The Barwon Bulletin - June 5
THE BARWON BULLETIN
The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
To recieve email notifications of the Barwon Bulletin, please contact
EDITION 41
June 5, 2025
(LAST UPDATED - June 5, 2025)
(Umpire appointments are updated Thursday 4pm)
General Updates
New Updates
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Inclusion Round - 10th June - 15th June
Together For Inclusion.
Next week is AFL Barwon's Inclusion Round supported by our Inclusion Partner, Leisure Networks, and our Competition Partner, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.
The major event for Inclusion Round will be the All-Abilities football games held at GMHBA Stadium on Friday the 13th June, with gates opening at 4:30pm. Details can be found in the flyer below.
There is also an Inclusion Round Toolkit for Clubs to use to promote the round (linked below).
Clubs are required to collect yellow armbands within the next week from AFL Barwon's office at Highton Reserve. We ask that players & umpires wear armbands during their games on the 13-15th June to show their support for Inclusion and raise awareness in the Barwon Region.
AFL Barwon is proud to support a community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to thrive. Thanks to our Inclusion Round Naming Rights Partner, Leisure Networks, we’re growing our All-Abilities competitions and creating more opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved.
This Inclusion Round (10–15 June 2025), we celebrate the people who make our clubs strong — because everyone deserves to feel part of the game, no matter their ability, culture, gender, or identity.
In 2025, Pride celebrations will also be a key part of the round, promoting visibility, acceptance, and safety for all.
Together with Leisure Networks, we’re breaking down barriers and building a sporting community where everyone belongs.
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John Bligh OAM honoured with Under 18 best on ground medal
AFL Barwon is proud to announce that the Best on Ground medal for the Under 18 Division 1 Male Football Grand Final will be named in honour of John Bligh OAM — a legendary figure in Geelong’s junior football landscape whose remarkable contribution to the game has spanned more than 35 years.
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AFL Barwon to Farewell Long-Serving Football Leader at Conclusion of 2025 Season
AFL Barwon announces that Head of Football, Michael Limb, will conclude his tenure at the end of the 2025 season, bringing to a close an extraordinary 23-year contribution to football in the region.
Michael began his journey with the organisation under Football Geelong and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the game locally through his time as Junior Football Manager, Senior Football Manager, Head of Operations, and most recently, Head of Football at AFL Barwon.
Across more than two decades, Michael’s contribution to the growth and governance of community football in the Barwon region has been immense. His guidance and football intellect have underpinned a period of substantial development, ensuring clubs and competitions have continued to thrive.
Michael has been a guiding figure for clubs, players, coaches, and volunteers across all levels of community football. His deep understanding of the game and its governance needs, coupled with his ability to influence, has supported the region through significant growth, challenges, and transformation.
From managing competitions and player registrations, to overseeing disciplinary matters and implementing governance reforms, Michael’s fingerprints are on nearly every operational aspect of the game in the Barwon region. His work behind the scenes has ensured that thousands of participants have had the opportunity to enjoy safe, well-run, and inclusive competitions year after year.
Michael’s knowledge and experience have been integral to many aspects of the game’s operations, particularly in overseeing the Match Review Panel, Tribunal processes, Player Points System and Allowable Player Payments. His commitment to fairness, integrity, and supporting clubs has helped create a robust football framework that will continue to benefit the region long after his departure.
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Register - All Girls Clinics (Female Festival of Sport)
As part of Female Festival of Sport week AFL Barwon and AFL VIC be running NetSetGO and Auskick clinics on Monday 30th June.
Event Details:
Leopold Memorial Reserve
Auskick: 4:30pm - 5:15pm
NetSetGo: 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Age Groups
Auskick: ages 5 - 12 years
NetSetGo: ages 7 - 11 years
For more information, please contact
Maddie Okely -This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (NetSetGO)
Hannah Quinn -This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Auskick)
Register here - https://forms.office.com/r/AHuuy7q0bG
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Thank You & Farewell Chloe Prout
AFL Barwon wishes to advise that Chloe Prout will be finishing up in her role on Friday, 20 June, after three years with the organisation.
Chloe has made a valuable and lasting impact on the netball community, particularly her commitment to junior netball through the midweek competition where she has played a key role in rebuilding the structure and standards of the competition to support its continued growth. Chloe has also contributed to the representative program, reigniting its professionalism and reinforcing its importance as a genuine pathway in our region.
Her passion for creating opportunities for young players, supporting clubs and volunteers, and helping grow the game across the Barwon region has been deeply appreciated.
We sincerely thank Chloe for her outstanding contribution and dedication over the past three years, and we wish her all the best in her new role.
