Suns FNC & Torquay FNC ovals  

Netball

• BFNL & GFNL - Finals Update

  Ticketing and Entry 

  All participating clubs will be issued tickets as outlined in last week’s email to presidents and secretaries. Each club must nominate an email address for tickets via the FORM ATTACHED TO THAT EMAIL. 

  Only one email address per club is permitted. 

  These will be issued by COB Tuesday of each week. 

  Please encourage your members who plan to attend to pre-purchase to take advantage of faster entry to the grounds, via our INTIX website (link under "General Updates")

  ---

  Junior Players and Ticketing  

  All Junior Netball players will be allocated One (1) complimentary adult admission with all junior player’s (13&U, 15&U, & 17&U) allocated admission ticket.

  For this offer to be valid, the junior player and adult must proceed through the admission gate at the same time.

  (No ticket physically allocated, but entry permitted when entering with child).

  ---

  Team Entry 

  A reminder that teamsMUST BE SELECTED BY 12pm Wednesday to enable us to type up position tracking sheets for the weekend. 

  PLEASE ensure this is completed to support us in preparing for the each week’s schedule. 

  ---

  Finals Scorers Duties 

  Each club will have been allocated one or more scorers duties – Please respond with the NAME OF THE PERSON FILLING THIS DUTY BY COB WEDNESDAY of each week once received. 

  If your scorer is not someone who is already a member of a participating team, please advise and this can be issued separately. 

  ---

   Female Football and Netball Finals 

  In anticipation of there potentially being impacted players between football and netball this finals series, please be advised of the below process should you be aware of any clashes. Netball times are fixed, however there may be some scope to manipulate football times if we are informed early enough. 

  • AS SOON as the clash is identified, please email myself and Paris Rowe to advise. 

  • i.e. 2v3 netball played on Saturday & game is lost so know they will play Sunday the following week – email SATURDAY NIGHT to inform us as soon as possible. 

  WeMUST be informed by 5pm Sunday of that weekend IN WRITING – no requests post this time will be considered.  

  We will make every effort to mitigate a clash, however it is not always possible and cannot be guaranteed. Early communication on your part supports us in supporting you. 

  ---

  Finals Information 

  All resources have been sent to your club netball director, senior coordinator or junior coordinator, but can also be found below:

  Netball Finals Hub

• BFNL & GFNL - End of Season Requirements

  Author: Sophie Allison

  ---

  Salary Cap Reporting – DUE 4 WEEKS POST YOUR CLUBS FINAL A GRADE GAME 

  As the season draws to a close, please be reminded of your post season reporting requirements.  

  All clubs are required to submit their player payment reporting via the spreadsheet on our websiteHERE  

  (scroll to “Netball Budget Template”) 

  All Players who have taken the court in A Grade are required to have either a standard player declaration, or non-declared player statement. 

  All relevant player payment policies can be found on this site should you need any further information. If you are unsure about anything, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

   

• 

  Junior Netball Update

  Author - Chloe Prout

  ---

  BFNL and GFNL Junior Netball Awards 

  Just a reminder that the Bellarine FNL and Geelong FNL Junior Netball Award nominations are due Monday 19th August. More information on each award is provided in the nomination forms below. 

  Bellarine FNL nomination form:https://forms.gle/QRK9F8qbNua8VJfy5 

  Geelong FNL nomination form:https://forms.gle/E2awNVuCJaQTnfzh7  

  ---

  2025 AFL Barwon Junior Netball Representative Program 

  More information on the 2025 program is coming soon, including club nominations, trial dates and coach applications! 

  ---

  2024/25 AFL Barwon Junior Netball Summer Season 

  The summer netball season is fast approaching! Season dates and team entry links are below, with detailed information sent to clubs last week. 

  Google forms for team entries (due Sunday 15th September) 

  • 11&U:https://forms.gle/nP5yLmgoH4wmdTzCA 

  • 13&U:https://forms.gle/ktSug5YZka2uyBbe6 

  • 15&U:https://forms.gle/wvkMTfn1mfqjkhyR7 

  • 17&U:https://forms.gle/hWmgWW2JHbnFRX4M6 

Umpiring

• 

  Geelong Football Umpiring - Women & Girls Program

  Register Here

• 

  Netball Umpiring - Upcoming Game Management Sessions 

  Join National League Umpires Tim Marshall and Jo Davidson for an interactive online session discussing game management during netball finals.  

  Netball Victoria are running four free interactive sessions with National League Umpires and Umpire Coaches Tim Marshall and Jo Davidson, discussing game management during netball finals. 
   
  Learn what umpires can do within their jurisdiction, and the responsibility of spectators, coaches and players to create a positive netball culture and environment for all participants. 
   
  Tim Marshall and Jo Davidson will share their experiences and examples of game management on and off court, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss potential scenarios and how to manage them. 
   
  Monday 19 August – 6:30 - 7:30pm – presented by Tim Marshall 
  Thursday 22 August – 6:30 - 7:30pm – presented by Tim Marshall 
  Tuesday 27 August – 6:30 - 7:30pm – presented by Jo Davidson 
  Friday 30 August – 6:30 - 7:30pm – presented by Jo Davidson  

  Register Now

Commercial Partnerships

• 

  Marathon Foods Community Grant

  The Marathon Foods Community Grant is a targeted investment initiative designed to support our AFL Barwon clubs with projects that improve canteen or club kitchen cooking equipment and support the cooking of Marathon Food products. The objective of the program is to assist AFL Barwon affiliated clubs with small investments that will have a long-term benefit to their club and enhance community engagement.

  The grants program is only available to clubs that have senior football or netball teams affiliated with the Bellarine & Geelong Football Netball League or are junior-only clubs competing in AFL Barwon Junior Male or Female Football and AFL Barwon Junior Netball competitions with no senior teams.

  view Grant Information

• 

  AFLW Sausage Sizzle

  AFLW Local Footy Sausage Sizzles are back for the 2024 Geelong Cats AFLW season.  

  Get your club together this AFLW season and a run a sausage sizzle at one of the AFLW home games at GMHBA Stadium in 2024.  

  All resources are supplied, all you need to do is turn up in your colours, sell some sausages and raise some funds for your club.  

  All funds raised must be used to benefit your female football program at your local club. 

  Requirements: 

  • All volunteers must complete a free food safety course (Home - DoFoodSafely (health.vic.gov.au)) 

  • Provide names and head shots of volunteers for AFL accreditations to access the GMHBA pre-game 

  • Provide your club’s logo in PDF, AI or EPS (High Resolution JPEG files are also accepted) 

  Expressions of Interest applications close COB Friday 23 August. 

  Clubs who participated in the 2023 program will be ineligible to be selected in 2024. 

  If you have any questions please email Sarah Allen - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  Express your club's interest

• 

  Epworth Geelong Acute Concussion Clinic – Now Open

  If you or a family member has recently suffered a concussion and are unsure of the next steps, Epworth Geelong is here to assist. 

  The Epworth Geelong Acute Concussion Clinic, which opened in mid-June 2024, is a physiotherapist-led facility that can refer patients to specialist medical services.​

  This clinic is the first of its kind in the Greater Geelong community, designed to support concussion sufferers aged 16 and older, as well as their families, within the first month following the injury.

   The clinic offers assessments, education, advice on returning to play and work, and exercise prescriptions to aid in recovery.

   As an adjunct service, the Acute Concussion Clinic integrates with the Epworth Geelong Outpatients Concussion Clinic for those requiring further rehabilitation.

  The clinic operates from 8:30am to 12:00pm on Tuesdays, located in the Outpatient Department on the lower ground floor at Epworth Geelong.

  Patients who present with concussion symptoms at the Epworth Geelong Emergency Department can be referred to the Acute Concussion Clinic for follow-up care.

  Additionally, general practitioners can directly refer patients to the clinic.

Club Development

Gallery Highlights

• 

  Belmont V Geelong Amateur

  Senior Female Div 3

• 

  St Mary's V North Shore

  Senior Male Football

• 

  Modewarre V Barwon Heads

  Senior Female Div 3

AFL Barwon Facebook

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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• Contact US

General Updates

• 

  Week 2 BFNL Finals Tickets

  Dow Bellarine FNL Finals Series:

  • Second Semi Finals - Saturday, 24th August, 2024
  • First Semi Finals - Sunday, 25th August, 2024

  Join us for an exciting weekend of football and netball action as the AFL Barwon community comes together for the Semi Finals. Set against the backdrop of Portarlington Reserve, this day will showcase some of the region's best talent as they battle for a spot in the finals.

  Highlights:

  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Bring the whole family to enjoy an exciting day of sport.
  • Food and Beverages: A variety of food and beverage options will be available to keep everyone refreshed throughout the day.
  • Community Spirit: Celebrate the camaraderie and sportsmanship of AFL Barwon clubs and support local teams and athletes.

  For more information and updates, visit the AFL Barwon website or follow us on social media.

  FINALS TICKETS

• 2024 AFL Barwon Finals Ticketing Process

  Click to view process

• 2024 Presentation Nights

  You will find all the details of the 2024 Best & Fairest Presentation Nights via the link below. 

  The next Presentation Night is the Junior Football Presentation Night which will be held on the 27th August. Your Club's Junior Football contact will have recieved your recommended attendees.

  The BFNL Ash Medal Presentation Night is the following week on the 4th September. Your Club will receive their recommended attendees by the end of this week. 

  For any questions regarding Presentation Nights, please contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  Presentation Night Info

Football

• 

  BFNL Finals Week 2 Update

  Author - Simon Riddoch

  ---

  BFNL 2024 second weekend of finals, well done and good luck to all teams participating.

  Week Two of the BFNL 2024 Finals will be held at Portarlington, all game times are available on PlayHQ.

  Host & Participating clubs game day responsibilities:

  • Host Club: Portarlington FNC
  • Umpire escorts
  • Scoreboard attendant
  • Interchange & look after Spare football.

  ---

  Participating Clubs:

  Anglesea, Barwon Heads, Drysdale, Geelong Amateur, Modewarre, Ocean Grove, Queenscliff, St Joseph’s, St Mary’s & Torquay.

  • Timekeepers – It is important to have a timekeeper sorted during the week not the day of the game. (Ensure clubs come out on time)
  • Team sheets (can either be given directly to the umpires or via AFLB Staff 1 copy for AFL Barwon staff Michael Limb)
  • Best Players & Goalkickers (give to AFLB staff post-game)

  ---

   AFL Barwon Staff:

  • Footballs (One to umpires – Spare to interchange steward)
  • Paperwork (To umpires and timekeepers)
  • Brief timekeepers regarding time on in Reserves & Under 18s, as well as extra time procedures
  • Ensure clubs come out on time.
  • Collect paperwork and football from the umpires’ post-game & get the all-clear.
  • Collect the best players and goalkickers from the club post-game & notify them of any reports or review requests.
  • Results entry after each game.

  Please be kind to our gatekeepers they are doing a great job, please ensure all club members understand entering the gate is at a cost.

  ---

   CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

  • Everyone must pay the admission Fee.
  • Local council by – laws forbid taking ALCOHOL into public reserves.
  • It is a condition of Entry that vehicles be inspected for illegal entry of alcohol.
  • Failure to comply with this request will result in the vehicle not being permitted to enter the reserve.
  • ALCOHOL is not to be consumed before 12pm.
  • No Glass allowed.
  • Any alcohol detected entering any venue will be confiscated and will NOT be returned to the patron.
  • Utilities or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be permitted entry.
  • No Dogs Allowed.
  • Re-entry by pass-out stamp only

  Finals Week 2 Teams Info

• 

  Female Football Best & Fairest Results

  The 2024 Under 19 & Senior Female Presentation Night was held on the 21st August. 

  Results can be found here:

  Female Football Results

• Junior Football Presentation Night - August 27

  The 2024 Junior Football Presentation Night will be held on the evening of the 27th August at Deakin Cats Community Centre.

  Your Club's Junior Football (male & female) will recieve your recommended attendees from Will Ross.

  For any questions regarding Presentation Nights, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• FINALS - Junior Overview

  2024 Junior Football Finals Overview 

  An overview of the upcoming AFL Barwon Junior Football Finals Series: 

  Week 2: 
  Saturday 24th& Sunday 25thAugust– Bell Park 
   
  Week 3: 
  Saturday 31stAugust & Sunday 1stSeptember– North Geelong 

• 

  Auskick & Superkick Programs

  Geelong - Holiday Program - Click here

  • 25th September, 26th September and 2nd October, 9am - 3pm
  • Cost: $50 which includes the program and footy

   

  Torquay - Holiday Program - Click here

  • Tuesday 3rd October, 9am - 3pm
  • Cost: $50 which includes the program and footy

Netball

• BFNL & GFNL Netball Finals Information  

  Author - Sophie Allison (Head of Netball)

  ---

  Ticketing and Entry 

  Please be reminded that only those with a valid ticket will be admitted to BFNL or GFNL Finals without payment. Tickets are day specific, and cannot be used more than once. 

  Please encourage your members who plan to attend to pre-purchase to take advantage of faster entry to the grounds, via out INTIX website. 

  No ticket? You’ll be required to make payment to gain entry. 

  Please also be reminded that CONDITIONS OF ENTRY apply to all gated finals. This includes but is not limited to: 

  • No alcohol permitted 

  • No dogs permitted (service dogs excepted) 

  • Security checks 

  Make things easier for everyone and especially our gate keepers by engaging in respectful interactions. 

  ---

  Junior Players and Ticketing 

  All Junior Netball players will be allocated One (1) complimentary adult admission with all junior players (13&U, 15&U, & 17&U) allocated admission ticket.  

  For this offer to be valid, the junior player and adult must proceed through the admission gate at the same time.  

  (No ticket physically allocated, but entry permitted when entering with child)  

  ---

  Team Entry 

  A reminder that teamsMUST BE SELECTED BY 12pm Wednesday to enable us to type up position tracking sheets for the weekend. 

  PLEASE ensure this is completed to support us in preparing for the each week’s schedule. 

  ---

   Finals Scorers Duties 

  Each club will have been allocated one or more scorers duties – Please respond with the NAME OF THE PERSON FILLING THIS DUTY BY COB WEDNESDAY of each week once received. 

  If your scorer is not someone who is already a member of a participating team, please advise and a ticket can be issued separately. 

  ---

  Finals Information 

  All resources have been sent to your club netball director, senior coordinator or junior coordinator, but can also be found HERE:

  Netball Finals Hub

• Junior Midweek Finals Update

  Author - Chloe Prout

  ---

  See below important information for Midweek finals starting this Friday 23rd August. All clubs should have received this earlier in the week via email. 

  ---

  Finals Format 

  The format for the finals series is as follows: 

  • Semi-final – Friday 23rd August: 1v2 and 3v4 

  • Preliminary final – Friday 30th August: L1 v W2 

  • Grand final – Friday 6th September: W1 v W3 

  ---

  Game Procedures 

  For the semi-finals, game will be played at: 4:40pm, 5:45pm, and 6:50pm.All games for finals will be played at Kardinia Park. 

  We have allowed extra time between each time slot in case of a drawn game. Drawn game procedures are as follows: 

  • There is a four (4) minute interval at the end of full time to enable scores to be verified on the score sheet. 

  • Positional changes and substitutions may be made during change over time. 

  • 2 x 5-minute halves will be played. 

  • At the end of the first half teams have a 1-minute break, teams change ends, positional changes & substitutions are allowed. 

  • Should there still be a draw at the end of the second half of extra time, play continues until one team has a two-goal advantage and therefore declared the winner. 

  ---

  Team Line Up/Player Eligibility 

  AFL Barwon will be providing pre-filled position tracking sheets for each team.  

  Players will not be able to take the court if found ineligible for finals (i.e., have not played 4 games for the team).  

  No players are to be handwritten on the scoresheet except by an AFL Barwon staff member at the office as we will need to check their eligibility beforehand. If a player is greyed out and unable to be selected in the team line-up on PlayHQ this means they are ineligible to play finals. Please email me if you need to double check finals eligibility for these players. 

  Players can only play one (1) final per night (i.e., a player cannot play in both a 13&U and 15&U final game). 

  ---

  Team Officials and Bench Conduct 

  Please remember that only team officials (up to 5 people) and players are allowed to sit on the bench. Parents and spectators will need to sit elsewhere around the court. If a spectator is asked to move by an umpire mentor or another AFL Barwon staff member, please do so quickly to ensure you do not disturb the game. Also, a reminder thatonly the players may approach the umpires at the breaks and only to pose a question. Please be respectful towards our umpires and mentors. Umpire dissent will not be tolerated at any stage. If you have an issue, please talk to an umpire mentor or AFL Barwon staff member at the office. 

  ---

  Scoring/Game Ball 

  Both teams will need to provide a scorer for the game. Please ensure that both scorers have visibility/access to the scoreboard. Goal attempts are only required for the 17&U games. 

  The scoreboards will be taken to each the court by the umpires with the game ball. AFL Barwon will be providing all game balls for finals. 

  ---

  Uniforms/Clash Bibs 

  Players must be wearing their club uniform as per the uniform register in thehandbook. GDFNL clubs and junior only clubs, please wear uniform as predetermined by your club. 

  Junior players (11&U through to 17&U) may wear long-sleeved tops underneath their approved uniform. If multiple players choose to wear a long-sleeve top, please ensure they are matching in colour. 

   Away teams are responsible for providing clash bibs if there is a clash of playing uniform. The team listed second on the scoresheet is deemed the ‘away’ team. Recognised clashes are:  

  • Torquay, Grovedale, St Josephs, Bannockburn, Colac,  

  • Queenscliff, South Barwon, Portarlington, Bell Post Hill, North Shore  

  • Corio, Ocean Grove, Surf Coast Suns  

  • Werribee Centrals, Leopold, Geelong Amateur  

  • St Albans, Winchelsea  

  • Inverleigh, Drysdale  

  • Newcomb, East Geelong, Belmont Lions, Modewarre  

  • Geelong Amateur, Bell Park, St Mary’s  

  • Geelong Amateur, Newcomb, Barwon Heads 

  Netball Finals Hub

• GFNL Award Nominations – Rising Star of the Year 

  Author - Sophie Allison (Head of Netball)

  ---

  A change in criteria for the Rookie of the Year has led to it evolving to the Rising Star of the Year award. 

  This prestigious accolade is awarded to a standout player who is under 21 years of age as of January 1 of each calendar year. 

  Criteria: 

  • All clubs can nominate a maximum of 2 players from their club that meet the criteria of a “rising star”. 

  • These players must be under 21 years of age as of the 1st of January of that calendar year. 

  • They must have played no more than 10 A Grade netball games prior to the commencement of the current season. 

  • All nominations must be accompanied by text describing the achievements of the nominated players and the reason they have been nominated, along with a photo emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

  • The selection panel made up of the H&ASC will then determine the 6 finalists and the eventual winner. Recommendations on the finalists will be sought from the Netball Operations Team. 

  Submissions can be submitted here:

  SUBMIT NOW

• GFNL Award Nominations – Team of the Year 

  Author - Sophie Allison (Head of Netball)

  ---

  It is a requirement that all GFNL A Grade coaches contribute towards determining the GFNL A Grade Team of the Year. 

  Submissions can be submitted here:

  SUBMIT NOW

• BFNL & GFNL - Salary Cap Reporting

  Author - Sophie Allison (Head of Netball)

  ---

  As the season draws to a close, please be reminded of your post season reporting requirements.  

  All clubs are required to submit their player payment reporting via the spreadsheet on our websiteHERE  

  All Players who have taken the court in A Grade are required to have either a standard player declaration, or non-declared player statement. 

  All relevant player payment policies can be found on this site should you need any further information. If you are unsure about anything, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Umpiring

• 

  Geelong Football Umpiring - Women & Girls Program

  Register Here

• 

  Netball Umpiring - Upcoming Game Management Sessions 

  Join National League Umpires Tim Marshall and Jo Davidson for an interactive online session discussing game management during netball finals.  

  Netball Victoria are running four free interactive sessions with National League Umpires and Umpire Coaches Tim Marshall and Jo Davidson, discussing game management during netball finals. 
   
  Learn what umpires can do within their jurisdiction, and the responsibility of spectators, coaches and players to create a positive netball culture and environment for all participants. 
   
  Tim Marshall and Jo Davidson will share their experiences and examples of game management on and off court, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss potential scenarios and how to manage them. 
   
  Monday 19 August – 6:30 - 7:30pm – presented by Tim Marshall 
  Thursday 22 August – 6:30 - 7:30pm – presented by Tim Marshall 
  Tuesday 27 August – 6:30 - 7:30pm – presented by Jo Davidson 
  Friday 30 August – 6:30 - 7:30pm – presented by Jo Davidson  

  Register Now

Commercial Partnerships

AFLW Sausage Sizzle - Closing August 23

AFLW Local Footy Sausage Sizzles are back for the 2024 Geelong Cats AFLW season.  

Get your club together this AFLW season and a run a sausage sizzle at one of the AFLW home games at GMHBA Stadium in 2024.  

All resources are supplied, all you need to do is turn up in your colours, sell some sausages and raise some funds for your club.  

All funds raised must be used to benefit your female football program at your local club. 

Requirements: 

• All volunteers must complete a free food safety course (Home - DoFoodSafely (health.vic.gov.au)) 

• Provide names and head shots of volunteers for AFL accreditations to access the GMHBA pre-game 

• Provide your club’s logo in PDF, AI or EPS (High Resolution JPEG files are also accepted) 

Expressions of Interest applications close COB Friday 23 August. 

Clubs who participated in the 2023 program will be ineligible to be selected in 2024. 

If you have any questions please email Sarah Allen - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Express your club's interest

Club Development

Gallery Highlights

• 

  Female Football Best & Fairest

  View Gallery

• 

  Female Football Special Awards

  View Gallery

AFL Barwon Facebook

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• Contact US

General Updates

• 

  DOW BFNL Luncheon Invitation

  The Bellarine Football Netball League annual Grand Final Club event will be held in the form of a Luncheon at Leopold Football Netball Club on the 7th September.

  Details:

  • 7th September
  • Leopold Football Netball Club (Access through main gate)
  • 11:45am-1:00pm
  • $40 per guest

  Inclusions:

  • Guest speaker feature - Adam Cooney
  • MC feature - SEN's Matt Worland 
  • Entry to all BFNL Grand Final Day events
  • Catering by Leopold Sporting Club
  • 1 x Complimentary Beverage (Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic)

  Club presidents will be contacted by email today (Aug 29) regarding the event. Clubs have the option to purchase their tickets via the ticket link below, or can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to have your tickets issued directly to you and invoiced at a later date. 

  As in previous years, Clubs are advised to have 10 guests in attendance for this event to have representation and show support for everyone in the League. 

  Click for tickets (Last Ticket Option)

• 

  BFNL Finals Week 3 Tickets

  Dow Bellarine FNL Finals Series:

  • Saturday, August 31 - Preliminary Finals

  Join us for an exciting day of football and netball action as the AFL Barwon community comes together for the Preliminary Finals. Set against the backdrop of Leopold Memorial Reserve, this day will showcase some of the region's best talent as they battle for a spot in the finals.

  Highlights:

  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Bring the whole family to enjoy an exciting day of sport.
  • Food and Beverages: A variety of food and beverage options will be available to keep everyone refreshed throughout the day.
  • Community Spirit: Celebrate the camaraderie and sportsmanship of AFL Barwon clubs and support local teams and athletes.

  For more information and updates, visit the AFL Barwon website or follow us on social media.

  FINALS TICKETS

• BFNL Finals Conditions of Entry (General Public)

  • Everyone must pay the admission fee to enter the venue. 
  • Local council by–laws forbid taking alcohol into public reserves.
  • It is a condition of Entry that vehicles be inspected for illegal entry of alcohol.  
  • Failure to comply with this request will result in the vehicle not being permitted to enter the reserve.
  • Alcohol is not to be consumed before 12pm in line with liquor licensing requirements. 
  • No glass is permitted at the venue.
  • Any alcohol detected entering any venue will be confiscated and will not be returned to the patron.
  • Utilities or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be permitted entry.
  • No Pets are allowed to enter the venue. Assistance or guide dogs are permitted.
  • Re-entry via pass-out stamp only.

• 2024 AFL Barwon Finals Ticketing Process

  Click to view process

• 2024 Presentation Nights

  You will find all the details of the 2024 Best & Fairest Presentation Nights via the link below. 

  The next Presentation Night is the BFNL Ash Medal which will be held on the 4th September. RSVPs are now closed for this event.

  For any questions regarding Presentation Nights, please contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  Presentation Night Info

• 

  Award Naming Applications 2024

  The AFL Barwon region has a rich history and tradition of recognising excellence and contributions of our community through various awards.  

  The AFL Barwon Commission insists that award names in the AFL Barwon region honour those who have made significant, lasting contributions to our community, preserving their legacies for future generations. 

  To ensure these awards reflect the outstanding individuals and their legacies, a formal process for naming awards has been established.  

  We are seeking nominations for the following awards to be named in a bid to acknowledge outstanding service and achievements. 

  Football 

  • Geelong Football Netball League Seniors Best on Ground in a Grand Final 

  • Bellarine Football Netball League Seniors Best on Ground in a Grand Final 

  • Geelong Football Netball League Seniors Leading Goal Kicker 

  • Bellarine Football Netball League Seniors Leading Goal Kicker 

  Netball 

  • Geelong Football Netball League A Grade Netball Best on Court in a Grand Final 

  • Bellarine Football Netball League A Grade Netball Best on Court in a Grand Final 

  • Geelong Football Netball League A Grade Netball Best and Fairest 

  • Bellarine Football Netball League A Grade Netball Best and Fairest 

  • Geelong Football Netball League A Grade Netball Hot Shots 

  • Bellarine Football Netball League A Grade Netball Hot Shots 

  • Senior Netball Coach of the Year 

  To nominate an eligible person(s) for a renaming of any awards outlined in this document, click on the following link Award Naming Application Form 

  The nomination period for the 2024 season, closes at 5pm on September 27th, 2024. 