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AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule
BFNL
Senior Football
7/6/25 - Portarlington vs Ocean Grove - 2:10pm
A Grade Netball
7/6/25 - Modewarre vs Drysdale - 1:50pm
GFNL
Senior Football
8/6/25 - St Joseph's vs Newtown & Chilwell - 2:10pm
A Grade Netball
7/6/25 - Geelong West vs Colac - 1:40pm
CDFNL
Senior Football
7/6/25 - South Colac vs Simpson - 2:15pm
9/6/25 - Colac & District FNL vs Geelong & District FNL - 1:30pm
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Mid Season Entry NOW OPEN
Mid season entries to Auskick and Super Kick for all new participants is now only $55!!
It's not too late to join the fun.
Reminders
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Rising Star Nominations Reminder
AFL Barwon Clubs – Rising Star Nominations.
Do you have a rising star lighting up the field or the court?
AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Geelong Times, is now calling for club nominations for the Football and Netball Rising Star Award – recognising the brightest young talent in our region.
This prestigious award celebrates standout players under the age of 21 (as of January 1) from the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues and Female Football Competitions, who show exceptional promise and performance on the field or court.
Each month, a Rising Star nominee will be featured in the Geelong Times, with all monthly nominees remaining eligible for the overall Rising Star Award, to be presented at the end of the season. Therefore, you only need to submit the application once for the season.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be under 21 years of age as of January 1
- Must have played no more than 10 Senior Football and A Grade games prior to the start of the current season
Clubs are invited to submit a nomination that includes a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve recognition.
Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/38tcL8rEhRawV41B6
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Save The Date - Female Festival of Sport Breakfast
The 2025 Female Festival of Sport Week will be held from the June 30th - July 6th, with the annual Breakfast event held on the 4th of July.
Details of breakfast:
- Date - Friday July 4th
- Location - Geelong West Town Hall
- Time - 6:45am Arrival, 7:00am Start
- Host - Madi Browne
- Panellists - Coming soon
Tickets will be released on June 2.
Local Scoreboards
Times Footy
Commercial Partnerships
New Updates
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Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative Supporting Local Clubs
AFL Barwon has teamed up with global sauce and condiments brand Lee Kum Kee to launch the Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative for the 2025 season!
This exciting new program invites clubs to take part in a fun and creative video challenge using Lee Kum Kee products, with a $4,000 prize up for grabs to support a club improvement project.
The initiative is all about celebrating community spirit, creativity, and supporting long-term growth for local football and netball clubs.
Find out more and get involved:
Read the full article here -
AFL Barwon Welcomes Town & Country Pizza as an Official Partner
AFL Barwon is proud to announce a new three-year partnership with Town & Country Pizza, naming the beloved local business the Official Pizza and Pasta Partner of AFL Barwon for the next three years.
As part of the partnership, AFL Barwon clubs and members will enjoy exclusive specials and promotions at participating Town & Country Pizza stores throughout the season, bringing even more value to being part of the local football and netball community.
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Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Dulux Community Bay Club Tickets
A reminder to clubs to RSVP if they would like to take up the offer as per the email earlier this week.
Please complete the RSVP link by 5pm Friday June 13th.
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AFL Barwon Ticket Offer - Geelong Cats vs Gold Coast Suns
Don’t miss Round 13 as the Cats take on the Suns!Take advantage of this exclusive AFL Barwon offer and score 25% off Joel Selwood Stand tickets.
Click the link below to secure your seats now! -
Coaching Young Minds
Join us for an important conversation on how to better support neurodivergent youth in sport!
Monday 16 June 2025
6:15 PM – 8:30 PM
GMHBA Stadium
$15 per personThis session is perfect for coaches working with young people aged 12–18. Learn practical strategies to:
- Coach inclusively
- Communicate effectively
- Create positive team environments
- Recognise and work with diverse strengths
Featuring keynote speaker A/Prof Erin Hoare, with insights from Simon Lloyd and Travis Zimmer
Hosted by Claudia Gunjaca, AFLW athlete with the Geelong CatsAll proceeds go directly to supporting Read the Play’s youth mental health programs.
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Corio Bay Health Group - Sports Taping Workshop
Football
Junior Football
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Fixtures Released
AFL Barwon is pleased to advise that all underage male and female fixtures have now been finalised and published on PlayHQ for the remainder of the 2025 season.
We encourage all clubs and officials to review the updated fixtures and share the relevant information with your teams and families. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we worked through the scheduling process.
Fixtures are now available at www.aflbarwon.com.au
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Expression of Interest- U9 Girls Competition
AFL Barwon is seeking Expressions of Interest from clubs interested in entering a team in the Under 9 Girls competition, set to commence in August.
The competition will be held across two venues, which are yet to be confirmed. As outlined, it will begin following the conclusion of Auskick programs.
This exciting initiative provides young girls with their first opportunity to play footy in a game-like environment. It’s a fantastic chance for clubs to promote participation, continue building their junior girls programs, or even kickstart one for the first time.
Closing date for EOI’s is Friday 27th June.