  To view the renaming process, please see the following link AFL Barwon Recognition & Awards Program 

Senior & U18 Football

• 

  BFNL Finals Week 3 Update

  Author - Simon Riddoch

  ---

  Dear BFNL Football Contacts,

  BFNL 2024 third weekend of finals. We are getting close to the big dance. 

  Week Three of the BFNL 2024 Preliminary Finals will be held at Leopold Memorial Reserves, all game times are available on PlayHQ.

  ---

  Host & Participating clubs game day responsibilities.

  • Host Club: Leopold FNC
  • Umpire escorts
  • Scoreboard attendant
  • Interchange & look after Spare football.

  ---

  Participating Clubs:

  Drysdale, Geelong Amateur, Lara, Queenscliff, & Torquay. 

  • Timekeepers – It is important to have a timekeeper sorted during the week not the day of the game. (Ensure clubs come out on time)
  • Team sheets (can either be given directly to the umpires or via AFLB Staff 1 copy for AFL Barwon staff Michael Limb)
  • Best Players & Goalkickers (give to AFLB staff post-game)

  ---

  AFL Barwon Staff:

  • Footballs (One to umpires – Spare to interchange steward)
  • Paperwork (To umpires and timekeepers)
  • Brief timekeepers regarding time on in Reserves & Under 18s, as well as extra time procedures
  • Ensure clubs come out on time.
  • Collect paperwork and football from the umpires’ post-game & get the all-clear.
  • Collect the best players and goalkickers from the club post-game & notify them of any reports or review requests.
  • Results entry after each game.

  ---

   Please be kind to our gatekeepers they are doing a great job, please ensure all club members understand entering the gate is at a cost.

  ---

  CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

  •  Everyone must pay the admission Fee.
  • Local council by – laws forbid taking ALCOHOL into public reserves.
  • It is a condition of Entry that bags & vehicles be inspected for illegal entry of alcohol.
  • Failure to comply with this request will result in the vehicle not being permitted to enter the reserve.
  • ALCOHOL is not to be consumed before 12pm.
  • No Glass allowed.
  • Any alcohol detected entering any venue will be confiscated and will NOT be returned to the patron.
  • Utilities or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be permitted entry.
  • No Dogs Allowed. (Service and Assistance Dogs Permitted).
  • Re-entry by pass-out stamp only

  Finals Week 3 Teams Info

• U18 Finals Week 4 Update

  Author - Simon Riddoch

  ---

  Hello, U18 Colts contacts,

  Congratulations to Division #4 Grand Final Week

  I am getting in touch to provide information onU18 Colts Division #1, 2,3 & 4for all teams playing U18 Colts football finals this weekend.

  ---

  Dates & Venues: for Grand Finals.

  Division #1

  • Friday 27^th September – GMHBA Stadium.

  Division #2

  • Saturday 7^th September – Leopold FNC

  Division #3

  • Saturday 14^th September – St Albans FNC

  Division #4

  • Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September – North Geelong FNC

  Game times can be found at Play HQ.

  ---

  14.2.2 Finals

  • Senior Male competitions will play Time On according to rules applicable during Home and Awayseason

  • Reserves Male and all Under 18s games will be played according to advertised times WITH Time On forexcessive stoppages only. Ie: When the ball goesout of bounds time on will NOT be added unless thefield umpire signals that they consider there will be an excessive delay caused by the ball going over thefence or another significant delaying factor.

  • “Time on” is be signalled by the field umpires by either raising one hand above their head OR bycrossing both arms across their chest or when a goal umpire signals a score is recorded (NOT when they complete waving their flags).

  Teams must have entered the field at least 5 minutes prior to their scheduled start time. Penalty: $100

  ---

  AFL BARWON SENIOR FINALS & GRAND FINAL CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

  • Everyone must pay the admission Fee.
  • Local council by-laws forbid taking ALCOHOL into public reserves.
  • It is a condition of Entry that bags & vehicles be inspected for illegal entry of alcohol.   
  • Failure to comply with this request will result in the vehicle not being permitted to enter the reserve.
  • ALCOHOL is not to be consumed before 12 pm.
  • No Glass allowed.
  • Any alcohol detected entering any venue will be confiscated and will NOT be returned to the patron
  • Utilities or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be permitted entry.
  • No Dogs Allowed
  • Re-entry bypass-out stamp only

  U18 Finals Info

• Timekeepers Info

  Click to view

Junior Football

• Junior Grand Finals Info

  Author - William Ross

  ---

  Hi Junior Coordinators,

  As we gear up for an exciting Grand Final weekend, I wanted to share some important information and answer a few frequently asked questions to ensure everything runs smoothly for everyone involved.

  • View team info via button below
  • Site map & info pack in below news items

  ---

   Important Information for the Day:

  • Presentation Area: There will be a designated presentation area set up at the end of each match. Please make sure to direct your team to the presentation area promptly after your game. Please refer to attached site map for presentation area.
  • Game Announcements and National Anthem: Please ensure that your team is ready and lined up for the game announcement and national anthem at least 5 minutes before your scheduled playing time. This helps keep the day on track and ensures that all teams have a fair and timely start.
  • Parking Conditions: Please remember to adhere to the parking conditions around the venue.

  ---

  Frequently Asked Questions:

  I’ve put together some FAQs to help you prepare for the finals. If there’s anything else you need or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

  • Filming of matches:Please note that AFL Barwon will not be filming the matches this weekend.
  • Team photos:AFL Barwon will not be providing a photographer to take team photos this weekend.
  • Warm Up Area:There will be very limited warm up areas. When oval 2 is not in use, warm ups can be conducted there.
  • Coaches box:only those listed on the team sheet are permitted in the coaches box area (referring to both players and officials).

  ---

  CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

  • Alcohol Restrictions: In accordance with local council bylaws,bringing alcohol into public reserves is strictlyprohibited.

  • No Glass: Glass containers of any kind are not permittedon the premises.

  • Vehicle Restrictions: Vehicles such as utes or truckswith couches or lounge chairs on the back will not begranted entry.

  • Pet Policy: Dogs are not allowed on the field of playunder any circumstances.

  • Code of Conduct: All players, officials, and spectators areexpected to adhere to the AFL Barwon Junior Codes ofConduct, as outlined on page 141 - 142 of the AFLBarwon Handbook.

  ---

  Good luck to all teams, and I look forward to seeing everyone this weekend!

  View Teams Info

• 

  Junior Grand Finals Site Map

  The Junior Grand Finals are held at North Geelong FNC. Take a closer look at the Junior Grand Finals Site via the button below. 

  View all site info

• Junior Grand Finals Info Pack

  Click to download

• 

  Junior Football Presentation Night Results

  Images taken at the presentation are listed below under "Galleries"

  ---

  U16 Football Awards

  Cliff Rankin Medallist - Archer Chamberlain (St Joseph’s)

  U16 Div 1 RU - William Nicholls (Geelong West)

  Jim Vivian Medallist - Hamish Andrews (St Albans)

  U16 Div 2 RU - Lachlan Blacket (Barwon Heads)

  Ray Ettridge Medallist - Rex Suvoltos (St Joseph’s)

  U16 Div 3 RU - Callan Atkinson (Drysdale)

  Dieter Vetter Medallist - Ethan Waldron (Surf Coast)

  U16 Div 4 RU - Edward O’Neill (Geelong Amateur)

  U16 Div 4 RU - Samuel Cations (Inverleigh)

  U16 Div 5 Winner - Luke House (Bell Park)

  U14 Div 5 RU - Benjamin Miles (East Geelong)

  U16 Div 5 RU - Hudson Yockins (Bell Park)

  ---

  U16 Female Football Awards

  U16 Div 1 Winner - Charlee Morrow (Lara)

  U16 Div 1 RU - Holly Confoy (Ocean Grove)

  U16 Div 1 RU - Jemma Andrews (Geelong Amateur)

  U16 Div 2 Winner - Sienna Bilinski (Bell Park/Geelong West)

  U14 Div 2 RU - Kiya Conor (Bell Park/Geelong West)

  ---

  U14 Football Awards

  U14 Div 1 Winner - Daniel May (St Mary’s)

  U14 Div 1 RU - Harry Lindsay (Newtown & Chilwell)

  John Edsall Medallist - William Blake (Bell Park)

  U14 Div 2 RU - Zac Belcher (Drysdale)

  U14 Div 3 Winner - Angus Baker (East Geelong)

  U14 Div 3 RU - Davey Gibbs (Bannockburn)

  U14 Div 4 Winner - Brody Munn (Leopold)

  U14 Div 4 RU - Ashley Muscat (Portarlington)

  U14 Div 5 Winner - Samuel McKracken (Newcomb)

  U14 Div 5 RU - Adam Jervies (Bell Post Hill/Anakie)

  U14 Div 6 Winner - Joshua Roberts (Armstrong Creek)

  U14 Div 6 RU - Bailey Taylor (Drysdale)

  ---

  U14 Female Football Awards

  U14 Div 1 Winner - Sienna Schmidt (Torquay)

  U14 Div 1 RU - Addison Giles (St Mary’s)

  U14 Div 2 Winner - Winter Davies (Barwon Heads)

  U14 Div 2 RU - Magdalene Porra (Surf Coast)

  ---

• 

  Auskick & Superkick Programs

  Geelong - Holiday Program - Click here

  • 25th September, 26th September and 2nd October, 9am - 3pm
  • Cost: $50 which includes the program and footy

   

  Torquay - Holiday Program - Click here

  • Tuesday 3rd October, 9am - 3pm
  • Cost: $50 which includes the program and footy

Netball

• BFNL & GFNL Netball Finals Information  

  Author - Sophie Allison (Head of Netball)

  ---

  Ticketing and Entry 

  Please encourage your members to prepurchase tickets to speed up access at the gate! 

  Please be reminded that only those with a valid ticket will be admitted to BFNL or GFNL Finals without payment. Tickets are day specific, and cannot be used more than once. 

  Please encourage your members who plan to attend to pre-purchase to take advantage of faster entry to the grounds, via our INTIX website. 

  No ticket? You’ll be required to make payment to gain entry.  

  Please also be reminded that CONDITIONS OF ENTRY apply to all gated finals. This includes but is not limited to: 

  • No alcohol permitted 

  • No dogs permitted (service dogs excepted) 

  • Security checks – bags may be checked. 

  Make things easier for everyone and especially our gate keepers and security by engaging in respectful interactions. 

  ---

   Team Entry 

  A reminder that teamsMUST BE SELECTED BY 12pm Wednesday to enable us to type up position tracking sheets for the weekend. 

  Please ensure this is completed to support us in preparing for the each week’s schedule. 

  ---

  Finals Information 

  All resources have been sent to your club netball director, senior coordinator or junior coordinator, but can also be found below.

   This includes starting line up paperwork, sub sheets, and anything else you might need for netball finals. 

  Netball Finals Hub

• BFNL & GFNL - End of Season Requirements

  Author - Sophie Allison (Head of Netball)

  ---

  Salary Cap Reporting – DUE 4 WEEKS POST YOUR CLUBS FINAL A GRADE GAME 

  As the season draws to a close, please be reminded of your post season reporting requirements.  

  All clubs are required to submit their player payment reporting via the spreadsheet on our websiteHERE  

  (scroll to “Netball Budget Template”) 

  All Players who have taken the court in A Grade are required to have either a standard player declaration, or non-declared player statement. 

  All relevant player payment policies can be found on this site should you need any further information. If you are unsure about anything, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

  ---

   GFNL Award Nominations – Rising Star of the Year – NOMINATIONS EXTENDED – CLOSE END OF WEEKEND 

  A change in criteria for the Rookie of the Year has led to it evolving to the Rising Star of the Year award. 

  This prestigious accolade is awarded to a standout player who is under 21 years of age as of January 1 of each calendar year. 

  Criteria: 

  • All clubs can nominate a maximum of 2 players from their club that meet the criteria of a “rising star”. 

  • These players must be under 21 years of age as of the 1st of January of that calendar year. 

  • They must have played no more than 10 A Grade netball games prior to the commencement of the current season. 

  • All nominations must be accompanied by text describing the achievements of the nominated players and the reason they have been nominated, along with a photo emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

  • The selection panel made up of the H&ASC will then determine the 6 finalists and the eventual winner. Recommendations on the finalists will be sought from the Netball Operations Team. 

  Submissions can be submitted here:GFNL RISING STAR  

  ---

  GFNL Award Nominations – Team of the Year 

  It is a requirement that all GFNL A Grade coaches contribute towards determining the GFNL A Grade Team of the Year. 

  Submissions can be submitted here:GFNL COACHES TEAM OF THE YEAR SUBMISSION 

• Junior Netball Finals Update

  Author - Chloe Prout

  ---

  See below important information for Midweek preliminary finals and the Junior Netball Presentation night. 

  ---

  Game Times 

  For the preliminary finals, game will be played at: 5:00pm, and 6:10pm.All games for finals will be played at Kardinia Park. 