Further information will be provided post cutoff date for EOI’s.
All-Abilities Football
GMHBA Stadium Take Over
Resource Links
- 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
- Non-Appointed Umpire Match Report
- Non-Competitive - Umpire Match Report
- PlayHQ - Team Manager Matchday Guide
- Local PPS BY LAWS
- E-Scoring via PlayHQ Apps
- On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
- Football Order Form
Football Umpiring
New Updates
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Jock Hillgrove Leave Period
Jock Hillgrove will be taking some well-deserved leave from the 6th June - 7th July 2025.
If you are requiring assistance during this time, please contact Will Ross at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and your request will be directed to the appropriate contact. -
AFL Barwon Umpire Interleague Appointments
Please join us in congratulating the below umpires for their appointment to Interleague Game.
CDFNL v GDFNL
Monday 9th June @ Winchelsea 1.30pmField
- Craig Kerr
- Errol Burns
- Hamish Irvin
Boundary
- Malachi Brentwood-Balcombe
- Benjamin Pilley
- Jaymee Guy
- Jack Tingiri
Goal
- Hayley Hunt
- Jack McIntyre
MDO
- Field – Joshua James
- Boundary – Jake Robertson
- Goal – Sian James
Netball
Netball Victoria
BFNL & GFNL Netball
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Netball Game Management Education Session
AFL Barwon will be delivering an education session on a collaborative approach to the delivery and process of game management that incorporates input from both coaches and umpires to support the game. This session will be presented by A badge umpire Emily Green.
Aimed at:- Coaches involved in grades 17&U Division 1 and above.
- Badged umpires who are umpiring grades 17&U Division 1 and above.
Clubs are expected to have 2 people attend both the Umpires and Coaches session.
Umpires: Tuesday 10th June – 6:30pm, Kardinia Park Netball Complex
Coaches: Monday 16 June – 6pm, AFL Barwon Highton Office -
June Netball Meeting/Workshop – Postponed
The next Netball Meeting/Workshop following March’s catch up was originally tabled for June. This meeting will be postponed to sometime in July, with the date to be communicated in due course via email to clubs.
Thanks for your understanding.
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ACTION ITEM - Seeking club to host development coaching session
AFL Barwon are seeking support from a club within our region to host the practical component of the Development Coaching Course in approximately 6-8 weeks.
The course runs for approximately 4-5 hours, and requires the use of courts and a meeting space with TV/projector.
CHECK LIST:
- Organise venue – meeting room (TV and audio-visual equipment required) and netball court (indoor court is preferred). Ensure sufficient seating is available.
- Organise and confirm players for practical session. (14 to 18 players) – AFLB can support
- Contact Coach Developer prior to workshop day. – AFLB can support
- Ensure basic first aid kit is available.
- Organise equipment (balls, bibs and cones).
- Organise whiteboard & markers
- Mark participant attendance on Registration Sheet. Check all required information is completed.
- Ensure course material provided by Netball Victoria is distributed at the course.
- Forward completed Registration Sheet and any additional manuals to Netball Victoria’s Workforce Department within 7 days after the course using the reply-paid envelope supplied.
If your club has someone who needs/wants to undertake the course, or you’d just be happy to help out for the day, please contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
Live scoring
Live scoring has been completed really well this season, so a huge thanks to you all for your buy in.
If you’re ever having trouble with e-scoring, some trouble shooting steps include:
- Ensuring you’re using the correct scoring link
- Logging out and back in
- Clearing your browser cache
- Ensuring the person trying to score has been granted access via the admin portal.
E-scoring instructions can be found via theMatch Day Operations Manual
Keep up the great work!
Junior Netball
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Midweek Netball - AFL MATCH CLASH
AFL MATCH CLASH - Friday 20th June
The fixture for the Friday 20th June has now been finalised. With Kardinia Park unavailable, we are hosting games at six different venues to accommodate all games. The venues are:
- Lara Recreation Reserve (Lara)
- Queens Park (Geelong Amateur)
- McDonald Reserve (South Barwon)
- Banyul-Warri Fields (Surf Coast Suns)
- Grinter Reserve (Newcomb)
- Shell Road Reserve (Ocean Grove)
As previously mentioned, due to the scale of this night, we have been unable to accommodate fixture requests, therefore, clubs and teams will need to make alternate arrangements as needed.
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11&U Team Photos
Over the past few weeks, the Geelong Advertiser has been taking photos of our 11&U teams as part of a ‘My First Club’ feature within the newspaper. The last remaining teams will be photographed next Tuesday 10th June at Shell Road Reserve. We will inform clubs once the print date is confirmed.
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Representative Netball – Monday 9th June
Fixtures
Geelong Central Netball Association
- BYE – Public Holiday
- Semester 1 Finals start Monday 16th June
CDFNL Netball
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Interleague vs Geelong & District FNL – Monday 9 June
The CDFNL Board would like to congratulate all Netballers on making the Senior Interleague team and the 17 & Under Division 2 team for season 2025.
This coming Monday the 9th of June both teams will be versing the Geelong & District Football Netball League at Winchelsea Rec Reserve.
We wish you all the very best on this day and are excited to showcase an exciting display of the talent we have in our league.
CDFNL Under 17’s Division 2 -12:30pm
- Tabatha Permezel
- Eliza Speirs
- Tayla Bertrand
- Mathilde Dare
- Camryn Smith
- Angelique Morrison
- Ruby Fountain
- Lani Foster
- Georgia Egan
Coach: Claire Robertson
Team Manager: Karen Speirs
Umpire: Johnathon Hay
CDFNL Seniors -1:30pm
- Ruby Bowers (C)
- Eliza Cahill
- Madi Capsalis
- Hayley Foster
- Brooke Hawkins
- Chelsea Hillman
- Leigh Potter
- Georgia Robinson
- Jeremi Robinson
- Saskia Rowan
Coach: Eliza Speirs
Assistant Coach: Bianca McKay
Team Manager: Eva Callahan
Umpire: Emily Montano
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Netball Game Management Education Session – Attendance encouraged
AFL Barwon will be delivering an education session on a collaborative approach to the delivery and process of game management that incorporates input from both coaches and umpires to support the game. This session will be presented by A badge umpire Emily Green.
Aimed at:- Coaches involved in grades 17&U and above.
- Badged umpires who are umpiring grades 17&U and above.
Umpires: Tuesday 10th June – 6:30pm, Kardinia Park Netball Complex
Coaches: Monday 16 June – 6pm, AFL Barwon Highton Office
Resource Links
- Netball Resources
- Match Day Operations Manual
- 11 & Under Fixture
- All-Abilities Fixture
- Friday Night Fixture
Netball Umpiring
Clubs are required to email through their umpire rosters by the conclusion of each round to
New Updates
Netball Game Management Education Session – Attendance required
AFL Barwon will be delivering an education session on a collaborative approach to the delivery and process of game management that incorporates input from both coaches and umpires to support the game. This session will be presented by A badge umpire Emily Green.
Aimed at:
- Coaches involved in grades 17&U Division 1 and above.
- Badged umpires who are umpiring grades 17&U Division 1 and above.
GFNL and BFNL clubs are expected to have 2 people attend both the Umpires and Coaches session. Umpires: Tuesday 10th June – 6:30pm, Kardinia Park Netball Complex
Coaches: Monday 16 June – 6pm, AFL Barwon Highton Office
Club Development
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2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards
Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2025 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money can’t buy 2025 Toyota Grand Final experience and keys to a brand-new Toyota. -
2025 WorkSafe Club Safety Fund Applications now open!
AFL Victoria, in collaboration with WorkSafe Victoria, are proud to announce that all AFL Victoria affiliated country football and netball clubs are once again eligible to benefit from the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund in 2025.
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AAMI Clangers
Clangers for Good is back, and this year it isn’t just open to footy clubs, its for all AFL Fans. If you have a footy related clanger. AAMI wants to hear about it -
Toyota Good for Footy Raffle
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2025! If a club has never engaged with the program, they can now register for free via the link below.
Clubs who have previously registered are automatically re-registered and can start fundraising Immediately.
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Bunnings Legend of the Tongs
A nation-wide search to find, recognise, and reward local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their clubs. for more information.
Nominations are open now! Closing: 24 August 2025.
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PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program
The 2025 PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program is now open for all AFL Victoria affiliated clubs.
Subsidy will provide up to $1000 towards the cost of new posts for your ground.
This program is open until 30 June, 2025
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Club Health Checks - Closing Soon
We want to hear about your club!
AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria want to better understand your clubs’ structures,
challenges and priorities so we can better support, not only your club,but club volunteers across the state for 2025 and beyond.
The best ways to complete the survey are to:
- Complete as a whole committee at your next committeemeeting; or
- Get a few members of your committee to complete the surveyseparately in their own time.
No matter how the survey is completed, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs’ structures, challenges, and priorities.
Club Health Check - Incentive CLOSING SOON
Late breaking news! - NEW COMPETITION FOR ONE CLUB TO WIN $4K+
Overall, we have had approximately 44% of clubs in Victoria respond to the 2025 Club Health Check.
With a goal of 60%, a new opportunity for clubs who complete the Club Health Check has launched.
Clubs who complete the survey before 11:59pm June 9 go in the draw to win a prize worth $4,100 ex GST ($2k cash + 12 footys)!
N.B.: All responses submitted during the competition period (before 09/06/’25) go in the draw to win the prize, so all previous responses since late last year will be eligible. N.B.: Each club would only be entered once for one or more surveys complete.