  ---

  Position Tracking Sheets 

  AFL Barwon will be providing pre-filled position tracking sheets for each team. AFL Barwon issued position tracking sheets must be used by all teams as we type these up with only qualified/selected players. Please do not use your own position tracking sheet. 

  ---

  Player Eligibility 

  Players must have played in at least 4 games to qualify for that teams' finals series. No players are to be handwritten on the scoresheet unless by an AFLB staff member. 

  Players can only play one (1) final per night (i.e., a player cannot play in both a 13&U and 15&U final game). 

  ---

  Team Officials and Bench Conduct 

  Please remember that only team officials (up to 5 people) and players are allowed to sit on the bench. Parents and spectators will need to sit elsewhere around the court.  

  Also, a reminder thatonly a captain or player may approach the umpires at the breaks and only to pose a question. Please be respectful towards our umpires and mentors. Umpire dissent will not be tolerated at any stage. If you have an issue, please talk to an umpire mentor or AFL Barwon staff member at the office. 

  ---

  Junior Netball Presentation Night 

  The Junior Netball Presentation Night will be held on Tuesday 10th September at the Deakin Cats Community Centre. We will be presenting the Best & Fairest awards for all three junior competitions (BFNL, Midweek and GFNL) on this night, as well as numerous other junior netball awards.  

  All clubs will receive a list of invited attendees next week following the conclusion of the GFNL home and away season. 

Umpiring

• 

  AFL Barwon, AFL Victoria Female Umpiring Hub

  On Monday night, AFL Barwon umpires were joined by AFLW Umpires Jenna Green and Emily Best at the AFL's Women and Girls Umpire Experience Hubs. This was the final session of a 3 part series this year to bring together women and girls from the AFL Barwon region in an upskilling workshop.  

  Umpires experienced a 'Game Day Fuelling Workshop' created by Advanced Sports Dietitian, Ali Miles. Then chatted game day with Jenna and Emily, which saw plenty of insights to take into their finals. To wrap up the evening, everyone worked through some active recovery techniques to feel fresh for the end of the season.  

• 

  Geelong Football Umpiring - Women & Girls Program

  Register Here

Commercial Partnerships

• 

  Geelong Cats AFLW 2 For 1 offer 

  The Geelong Cats have a 2 for 1 offer for this weekend’s AFLW match for AFL Barwon members, using the below information -  

  • To access the 2 for 1 ticket offer, click here and use the code: MATESW 

  • Juniors under 18 can access free tickets via ticketmaster.com.au across the AFLW season. 

  Any questions or issues in purchasing, please send through to The Geelong Cats Ticketing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• 

  Major Partnership with SEN for BFNL Grand Final

  AFL Barwon Scores Major Broadcast Partnership with SEN for Bellarine Senior Grand Final 

  AFL Barwon is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) to broadcast the 2024 Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Senior Football Grand Final live from Leopold Memorial Park. This exciting collaboration marks a significant moment for local football, offering unprecedented exposure and coverage for one of the most popular days on the AFL Barwon calendar. 

  Securing SEN, a leading voice in sports broadcasting across Australia, to call the Bellarine FNL Senior Grand Final is a huge coup for the entire AFL Barwon region. The live broadcast will bring the atmosphere and intensity of the day and will showcase the exceptional talent and community connections that defines the Bellarine FNL. 

  AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, "This is a monumental step forward for our league and community. Having SEN on board to broadcast the Senior Male Football Grand Final, not only elevates the status of this League and the BFNL Clubs, but also recognises the strength that our region presents across the state of Victoria". 

  Sam Thompson, Group Radio Director, Sports Entertainment Network said “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with AFL Barwon for the BFNL Grand Final 2024. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to bringing premier sports coverage to local communities. Through SEN’s extensive network of regional stations and digital platforms, we are committed to delivering comprehensive and engaging content that brings the excitement of the BFNL Grand Final to fans everywhere. Partnering with AFL Barwon allows us to elevate the game-day experience for all, whether they are in the stands or following the action from afar.” 

  Listeners will be able to tune in viaSEN Geelong station on SEN’s iPhone and Android app with the simulcast and live stream of the match being available on AFL Barwon TV. This will allowthe 2024 Dow Bellarine FNL Senior Grand Final reach greater audiences. 

  AFL Barwon is proud to bring this exceptional coverage to the wider community and looks forward to a thrilling Grand Final event at Leopold, made even more special by SEN’s involvement. 

  ---

  To download the SEN App, click on the relevant app store 

  Download the iOS app 

  https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sen-1116/id1147923999?mt=8 

  Download the Android app 

  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deepend.sen&hl=en 

• 

  Rookie Me - Finals Footy

Gallery Highlights

• 

  Junior Football Best & Fairest

  U16

  View Gallery

• 

  Junior Football Best & Fairest

  U14

  View Gallery

• 

  Junior Football Best & Fairest

  Female Football

  View Gallery

• 

  Geelong Amateur V Ocean Grove

  17&U Div 2

  View Gallery

• 

  Portarlington V Torquay

  15&U Div 1

  View Gallery

• 

  Modewarre V Portarlington

  C Grade

  View Gallery

• 

  Ocean Grove V Torquay

  C Grade

  View Gallery

• 

  South Barwon V Torquay

  U16 Div 2

  View Gallery

• 

  Barwon Heads V Lara

  U14 Div 2

  View Gallery

AFL Barwon Facebook

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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• Bulletin Archive
• Contact US

General Updates

• AFL Barwon Office Closure & Bulletin Pause

  The AFL Barwon team will be enjoying a break over the Christmas period, with the office closed from 5pm Friday 20th December and re-opening on Monday 13th January.

  Pleasee note - during this time, the Barwon Bulletin will have no editions published.

• Play HQ League & Club registrations

  Clubs setting up a registration form 

  Please ensure that you are making your registration form visible, understanding some clubs will hide their registration form if you are, for example, at capacity or offering registration initially to previous participants before making it visible. 

  Rego fee set >$0.  

• 2025 BFNL & GFNL Fixture Update

  We are aware of the eagerness by clubs and stakeholders to receieve an update on the fixtures in a bid to plan for the 2025 season.

  The 2025 Bellarine FNL and Geelong FNL fixtures are planned to be released prior to the AFL Barwon office closing on December 20th.  

  Clubs will be advised if there is any further update on the status of either of these fixtures.

Media Highlights

• 

  Harrison Cockerell wins AFL Vic Mark of the Year

  Geelong Advertiser

  Read More

• 

  Taylah Hassett named VFLW head coach

  K Rock Football

  Read More

• 

  Falcons trio get chance to impress with the Cats

  Geelong Advertiser

  Read More

• 

  AFLW Draft: The top 20 prospects

  Geelong Advertiser

  Read More

• 

  2025 VNL fixture revealed

  Netball Victoria

  Read More

• 

  2024 Netball Victoria Community Awards winners

  Netball Victoria

  Read More

Football

Netball

• Action Required: Netball Connect

  ATT: Netball Directors, Coordinators, Treasurers

  REQUIREMENT - Netball Connect LINKS READY TO BE CREATED

  A reminder that all players and coaches must be registered in BOTH PlayHQ and Netball Connect prior to the commencment of the winter season. 

  All Netball Connect Registration Forms are now open and able to be completed by your club. 

  All forms will be accessible under your league profile (BFNL, GFNL or GDFNL), including the form for AFL Barwon Midweek Competitions. 

  Netball Victoria Membership is compulsory for any player, coach or umpire, who intends to partake in AFL Barwon Competitions in season 2025. 

  Players who have registered for Summer and already have a 2025 membership, will still need to register to their respective winter competition to link their membership, but will not be charged again. 

  Instructions on how to set up yourNetball Connect forms can be found HERE.

   PlayHQ forms are already open to be completed. A How To Guide can be foundHERE. 

   

• Action Required: Coaching Accreditation 2025 

  ATT: Netball Directors and Coordinators 

  All Coaches 

  Please be reminded that all coaches must have a current Foundations Coaching Accreditation as a minimum standard. 

  Foundation Coaching is an online course and does not take long to complete. Instructions on how to enrol can be foundHERE

  ---

  A Grade Coaches  

  Must have a current development level Coaching Accreditation as a minimum standard. This requires previous completion of the Foundation Coaching Course, and is then partially online, and has a face-to-face component. 

  Information on how to enrol in the Development Accreditation can be foundHERE. 

  Practical Component Dates will be listedHERE. 

   

  For more information on the Coaching Pathway, you visit Netball Victoria’s“How to Become a Coach” site. 

• Review Required: 2025 Uniform Register

  ATT: Netball Directors and Coordinators  

  As we prepare for 2025, we are asking clubs to please review their currently approved uniform as per theattached uniform register.  

  All players must be adorned in uniform as per what is listed in this register, so it is important that all clubs review and amend any records that are required.  

  Any player who is not in appropriate uniform can be removed from the court. 

  Please review and provide this feedback by January 24th 2025 toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• Reminder: 19&U Division 2 – Friday Night Winter 2025

  ATT: Netball Directors and Coordinators 

  In season 2025, it has been determined that a 19&U Division 2 Competition be facilitated on Friday evenings, alongside our established 13&U, 15&U and 17&U Midweek Competitions.  

  Friday nights have been determined as the best option for the immediate future, when taking into consideration feedback received across the board. This will continue to be reviewed in line with competition growth in the coming seasons. 

  With many clubs currently completing trials, please be informed of this offering, and inform your members. 

  If you are able to confirm post trials, whether your club will be entering a 19&U Division 2 team, please do so viaThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• 

  Player Payment and Points Information 

  Total Team Points and Player Payment Limits 

  Please see below the allowed player payments and total team points limits for season 2025. 

  With many clubs in the process of signing new players, please be reminded of the requirements your clubs are bound by. 

  All reporting documentation can be found HERE 

   

  This includes: 

  • Standard player declarations, which all players who receive funds must sign and be submitted to AFL Barwon. 

  • Non-declated player statements, which all players who play A Grade and do not receive payment, must sign, and be submitted to AFL Barwon. 

  • Excel Budget/Actuals Reporting template 

  • Player Points System and PPSP By-Laws (NOW ONE DOCUMENT, replacing previously two separate files) 

  • Player Payment Rule 

  • Player Payment Guidelines 

  ---

  If you require further support in this space, please contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Umpiring

• Football Umpiring: Practice Match Booking Form

  In recent weeks, the AFL communicated to all umpires and umpire coaches nationally the 2025 Umpire Education Module requirements. 

  The Umpire Education Module serves as an important aspect delivered by the AFL to provide continuous improvement and professional development to all umpire and umpire coaches across Australia.  

  Most notably, all umpires and umpire coaches will initially be marked as 'unavailable' for appointments within OfficialsHQ. Completion of the educational module via the AFL LMS will automatically update your availability status in OfficialsHQ to ‘available’, allowing you to be considered for match appointments. Umpires will only become eligible for match appointments upon finishing the education module. 

  We kindly request that you complete the Umpire Education Module as soon as possible to allow us to appoint you to matches once the season commences.   

  If you require support to complete the education module, a user guide with step-by-step instructions is available here. 

  If you have questions about the module content, please reach out to our team at AFL Barwon Umpiring (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or for technical assistance please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can watch the how-to videos. 

   

• Football Umpiring: Re-register & Win $50!

  Win 1 of 3, $50 VISA vouchers simply by re-registering (current umpires) or registering (new umpires) for 2025 and completing the 2025 Umpire Education Module in the AFL LMS by Monday December 16th 

  We will be conducting a lucky registration draw on December 18, 2024. Winners will be notified and if unable to collect from Highton Office by Friday 20th December will be posted to your registered address in OHQ. 

  ** To register, log into your OHQ account and you will be directed to create an AFL ID and link to your OHQ Account or if you already have an AFL ID account link it to your OHQ account. 

  This will give you a single sign in to all your AFL accounts and direct access to the LMS for all your umpire and coaching courses. 

• Football Umpiring: Key Dates 2025

  2025 Training Commencement: 

  • AFL Barwon Geelong Umpires – from 5.30pm, Monday 3rd Feb. 2025 at Kardinia Park, then each Monday and Wednesday excluding Public Holidays 
  • AFL Barwon Colac Umpires – from 5.45pm, Wednesday 5th Feb. 2025 at Lake Oval Colac, then each Wednesday excluding Public Holidays. 
  • Practice Matches – from late Feb. 2025 (all umpires must be registered and have completed 2025 Umpire Education Module to be appointed) 

   

  2025 Season Commencement: 

  • BFNL, GDFNL, CDFNL – Saturday 5th April (CDFNL stand alone games 29th March) 
  • GFNL, AFLBW Senior and U18W – Saturday 12th April
  • U18 Boys, AFLBJ U16/14 Boys/girls – Saturday 26th April 
  • AFLB All Abilities – Possibly 3rd or 10th May 

  Mid-season Break:

  • Monday 7th and Wednesday 9th July (leading into the General Bye and week 1 of GDFNL split round) - No AFL Barwon Umpire Training Colac and Geelong 

   All competitions (excluding GDFNL - Bye) play on Kings Birthday weekend. 

  All Senior Men’s and Women’s competitions and U18 female have 2 Bye weekends 

  CDFNL competitions have 3 bye weekends. 

  U18 Boys and Junior boys and Girl’s competitions have 1 Bye weekend (12th July) 

  There will be a much greater presence of Senior Female Football playing on Saturdays under the LGA’s Fair Access Policies, fixtures are yet to be determined at this time. 

Commercial Partnerships

Club Development

• Child Safeguarding Survey 

  On the 06/12/2024 a AFL Barwon Child Safeguarding email update, which included a survey, was sent to Presidents & Secretaries of all Clubs asking where you see your club at in relation to Child Safeguarding obligations & compliance.

  Just a gentle reminder that we require a response by the 31/01/2025. Thank you. 

• Ahead Of The Game 

  Youth mental health education opportunity. 

  Ahead of the Game is a free program for players (12 years-18 years), their parents and coaches. Funded by Movember and partnering with the AFL, Ahead of the Game has delivered 1000+ sessions and reached 18,000+ young players nationally in 2024.

  Ahead of the Game provides young players with the tools to deal with life’s challenges, and the confidence to support their mates through tough times, whilst also empowering them to look after their own mental wellbeing.

  The program has been designed to have localised Delivery Partners come to community clubs to deliver at a time that suits during the season. 

  Further information and to register your interest found here -https://play.afl/movember-ahead-game 

• 

  Lead Your Way Program

  Applications for Lead Your Way 2025 are now open!

  Lead Your Way – presented by AFL Victoria – is calling on women and gender-diverse leaders from community football clubs in (league or region) to level up your skills and network in 2025!

  If you are a current committee member at your club, apply before January 27 2025 to Lead Your Way next year!

  find out more

• 

  Container Deposit Scheme Fundraising Opportunities 

  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. 

  https://cdsvic.org.au/afl-victoria

  ---

  Please contact Tim Secombe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information.

  CDS Notice From AFL Victoria

• 

  Coaches Welcome & Role Vacancy

  A warm welcome to our recently appointed new football coaches.

  Please don't forget to register - https://play.afl/coach 

  More to come on 2025 coaching workshops, including the coach induction workshop coming soon.  

  Position vacant:
  Applications are open for the Coach Developerrole with AFL Victoria for the 2025 season.

  ---

  Please contact Tim Secombe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information.

  AFL Vic Coach developer vacancy

• Grants Update

  The list of funding and grant programs designed to help Victorian community football expanded this week with the Victorian Government announcing two new opportunities for local clubs. 

   Applications are now open for the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF) and the 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF) to help local footy clubs and communities plan, design and build the sport facilities they need. 

  There are a number of funding programs available to support local football clubs, leagues and families across Victoria. Below is a summary of programs currently open and available. Find out whether any of these programs could apply to your club or family.  

  ---

  Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF) 

  The program is designed to help regional communities plan and build, including upgrade existing facilities for women and girls, community facilities, all abilities infrastructure and planning to encourage more people to get involved. 

  More information here

    

  ---

  Telstra Footy Country Grants 

  Local footy clubs across the country can apply for Telstra Footy Country Grants, a partnership between the AFL and Telstra that will deliver $2m per year for a four-year period to community football. 

  More information here.

  ---

  Please contact Tim Secombe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information.

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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General Updates

• Thank You From AFL Barwon

  As we bring the football and netball season to a close, we want to take a moment to say a big thank you to everyone who made it possible.

  To our dedicated clubs, participants, volunteers, officials, spectators, and generous partners – your passion and support have been the driving force behind another fantastic season.

  It’s been incredible to see our community come together, week in and week out, to celebrate the games we all love. From the sidelines to the courts and fields, every effort has contributed to the success of this season.

  We can’t wait to do it all again next year. Until then, thank you for being part of the AFL Barwon community!

• 2025 AFL Barwon Club Education Week 

  AFL Barwon are pleased to announce that the 17th-19th February 2025, will represent a revamped pre-season “GamePlan” engagement, now the “Club Education Week”. 

  AFL Barwon has been conscious of taking on feedback from recent GamePlan engagements, to ensure the pre-season education and support of all Clubs evolves. 

  The evenings of February 17-19 will include webinars hosted by AFL Barwon on the following topics, but not limited too: 

  • Football Match Day Operations; 
  • Netball Player Points and Salary Cap
  • Panel Umpires and Development Mentors
  • PlayHQ Training for Football & Netball 
  • CCSP Seminar; 
  • Football Umpiring; 
  • Junior Football; and 
  • Club Development sessions. 

  More information will be provided in January 2025 on session timings and a face-to-face engagement in March, to build on the Club Education Week.  

  We are looking forward to delivering this revamped engagement in 2025. 

• AFL Barwon Office Closure & Bulletin Pause

  The AFL Barwon team will be enjoying a break over the Christmas period, with the office closed from 5pm Friday 20th December and re-opening on Monday 13th January.

  Pleasee note - during this time, the Barwon Bulletin will have no editions published.

• 

  Game Developer Role Vacancy

  An AFL Victoria Game Development Officer is primarily responsible for conducting general Australian Football game development programs within the school and community environments. Game Development Officers play a key role in growing AFL participation through the delivery of AFL programming to children.

  View Vacancy

• Coach Developer Role Vacancy

  The Coach Developer will be responsible for increasing the quality of community football coaching environments and the capacity of community coaches. The Coach Developer will educate & develop coaches through AFL Victoria content which shall be delivered to community coaches to create behavioural change consistent with the National Coaching strategy.

  AFL VIC Coach Developers aim to deliver coach learning methods (coach education, facilitation, assessing, mentoring and reflection) with club coaches within their coaching context at club level. Trained coach developers will work with clubs and club coaches to identify individual performance and learning needs, while targeting whole-club coaching development of coaches within participating clubs. Coaching behavioural change and creating a ‘player centred’ environment are key focuses of Coach Developers.

  View Vacancy

• AFL Victoria Regional Satisfaction Survey 

  AFL Victoria are leading the annual Regional Satisfaction Survey and we invite all Clubs to submit a response of feedback to enable AFL Barwon & AFL Victoria to adequately prepare for 2025. 

  Your time and comments are greatly appreciated, and you can complete the Survey via the link below: 

  AFL Victoria Regional Satisfaction Survey 

2025 Fixtures

• 

  Geelong Football Netball League Fixture

  CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON PLAY HQ

  Download PDF COPY

• 

  Bellarine Football Netball League Fixture

  CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON PLAY HQ

  Download A PDF Copy

• 

  Colac & District Football Netball League Fixture

  CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON PLAY HQ

  Download A PDF Copy

• 

  Senior Female Football Division 1 Fixture

  Download A PDF Copy

• Senior Female Football Division 2 Fixture

  Download A PDF Copy

• Club By Club Fixture Social Post Download (GFNL & BFNL)

  The AFL Barwon Communications team have put together individual fixture posts for each BFNL & GFNL Club to post on their socia media.

  Download Here

Football

Netball

• Thank You From The Netball Operations Team

  As 2024 draws to a close, the AFL Barwon Netball Operations team would like to thank all members and volunteers for the hard work across both winter and summer seasons (and everything in between!).  

  We value the time and effort each of you put into supporting not only your clubs, but also us as well. We wish you a Safe and Merry Christmas, and a wonderful holiday period. 

  Enjoy the break, and we will see you in the New Year. 

• 2025 Netball Club Trials Promotion 

  AFL Barwon are looking to include the details of any netball club trials being held next year on the AFL Barwon website. 

  This could be a great way to assist participants in finding a club to play at for the upcoming season. 

  Please emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the following details, we will include on the website accordingly. 

  • Date(s) 

  • Time(s) 

  • Venue(s) 

  • Grade(s) 

• Total Team Points and Player Payment Limits 

  Please be reminded as continued conversations take place over the Christmas period around player recruiting.  

  With many clubs in the process of signing new players, please be reminded of the requirements your clubs are bound by. 

  All reporting documentation can be foundHERE. 

  This includes: 

  • Standard player declarations -all players who receive funds must sign and be submitted to AFL Barwon. 

  • Non-declared player statements -all players who play A Grade and do not receive payment, must sign, and be submitted to AFL Barwon. 

  • Excel Budget/Actuals Reporting template 

  • Player Points System and PPSP By-Laws - (NOW ONE DOCUMENT, replacing previously two separate files) 

  • Player Payment Rule 

  • Player Payment Guidelines 

  If you require further support in this space, please contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in the new year. 

• Summer Season Dates Reminder

  Please be reminded of our season dates. 

  Games will resume according to the below dates: 

  • 13&U and 15&U comps: Friday 31st  January (Round 9) 

  • 11&U and 17&U comps: Tuesday 4th  February (Round 10) 

• Netball Victoria Update

  NET SET GO

  Net Set Go has been released for 2025, meaning you can all start setting up your programs, if you run them. Don’t forget to fill out the form from Netball Australia to have your Organisation approved and they will allow the Net Set Go membership to be an option for you. It’s a very quick process, they’re usually on top of it quite speedily! 

  Here is the form: https://netballvoice.getfeedback.com/r/GNEQICli/ 

   

  ---

  ADMINISTRATION/ AFFILIATE INFO  

  Safeguarding Children & Young People course 

  Netball Australia has released a free course outlining the Safeguarding Children & Young People policy which will be integrated into the Foundation Umpire Course and Foundation Coach Course as well as becoming a mandatory part of the re-accreditation pathway. This means all coaches and umpires must complete the course every four years to maintain their accreditation. 

  It is highly recommended that all coaches, umpires, officials and volunteers complete the course. 

  More information. 

  ---

  REGISTER FOR EVENTS/ WORKSHOPS 

  Netball Victoria School Championships 

  Dates and locations for the 2025 School Championships – Netball Victoria’s largest participation event – have been announced, and registrations are now open.   

  Over 150 schools are expected to compete in next year’s event, taking place at nine locations across the state in August and September. 

  If there are schools in your area that would like to be involved, they can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or register here. 

  ---

  GRANTS 

  There are a few streams of grant funding around to look at and consider, including working alongside your local council/shire. There is a lot of money lying in these grants so don’t be afraid to have a go! 

  • The Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund 

  • The Regional All Abilities Participation Grants 

Umpiring

• Football Umpiring: Winners of "Re-register & Win $50!"

  Congratuations to our winners: Zachary Walker, Noah Guarnaccia & Callum Mahoney.

• REMINDER - Football Umpiring: Key Dates 2025

  2025 Training Commencement: 

  • AFL Barwon Geelong Umpires – from 5.30pm, Monday 3rd Feb. 2025 at Kardinia Park, then each Monday and Wednesday excluding Public Holidays 
  • AFL Barwon Colac Umpires – from 5.45pm, Wednesday 5th Feb. 2025 at Lake Oval Colac, then each Wednesday excluding Public Holidays. 
  • Practice Matches – from late Feb. 2025 (all umpires must be registered and have completed 2025 Umpire Education Module to be appointed) 

   

  2025 Season Commencement: 

  • BFNL, GDFNL, CDFNL – Saturday 5th April (CDFNL stand alone games 29th March) 
  • GFNL, AFLBW Senior and U18W – Saturday 12th April
  • U18 Boys, AFLBJ U16/14 Boys/girls – Saturday 26th April 
  • AFLB All Abilities – Possibly 3rd or 10th May 

  Mid-season Break:

  • Monday 7th and Wednesday 9th July (leading into the General Bye and week 1 of GDFNL split round) - No AFL Barwon Umpire Training Colac and Geelong 

   All competitions (excluding GDFNL - Bye) play on Kings Birthday weekend. 

  All Senior Men’s and Women’s competitions and U18 female have 2 Bye weekends 

  CDFNL competitions have 3 bye weekends. 

  U18 Boys and Junior boys and Girl’s competitions have 1 Bye weekend (12th July) 

  There will be a much greater presence of Senior Female Football playing on Saturdays under the LGA’s Fair Access Policies, fixtures are yet to be determined at this time. 

• REMINDER - Football Umpiring: Practice Match Booking Form

  In recent weeks, the AFL communicated to all umpires and umpire coaches nationally the 2025 Umpire Education Module requirements. 

  The Umpire Education Module serves as an important aspect delivered by the AFL to provide continuous improvement and professional development to all umpire and umpire coaches across Australia.  

  Most notably, all umpires and umpire coaches will initially be marked as 'unavailable' for appointments within OfficialsHQ. Completion of the educational module via the AFL LMS will automatically update your availability status in OfficialsHQ to ‘available’, allowing you to be considered for match appointments. Umpires will only become eligible for match appointments upon finishing the education module. 

  We kindly request that you complete the Umpire Education Module as soon as possible to allow us to appoint you to matches once the season commences.   

  If you require support to complete the education module, a user guide with step-by-step instructions is available here. 

  If you have questions about the module content, please reach out to our team at AFL Barwon Umpiring (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or for technical assistance please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can watch the how-to videos. 

   

Commercial Partnerships

• Thank You To Our Partners

  AFL Barwon wishes to thank all our commercial and community partners for their support and collaboration for the 2024 season.

  We are so very fortunate to have such great supporters of our organization that allow us to achieve the excellent outcomes for the region.

  We are excited to continue to evolve the partnership section of the business in 2025 and look forward to working with our current and future partners.

  Book Now

• 2025 AFL Barwon On-field Branding & Style Guide

  View style guide here

Club Development

• 

  Lead Your Way Program

  Applications for Lead Your Way 2025 are now open!

  Lead Your Way – presented by AFL Victoria – is calling on women and gender-diverse leaders from community football clubs in (league or region) to level up your skills and network in 2025!

  If you are a current committee member at your club, apply before January 27 2025 to Lead Your Way next year!

  find out more

• Child Safeguarding Survey 

  On the 06/12/2024 a AFL Barwon Child Safeguarding email update, which included a survey, was sent to Presidents & Secretaries of all Clubs asking where you see your club at in relation to Child Safeguarding obligations & compliance.

  Just a gentle reminder that we require a response by the 31/01/2025. Thank you. 

• 

  Container Deposit Scheme Fundraising Opportunities 

  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. 

  https://cdsvic.org.au/afl-victoria

  ---

  Please contact Tim Secombe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information.

  CDS Notice From AFL Victoria

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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General Updates

• Play HQ League & Club registrations

  Clubs setting up a registration form 

  Please ensure that you are making your registration form visible, understanding some clubs will hide their registration form if you are, for example, at capacity or offering registration initially to previous participants before making it visible. 

  Rego fee set >$0.  

• 2025 BFNL & GFNL Fixture Update

  We are aware of the eagerness by clubs and stakeholders to receieve an update on the fixtures in a bid to plan for the 2025 season.

  The 2025 Bellarine FNL and Geelong FNL fixtures are planned to be released prior to the AFL Barwon office closing on December 20th.  

  Clubs will be advised if there is any further update on the status of either of these fixtures.

Media Highlights

• 

  Trent Rogers Appointed as Surf Coast Suns Senior Men's Football Coach

  AFL Barwon

  Read More

• 

  Mathieson medalist earns Cats VFL shot

  K Rock Football

  Read More

• 

  AFL Barwon November Football Transfer List

  AFL Barwon

  Read More

• 

  Extreme Running Challenge For Mental Health

  Luke & Dylan Davis - BHFNC

  watch video

• 

  GDFNL Signing Tracker

  Geelong Advertiser

  Read More

• 

  Geelong VFL training squad revealed

  Geelong Advertiser

  Read More

Football

AFL Nines Youth Competition (Free)

There is a great opportunity for players aged 13–17 to stay active and have some fun during the off-season in the AFL Barwon Geelong AFL Nines Youth Competition.

Please share this information with your players and families to encourage their participation. It’s a fantastic way to keep them connected with footy and having fun with their peers.  

---

What is AFL Nines? 
AFL Nines is a modified version of Australian Football that’s designed for fun, fitness, and inclusion. It’s non-contact, played with smaller teams, and perfect for players of all abilities. This competition offers a relaxed and social environment, ideal for young players to enjoy footy without the intensity of the regular season. 

---

Event Details: 

• When: Thursday 12th December 
• Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
• Location: Belmont Common
• Cost: FREE 
• Contact: Tim Downes, AFL Victoria – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Registration details: 

• Register a team: Click here to register your team 
• Register as an individual: Click here to register individually 

 

Netball

• Staffing Update - Netball Umpiring Coordinator

  ATT: Netball Directors and Coordinators 

  AFL Barwon are please to announce the appointment of Maddie Okely, to the role of Netball Umpire Coordinator.  

  Maddie joins us after 7 years at Netball Victoria, and brings with her a wealth of experience in not only umpiring, but many other facets of netball, which will enable her to support and continue to drive umpiring within the region.  

  We are excited to have Maddie as part of the team and look forward to working with clubs and umpires in 2025. 

• Netball Victoria Update

  Education Opportunities 

  Safeguarding Children and Young People 
  ATT: Netball Directors, Coordinators, Safeguarding Officers 

  Netball Australia are thrilled to release a free course outlining the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children & Young People Course.  

  This course will be integrated in to the Foundation Umpire Course and Foundation Coach Course as well as becoming part a mandatory part of the re-accreditation pathway, meaning all coaches and umpires must complete the course every four years to maintain their accreditation.  

  It is highly recommended that all coaches, umpires, officials and volunteers complete the course. 

  Register now 

  ---

  Select for Netball Success 
  ATT: Coaches, Selectors, Netball Directors, Coordinators 

  With many teams planning ahead for 2025 and conducting trials, make sure you coaches and selectors are educated in the principles of team selection with this free course from Netball Australia. 

  Register now 

  ---

  Worksafe Umpires in the Field Workshops 
  ATT: Netball Directors, Umpire Coordinators 

  Looking to upskill your umpires ahead of the 2025 season? Netball Victoria will support you to host an Umpires in the Field workshop to provide further education and development for your umpires. 

  Learn more

• Review Required - 2025 Uniform Register

  ATT: Netball Directors and Coordinators 

  As we prepare for 2025, we are asking clubs to please review their currently approved uniform as per theattached uniform register. 

  All players must be adorned in uniform as per what is listed in this register, so it is important that all clubs review and amend any records that are required.  

  Any player who is not in appropriate uniform can be removed from the court.  

  Please review and provide this feedback by January 24th 2025. 

  ---

  Please contact Sophie Allison (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information 

  View Uniform Register

• REMINDER - 19&U Division 2 – Friday Night Winter 2025 

  ATT: Netball Directors and Coordinators 

  In season 2025, it has been determined that a 19&U Division 2 Competition be facilitated on Friday evenings, alongside our established 13&U, 15&U and 17&U Midweek Competitions.  

  Friday nights have been determined as the best option for the immediate future, when taking into consideration feedback received across the board. This will continue to be reviewed in line with competition growth in the coming seasons. 

  With many clubs currently completing trials, please be informed of this offering, and inform your members. 

  If you are able to confirm post trials, whether your club will be entering a 19&U Division 2 team, please do so viaThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• 2025 Summer Comp Season Dates

  View Dates

• HOW TO: Open Club Registrations On Netball Connect

  View Instructional PDF

Umpiring

• URGENT - Netball Umpiring: Spray Jacket Orders Close on Dec 7

  ATT: Club Umpire Coordinators and Umpires 

  Spray Jacket ordering winder is opening this weekend! Get your oders in this side of Christmas to ensure they are ready for dispatch prior to the season commencing

  Umpire Jackets – CLICK HERE

  The jackets will be available every order window 1-7th of each month from October – June of each year. 

  Next order window is Dec 1st – 7th 

  ---

  Umpire T-Shirts

  Stock for this item is held more regularly, so orders can be placed at any time. 

  T-Shirts: Click here

  ---

   UmpireShorts & Skirts

  Stock for this item is held more regularly, so orders can be placed at any time. 

  Shorts: Click here 
  Skirts: Click here

   

• Football Umpiring: Practice Match Booking Form

  In recent weeks, the AFL communicated to all umpires and umpire coaches nationally the 2025 Umpire Education Module requirements. 

  The Umpire Education Module serves as an important aspect delivered by the AFL to provide continuous improvement and professional development to all umpire and umpire coaches across Australia.  

  Most notably, all umpires and umpire coaches will initially be marked as 'unavailable' for appointments within OfficialsHQ. Completion of the educational module via the AFL LMS will automatically update your availability status in OfficialsHQ to ‘available’, allowing you to be considered for match appointments. Umpires will only become eligible for match appointments upon finishing the education module. 

  We kindly request that you complete the Umpire Education Module as soon as possible to allow us to appoint you to matches once the season commences.   

  If you require support to complete the education module, a user guide with step-by-step instructions is available here. 

  If you have questions about the module content, please reach out to our team at AFL Barwon Umpiring (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or for technical assistance please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can watch the how-to videos. 

   

• Football Umpiring: Re-register & Win $50!

  Win 1 of 3, $50 VISA vouchers simply by re-registering (current umpires) or registering (new umpires) for 2025 and completing the 2025 Umpire Education Module in the AFL LMS by Monday December 16th 

  We will be conducting a lucky registration draw on December 18, 2024. Winners will be notified and if unable to collect from Highton Office by Friday 20th December will be posted to your registered address in OHQ. 

  ** To register, log into your OHQ account and you will be directed to create an AFL ID and link to your OHQ Account or if you already have an AFL ID account link it to your OHQ account. 

  This will give you a single sign in to all your AFL accounts and direct access to the LMS for all your umpire and coaching courses. 

• Football Umpiring: Key Dates 2025

  2025 Training Commencement: 

  • AFL Barwon Geelong Umpires – from 5.30pm, Monday 3rd Feb. 2025 at Kardinia Park, then each Monday and Wednesday excluding Public Holidays 
  • AFL Barwon Colac Umpires – from 5.45pm, Wednesday 5th Feb. 2025 at Lake Oval Colac, then each Wednesday excluding Public Holidays. 
  • Practice Matches – from late Feb. 2025 (all umpires must be registered and have completed 2025 Umpire Education Module to be appointed) 

   

  2025 Season Commencement: 

  • BFNL, GDFNL, CDFNL – Saturday 5th April (CDFNL stand alone games 29th March) 
  • GFNL, AFLBW Senior and U18W – Saturday 12th April
  • U18 Boys, AFLBJ U16/14 Boys/girls – Saturday 26th April 
  • AFLB All Abilities – Possibly 3rd or 10th May 

  Mid-season Break:

  • Monday 7th and Wednesday 9th July (leading into the General Bye and week 1 of GDFNL split round) - No AFL Barwon Umpire Training Colac and Geelong 

   All competitions (excluding GDFNL - Bye) play on Kings Birthday weekend. 

  All Senior Men’s and Women’s competitions and U18 female have 2 Bye weekends 

  CDFNL competitions have 3 bye weekends. 

  U18 Boys and Junior boys and Girl’s competitions have 1 Bye weekend (12th July) 

  There will be a much greater presence of Senior Female Football playing on Saturdays under the LGA’s Fair Access Policies, fixtures are yet to be determined at this time. 

Commercial Partnerships

Club Development

• Child Safeguarding Survey 

  On the 06/12/2024 a AFL Barwon Child Safeguarding email update, which included a survey, was sent to Presidents & Secretaries of all Clubs asking where you see your club at in relation to Child Safeguarding obligations & compliance.

  Just a gentle reminder that we require a response by the 31/01/2025. Thank you. 

• Ahead Of The Game 

  Youth mental health education opportunity. 

  Ahead of the Game is a free program for players (12 years-18 years), their parents and coaches. Funded by Movember and partnering with the AFL, Ahead of the Game has delivered 1000+ sessions and reached 18,000+ young players nationally in 2024.

  Ahead of the Game provides young players with the tools to deal with life’s challenges, and the confidence to support their mates through tough times, whilst also empowering them to look after their own mental wellbeing.

  The program has been designed to have localised Delivery Partners come to community clubs to deliver at a time that suits during the season. 

  Further information and to register your interest found here -https://play.afl/movember-ahead-game 

• 

  Lead Your Way Program

  Applications for Lead Your Way 2025 are now open!

  Lead Your Way – presented by AFL Victoria – is calling on women and gender-diverse leaders from community football clubs in (league or region) to level up your skills and network in 2025!

  If you are a current committee member at your club, apply before January 27 2025 to Lead Your Way next year!

  find out more

• 

  Container Deposit Scheme Fundraising Opportunities 

  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. 

  https://cdsvic.org.au/afl-victoria

  ---

  Please contact Tim Secombe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information.

  CDS Notice From AFL Victoria

• 

  Coaches Welcome & Role Vacancy

  A warm welcome to our recently appointed new football coaches.

  Please don't forget to register - https://play.afl/coach 

  More to come on 2025 coaching workshops, including the coach induction workshop coming soon.  

  Position vacant:
  Applications are open for the Coach Developerrole with AFL Victoria for the 2025 season.

  ---

  Please contact Tim Secombe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information.

  AFL Vic Coach developer vacancy

• Grants Update

  The list of funding and grant programs designed to help Victorian community football expanded this week with the Victorian Government announcing two new opportunities for local clubs. 

   Applications are now open for the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF) and the 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF) to help local footy clubs and communities plan, design and build the sport facilities they need. 

  There are a number of funding programs available to support local football clubs, leagues and families across Victoria. Below is a summary of programs currently open and available. Find out whether any of these programs could apply to your club or family.  

  ---

  Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF) 

  The program is designed to help regional communities plan and build, including upgrade existing facilities for women and girls, community facilities, all abilities infrastructure and planning to encourage more people to get involved. 

  More information here

    

  ---

  Telstra Footy Country Grants 

  Local footy clubs across the country can apply for Telstra Footy Country Grants, a partnership between the AFL and Telstra that will deliver $2m per year for a four-year period to community football. 

  More information here.

  ---

  Please contact Tim Secombe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information.

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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  FIXTURE

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  FIXTURE

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  FIXTURE

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  FIXTURE

General Updates

New Updates

Reminders

• 2025 AFL Barwon Themed Rounds

  Please see the below dates of the AFL Barwon Themed Rounds for 2025:

  • Week 19th May to 25th May – AFL Barwon Indigenous Round 
  • Week 9th June to 15th June – Leisure Networks Inclusion / Pride Round 
  • Week 30th June to 6th July – The Athlete's Foot Female Festival of Sport 
  • Week 21st July to 27th July – TAC Road Safety Round 
  • Week 28th July to 3rd August – Mental Health & Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round 

• Preseason Match Filming  

  Red Onion Creative are taking booking for preseason matches.  

  • Cost: $350 + GST per game. If multiple games on the same day are booked, they will provide a custom quote.  

  • Delivery: Coaches receive the footage within 24 hours of game completion 

  • Payment: All games must be paid prior to the day 

  • Split invoices: If clubs are sharing costs, please provide contact details for both clubs 

  To secure your booking, contact Jayden at: 
  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
  0447 376 467  

  Spots are filling quickly, so get in touch soon.

• 

  2025 AFL Barwon Club Education Week (17-19 Feb)

  A friendly reminder that Club Education Week is fast approaching and will be held from the 17th to the 19th of February.

  These sessions will be held virtually across the following topics, with the links to these webinars attached:

  Monday 17th February

  5:45-6:30

  Club Development Webinar – Click Here to Register

  Junior Football Coordinator - Click Here to Register

  6:45-7:30

  Football Umpiring Webinar – Click Here to Register 

  ---

  Wednesday 19th February

  5:45-6:30

  Football Player Points & Salary Cap Webinar – Click Here to Register

  Netball Player Points & Salary Cap Webinar – Click Here to Register

  6:45-7:30

  Football Match Day Operations & Rules/By-Laws Webinar – Click Here to Register

  Netball Panel Umpire & Development Mentor webinar (invite only) – Click Here to Sign Up

  7:45-8:45

  PlayHQ Information Webinar – Click Here to Register

  (Football & Netball)

  ---

  Please ensure you register as soon as possible, which will allow us to distribute any information that may be required relevant to the topic of discussion.

  We look forward to seeing you online next week.

  Club Education Hub

Media Highlights

• 

  Beyond The Boundary Podcast

  K rock Football

  Listen Now

• 

  Roos, Tigers put Anzac clash on hold

  K rock Football

  Read More

• 

  Geelong netball signing tracker

  Geelong Advertiser

  Read More

• 

  Times News Group, AFL Barwon announce media partnership

  Times News Group

  Read More

Football

• Football Order Form
• Practice Match Bookings
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)

New Updates

• Female Football Day of Play information 

  Reminder to Senior Female Football clubs to have their preferences for Day of Play information through to Lisa Patterson by COB Friday 14th  February. 

  Information will be collated at the start of next week to ensure communication can be distributed to all clubs to finalise this process and therefore being able to move forward in preparation for the upcoming 2025 season.   

  Any concerns about having this information through to Lisa by this date please contact her at your earliest convenience. 

   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Grovedale Seeking Team Merge - U16 Female

  Grovedale U16 Female Football are seeking expressions of interest from other clubs who may currently have low player numbers for the 2025 season. 

  If you wish to have further conversation in relation to this matter, please reach out to Grovedale Female Football Coordinator Pat Keating on 0481 484 268 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Reminders

• AFL Barwon Junior Male/Mixed Football Team Entries

  SUBMISSION DUE MARCH 21, 2025

  • Important: Please submit your team entries as accurately as possible, as the first two rounds of fixtures will be based on this information. Ensure all sections of the form are completed.
  • Timing: I encourage clubs to wait until closer to the due date before submitting, allowing time to assess each team’s ability level.
  • Player Numbers: If your club is at risk of not having enough players for a team (or has too many for one team but not enough for two), please inform me as soon as possible.

  Junior Male Team Entries

• AFL Barwon Junior Female Football Team Entries

  SUBMISSION DUE MARCH 21, 2025

  • Important: Please submit your team entries as accurately as possible, as the first two rounds of fixtures will be based on this information. Ensure all sections of the form are completed.
  • Timing: I encourage clubs to wait until closer to the due date before submitting, allowing time to assess each team’s ability level.
  • Player Numbers: If your club is at risk of not having enough players for a team (or has too many for one team but not enough for two), please inform me as soon as possible.

  Junior Female Team Entries

• Coaching Accreditation – Coach AFL

  All coaches participating in AFL Barwon competitions must complete their accreditation before their first game.

  No PlayHQ Registration Required: Once a coach completes accreditation, their details will automatically transfer to PlayHQ for club assignment.

  Coach AFL Accreditation

• Senior Player Payment Requirements

  Standard Player Declarations need to be completed and signed by both parties (player and club official) and uploaded to the Club’s Player Payment Portal by the designated club representative.

  Copy of the Standard Player Declaration

• Under 18 Female Football - Expressions of Interest

  AFL Barwon are seeking expressions of interest for team entries for the Female U18 Competition for 2025.

  If all clubs could please complete the below form expressing your interest to enter for 2025 by Monday 24^th February 2025.

  https://forms.gle/bTwFkKqMv3SM3QXz7

  Please ensure all administrative information has been sent through to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for team contacts in relation to this age group.

  If you have players moving to the AFL Barwon region to participate, these players will require a transfer to be approved.  This is required to be submitted through PlayHq upon the registration of the player.

  Please refer to the below process when transferring clubs:

  1. The player begins the registration process with their new club for 2025.
  2. Transfer will be automated on PlayHq with notification sent to previous club for approval to be sought.  This is to be found un ‘TRANSFERS’ on PlayHq.
  3. Once the previous club has approved the transfer, the new club will need to also approve the transfer.
  4. Process is completed and the player has successfully been registered with their new club for 2025.

  For further information relating to transfers please refer to the below button.

  If you have any further questions in the meantime please do not hesitate to reach out to Lisa Patterson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

  Submitting a transfer request

• 

  Geelong & Surrounds Term 1 Auskick & Superkick

  Details:

  Date: Monday 17^th February
  Time: 4:30- 5:30pm
  Location: Belmont Common
  

  Auskick 5-7 years - REGISTER
  Superkick 7-12 years - REGISTER

• 

  AFL Nines Competitions

  Event Information:

  • Day: Monday
  • Start Date: 17^th February
  • Time: Games starting at 6pm
  • Venue: Belmont Common, Geelong
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Entry Fee: $350 per team (upfront cost; no participant or weekly fees)

  To register your team for the competition, please complete the registration form here - Register | PlayHQ

  ---

  More information about AFL Nines:

  Age Requirement: This event is for participants aged 18 and over.

  Rules & AFL Nines Game Play Information: AFL Nines - Play AFL

  Exciting Extras: DJ, Food Trucks and lots of entertainment so there’s plenty of motivation to compete and have fun!

  Register Your Interest

Netball

• Saturday Team Entries
• Midweek Team Entries
• CDFNL Team Entries
• Practice Match Umpire Requests

New Updates

• 

  Player Points and Registrations 

  Individual Player Points - Reminder 

  A reminder for all clubs to please submit their updated A/B Squad lists toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. once you have completed your trials so that individual player points assessments can be undertaken. 

  For all new players, please include a brief history as to their playing record so that we can correctly identify the player in netball records. 

  Reductions and new points values need to be assigned manually on PlayHQ so please also get your players registered ASAP. 

  For all other player point and player payment information Please review thisHERE. 

  An information session on Player Payments and Points outlining all requirements will be held NEXT WEDNESDAY forCLUB EDUCATION WEEK.  

  Player, Coach and Umpire Registrations 

  A reminder that ALL Players must register on both Netball Connect AND PlayHQ –this is compulsory and can lead to loss of match points. 

   Netball Connect is for ‘Netball Victoria Membership’ which includes player/coach/umpire insurance and has coverage for injuries sustained during training, practice matches and in season games. 

  Instructions on how to set up these forms can be found here:  

  Pre-Season Handbook

• Umpiring

  Beginner Umpire Training Session 

  These training sessions are to provide individuals with the opportunity to take part in an education component discussing the basic netball rules then getting out on court to have a go at umpiring in a non-competitive environment with court side support from our mentors in the program.  

  Participating in one of these sessions is one of the pre-requisites for all umpires prior to starting their umpiring journey within AFL Barwon competitions.  

  Tuesday 11th March 
  4:30pm 
  Kardinia Park 
  Sign up via the link below 
   https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/umpire-netball 

• 

  Coaching

  Requirements 

  • A reminder that it is an AFL Barwon By-Law thatALL COACHES must hold a minimum ofFOUNDATION Coaching Accreditation. 

  •  FOUNDATION COACHING COURSE HERE 

  • A Grade Coaches must hold aDEVELOPMENT level Accreditationwhich includes an online and face-to-face component.  

  • DEVELOPMENT COACHIING COURSE HERE 

  Accreditations last for four years, and can be maintained by completing tasks as outlined on the netball learning site.   

  Upcoming Courses  

  To support coaches who require or wish to obtain the Development Coaching Accreditation, AFL Barwon have coordinated the face-to-face component of this course on Sunday 16th March at 12pm at Herne Hill Reserve –LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE! 

  Participants must register through their netball learning account, and will need to have completed the pre-requisites (ONLINE COMPONENT) in order to access is. 

  REGISTER FOR DEVELOPMENT COACHING PRACTICAL COURSE HERE. 

   

• Netball Victoria – Come and Play Day 

  Get ready for Come & Play Day on Saturday 15 February. Register your Centre's event and share what fun activities you have planned. 
   
  We can't wait to see your Come & Play Day event in action!

  Centre Registration

• Midweek Netball – Summer Finals 

  Friday Night finals (13&U and 15&U) 

  Semi Finals: 

  • Date: Friday 21st February 

  • Venue: Kardinia Park 

  • Format: knockout [1 v 4 (G1), 2 v 3 (G2)] 

  • Number of games: 40 games across 5 timeslots 

  • Times: 4:20pm, 5:15pm, 6:10pm, 7:05pm, 8:00pm 

    Grand Finals: 

  • Date: Friday 28th February 

  • Venue: Kardinia Park 

  • Format: W1 v W2  

  • Number of games: 20 games across 3 timeslots 

  • Times: 4:40pm, 6:00pm, 7:20pm 

  ---

  Tuesday Finals (17&U and All Abilities) 

  Semi Finals: 

  • Date: Tuesday 25th February 

  • Venue: Queens Park and Herne Hill (Cats preseason game at Kardinia Park) 

  • Format: knockout [1 v 4 (G1), 2 v 3 (G2)] 

  • Number of games: 16 games across 4 timeslots (14 x semi-finals for 17s + 2 x AA games – round 9) 

  • Times: 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm 

  Grand Finals: 

  • Date: Tuesday 4th March 

  • Venue: Kardinia Park 

  • Format: W1 v W2 (AA based on ladder position 1 v 2) 

  • Number of games: 8 games across 2 timeslots (7 x 17s + 1 x AA) 

  • Times: 5:00pm and 6:20pm 

  ---

  Finals Qualifications 

  • A Player must take the court in at least 4 games throughout the home and away season to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum of 4 games is not played the player is ineligible to play finals.  

  • NOTE – to be eligible under this rule – a player MUST have PLAYED ON COURT during the games that player team sheets have been submitted throughout the home and away game series.  

  • Where teams play less than 80% of the maximum number of scheduled games, a pro rata system will apply. 

  • Once a player takes the court in the 5th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower division in the same age group. 

  • A player is only allowed to play in one final over the night. 

• Representative Netball Fixtures  

  Monday 17th February 2025 

  Barwon Junior Netball Championships – Championship Teams 

  Venue: Oberon High School Stadium, Armstrong Creek 

  13&U at 5:20pm, 15&U at 6:30pm, 17&U at 7:40pm 

  • Colac & District FNL v Geelong FNL 

  • Bellarine FNL BYE 

  Full BJNC fixture and results 

  ---

  Geelong Central Netball Competitions – Development Teams 

  • 13&U Bellarine FNL v Covenant Yellow – Kardinia Park – Court 4 @ 6:05pm 

  • 13&U Geelong FNL v KIC Kangaroos – Kardinia Park – Court 5 @ 6:05pm 

  • 15&U Bellarine FNL vs KIC Koalas – Kardinia Park - Court 4 @ 7pm 

  • 15&U Geelong FNL vs Devious Devils – Kardinia Park - Court 6 @ 7:55pm 

  Full GCNA fixture and results – 13&U teams 

  Full GCNA fixture and results – 15&U teams 

Football Umpiring

Reminders

• Mandatory Education Module & Club Umpire OHQ

  All regular Club Aligned Umpires in AFL Barwon, will need to register and complete the AFL 2025 Umpire Education Module.  

  Use this link to sign up as “new” or returning umpire on thePlay.afl/umpire web page. 

  ALL 2024 registered umpires have been receiving emails about re-registration and module completion process since November 2024! 

  Please also informThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of your club umpire list for 2025 when known with permitted contact details, level of grade and division they intend to be officiating, to assist you with follow up and support assistance to these umpires. 

  You can use the same link to send to anyone wanting to be a League Umpire in your networks as a general recruiting tool. 

  All Umpires aged 18 or over MUST have a current and valid Victorian WWC (volunteer) and list AFL Barwon as an organization when applying or updating their details. 

  The web page provides a lot of general information about umpiring and how to get started. 

  Once registered in OHQ they will receive further “how to” information as we move forward in the pre-season. 

  All Club aligned umpires are welcome to attend any AFL Barwon Umpire training venue at any time. 

• Umpire Uniforms 

  These can be purchased from Project Clothig 

  Geelong – purchase here 

  Colac – purchase here 

  Reserve Grade field umpires – shirt, shorts and socks, red/yellow/white cards 

  All other grades – shirt, other shorts and socks are optional, but if used presents a more professional look to the individual. 

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

• Geelong Cats Awards Call for Nominations 2025  

  Geelong is calling on nominations for the 2025 Carter/Costa Award and R J Hickey Award. 

  The Carter/Costa Award Criteria 

  The Carter/Costa Award is awarded to an individual in recognition of their exceptional service at Club or Community level within the Geelong region. 

  By demonstrating commitment to teamwork and for their outstanding personal values. 

  This Award seeks to recognise either an Employee or Volunteer at Club or Community level. 

  The R J Hickey Award Criteria 

  The R J Hickey Award is awarded annually by the Geelong Football Club to an individual in recognition of their “outstanding service to Australian Football” particularly but not limited for their contribution to football in the Geelong region.  

  • Roles held in Australian Football such as Player, Coach, Administrator; a member of the Media or a Volunteer at all levels of our game are eligible for consideration. 

  • Geelong FC Officials / Staff / Players and Volunteers are ineligible during their tenure with the Club. 

  • Nominations will be sought from the following: 

  • Honouring the Hoops Committee 

  • Executive Team 

  • Board of Directors 

  • AFL Barwon Commission and Clubs 

  • Members of the public can submit nominations via the Honouring the Hoops Committee 

  Recipients of the Carter/Costa Award and R J Hickey Award will be announced at the Annual General Meeting or other appropriate event in 2025. 

  ---

  How to Nominate? 

  Click Here to see our new Awards Program  which outlines each award, the process and nomination form.  

  Download the Nomination Form here. 

  Email your Nomination Form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Saturday 15 February 2025. 

   

  GFC Awards Program

• Nominate your Westfield Local Hero

  Do you know someone who truly stands out in their dedication to making a positive impact in our local community? Nominate them today as a 2025 Westfield Geelong Local Hero.

  Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition and awards program that shines the spotlight on individuals in Australia and New Zealand who make a positive impact to their local community. Community members nominate their heroes, and we select three finalists for each Westfield centre to go through to a community vote.

  The successful heroes are awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent, and the finalists receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation.

  It’s easy to recognise your hero and put them in the spotlight to potentially receive a $20,000 grant to help continue their work.

  1. Visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes 

  2. Tell us who your hero is and how they create positive impact for your community or environment.

  Nominations for 2025 Westfield Local Heroes are now open and close Thursday 13 March 2025.

  If you have any questions, please email Dylan Komiyama (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Marketing Executive, Westfield Geelong.

• Westfield Geelong Offers Local Sporting Clubs a Unique Promotional Opportunity 

  Westfield Geelong is providing an exciting opportunity for local community groups and sporting organisations to promote their clubs and build brand awareness amongst local customers. Through this initiative, Westfield Geelong aims to support the local community while generating excitement and engagement with shoppers. 

  Westfield Geelong’s Community Sport Zone will be available for use from March 21st to March 30th, offering a promotional space for AFL Barwon clubs to showcase their offerings and attract new members. 

  Community Sport Zone Details: 

  • Location: Westfield Geelong Level 1, near Cotton On 

  • Size: 4m x 4m, fenced-in area 

  • Equipment Provided: Desk with computer screen and USB connection for branding 

  • Activation Options: Clubs can design their own activations, including practice drills, sports displays, and club branding (no pull-up banners or A-frames permitted). 

  • Manning Requirements: The site must be staffed between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at a minimum on all allocated days. 

  This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for local sporting organisations to engage with the community, drive participation, and increase visibility in a high-traffic retail environment.   

  Clubs interested in securing a spot in the Community Sport Zone are encouraged to email Sean Atkinson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with your preferred date and section of your club you will be focusing the promotion on by Friday February 28th.  

• 

  Save with Club Warehouse Sports Medical Supplies 

  Cub Warehouse are excited to be continuing our partnership with AFL Barwon as the official medical supplier in 2025.  

  Receive10% offwholesale pricing on their entire strapping tape range throughout February.  

  Plus claim up to$3,500 value inBonus stock through their reward packs available here: 

  • Club Warehouse Reward Pack  

  • D3 Reward Pack  

  • Elastoplast & Leukoplast Reward Pack 

  • POW.R Reward Pack 

  • Strapit & Greentech Reward Pack 

  • Victor & Maxiplast Reward Pack  

  Speak to Martin Gaul for more details or to request tapesamples at: 

  • Phone: 0413 576 677 
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
     

  Buy Now

Club Development

New Updates

AFL Victoria Coaching forum 

AFL Victoria is proud to announce an unmissable Coaching Forum this March 2025, designed to elevate your coaching skills and knowledge. Whether you're an experienced coach or just starting out, this forum is the perfect chance to hear from some of the best in the industry, including keynote speakers, top coaches, educators, and mentors. As well as build your coaching community by connecting and sharing insights with other coaches. 

HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Informative sessions & professional development 
• Gain firsthand knowledge from AFL experts and coaches (Nathan Buckley, Sam Mitchell + more to come) 
• Interactive workshops 
• Earn valuable points towards your coaching progression 
• Connect with other coaches, share insights, and build your coaching community. 
  

---

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE

View Event Program

Reminders

• AFL Victoria Melbourne Satellite Training Hub 

   AFL Victoria are excited to announce that theMelbourne Satellite Training Hub will continue in season 2025. This AFL Victoria initiative is aimed at providing a structured training session for players from AFL Victoria Country affiliated leagues and clubs residing in Metropolitan Melbourne. 
   
  Summary of the 2025 details: 

  • When: Tuesday night every week (one night a week), starting at 6.00pm finishing at 7.15pm. The hub will run from mid-March to mid-September with the official start date to be communicated closer to March. 

  • Where: Merv (Mervyn G) Hughes Oval. 99 Farnsworth Ave, Footscray VIC 3011. 

  • Purpose: To create a club-like atmosphere where country club players can train together as a group that are living in Metro-Melbourne. 

  • Coach: Each session will be coached by a qualified AFL Victoria Coach Developer. 

  • Communication: Registered players for the hub via PlayHQ will be added to an AFL Victoria WhatsApp group where week-to-week updates and communication is shared. 

  • Registration: Registrations will again be facilitated through Play HQ, ensuring user-friendly and efficient onboarding for players. Players wanting to train at the hub will be required to register in PlayHQ and pay the player levy, to ensure players are covered for insurance. 

  • Registration Link: Players can now register for the 2025 Melbourne Satellite Training Hub via this link -https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/6f5e8f 

  • Cost: $90 – for the full 2025 season. 

• AFL Victoria Regional Satisfaction Survey 

  AFL Victoria are leading the annual Regional Satisfaction Survey and we invite all Clubs to submit a response of feedback to enable AFL Barwon & AFL Victoria to adequately prepare for 2025. 

  Your time and comments are greatly appreciated, and you can complete the Survey via the link below

  Complete Survey

• 

  Prep To Play

  Come and learn how to use Prep-to-Play and prevent injuries this season.  

  A practical workshop to give you the confidence and skills to use new warm-up, tackling and ground ball drills at your next training. This will include a structured, evidence-based football specific warm-up and cool down, as well as how to teach and introduce contact skills (tackling/being tackled/ground ball focus) safely and effectively. 

  When and where: 6.00pm -7.30pm Tuesday March 25th, 2025, Location in Geelong TBA. 

  Who can attend: Coaches, players, parents, trainers, health/exercise professionals. Prep-to-Play can be used in female and male teams, and all age groups.  

  Coaches will earn 50 CPD points via AFL Learn. 

  Please contact Tim Secombe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and/or the Prep-to-Play team (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information. 

  Register Your Interest Here

• Change Our Game

  The Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program funds community level initiatives that enable participation, build capability and celebrate the role of women and girls in community sport and active recreation.

  The program has many outcomes:

  • increased participation by women and girls in community sport and active recreation
  • enhanced understanding of gender equity practices within community sport and active recreation organisations
  • more women in leadership roles in community sport and active recreation
  • promotion and elevation of women and girls in sport and active recreation

  Applications close on the 26^th of February. 

  Find Out More

• Telstra Footy Country Grants

  Local footy clubs across the country can apply for Telstra Footy Country Grants, a partnership between the AFL and Telstra that will deliver $2m per year for a four-year period to community football.

  Find Out More

• Ahead of the Game

  Ahead of the Game is a free program for players (12 years-18 years), their parents and coaches. Funded by Movember and partnering with the AFL, Ahead of the Game has delivered 1000+ sessions and reached 18,000+ young players nationally in 2024.

  Ahead of the Game provides young players with the tools to deal with life’s challenges, and the confidence to support their mates through tough times, whilst also empowering them to look after their own mental wellbeing. The program has been designed to have localised Delivery Partners come to community clubs to deliver at a time that suits during the season.

  In 2025 Ahead of the game will have capacity to deliver up to 40 workshops in the Geelong & Colac regions.

  Further information and to register your interest can be found here - https://play.afl/movember-ahead-game 

  Watch video about Ahead of the Game - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azNYnVgXL6s 

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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General Updates

New Updates

• 

  Updated Fixture Changes - ANZAC Day clash and Grand Final Rematch

  ANZAC Day clash and Grand Final rematch included in updated fixture changes 

  AFL Barwon wishes to advise of several fixture changes for the 2025 season across both Bellarine & Geelong Football and Netball competitions. 

  Please see all the updated match times and dates below: 

  Twilight Matches for Colac in Round 0 and Round 3 

  Colac vs Bell Park (Round 0) will feature a twilight Senior Football match kicking off at 5:30pm, while A Grade Netball will commence at 3:50pm 

  Colac vs South Barwon (Round 3) will also be played under twilight conditions, with Senior Football starting at 5:30pm and A Grade Netball at 3:50pm. 

  ANZAC Day Night Clash: Newcomb vs Ocean Grove 

  Newcomb vs Ocean Grove clash has been rescheduled to an ANZAC Day night fixture, adding to the significance of the day in the Bellarine FNL. Both Senior Football and A Grade Netball will now take place under lights, with first bounce and first centre pass at 6:30pm. 

  This change marks a shift from the traditional scheduling and enhances the ANZAC Day proceedings in the region, complementing the existing Portarlington vs Drysdale fixture earlier in the day.   

  South Barwon vs Leopold moved back to Saturday 

  The highly anticipated Grand Final rematch between South Barwon and Leopold has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 24th, reverting to traditional time slots after originally set for Sunday May 25th. 

  Leopold vs St Joseph’s Netball Venue Change 

  The Leopold vs St Joseph’s A Grade Netball match, originally scheduled to be played in Lorne, will now be played at Leopold on Saturday, April 12th due to court issues. 

  For the latest fixture updates and matchday information, stay tuned to the AFL Barwon website and social media channels. 

   

• 

  AFL Barwon Club & Affiliation Fees for 2025 

  The AFL Barwon Commission can confirm to stakeholders that club affiliation and winter team fees will remain unchanged for the 2025 season. 

  Affiliation and winter Football team fees have remained unchanged following a review conducted in 2021, during which AFL Barwon significantly subsidised fees at the conclusion of the season. 

  AFL Barwon will conduct a comprehensive review of all affiliation and team entry fees throughout the 2025 season to ensure a fair and sustainable fee structure for 2026 and beyond. This review will consider economic pressures, cost increases across all facets of football and netball operations, and the long-term sustainability of club and AFL Barwon finances. 

   While this decision helps ease immediate financial pressures on clubs, AFL Barwon remains committed to working closely with clubs and maintaining transparency throughout this process. 

• Submit Your Content For AFL Barwon Media Platforms

  New AFL Barwon Club Content Submission Form – Share Your Stories & Updates

  AFL Barwon is excited to introduce a new, streamlined process for clubs to submit social media content, major news stories, and community updates for us to share.

  We will use this information to create a regular Club Noticeboard update across our platforms, with the possibility of broader coverage for major announcements.

  What can you submit?
  Game day photos/videos 
  Player milestones & achievements 
  Club events & announcements 
  Community initiatives & feel-good stories 
  Major club news & opportunities 

  How to submit?
  Fill out our AFL Barwon Club Content Submission Form

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  We encourage all clubs to use this form to keep us informed about exciting news and key updates we can share across our platforms. Whether it's a player reaching a milestone, a club fundraiser, or a heartwarming community initiative, we want to hear about it. 

  If you have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Submission Form

• Club Education Hub

  Thank you to everyone who attended a Club Education session this week. 

  All sessions were recorded and will be available on the Club Education Hub within the next week. 

  More information to come.

  Club Education Hub