THE BARWON BULLETIN

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2025 Handbook

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Football Umpire Appointments

General Updates

Key Updates

• 

  Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round

  Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3

  The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.

  AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.

  The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.

  All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.

  ---

  Game Balls & Medals

  Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:

  • AFL Barwon HQ (Club pigeonholes) – from Tuesday 29 July 2025

  • Colac & District FNL Clubs (Colac RSL) – from Wednesday 23 July 2025

  Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.

  Mental Health Round Guide

• 

  Mental Health Round Game

  Tackle Your Feelings, Read the Play and Leisure Networks are coming together to help support the mental health of the football and netball communities in the Geelong, Barwon and Surf Coast regions. The organisations will be holding a special mental-health themed event at the Geelong and District Football Netball League clash between Winchelsea and Thomson at Eastern Reserve (Winchelsea) on Saturday August 9 starting at 12.30pm. The luncheon will include a panel discussion with Geelong footballers Mark O’Connor and Zach Guthrie, as well as some other activations and prize giveaways. For those looking to support or requiring further information, please get in contact with TYF’s Ben Guthrie (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Read the Play’s Michelle Gerdtz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Hope to see as many people supporting mental health on the day as we can.

• 

  AFL Barwon Broadcast & Filming EOI

  AFL Barwon is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced media, broadcast, or production companies to deliver filming, live streaming, highlights, and digital content distribution services for football and netball matches across our competitions.

  Our current broadcast footprint includes the live streaming of one senior football match per week in both the Geelong Football League (GFNL) and Bellarine Football League (BFNL). All seniorfootball matches are filmed weekly,while netball coverage is provided using VEO technology.

  This tender process aims to formalise and potentially expand AFL Barwon’s filming and broadcast arrangements from the 2026 season onwards.
  

  The Expression of Interest Form can be found below.

  AFL Barwon Broadcast & Filming EOI

• 

  Community Awards Nominations

  AFL Barwon is excited to seek nominations for the 2025 AFL Barwon Community Awards.

  The event has incorporated the historic AFL Barwon Coaches Awards with the additions of Community Netball Coaching, Club Administrator Awards, and both Football and Netball umpiring awards.

  To nominate a Club Administrator, Football or Netball Coach, Personality of the Year or Club Trainer, simply answer the questions below associated with the specific award.

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

  Nominate Here

• 

  AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  BFNL

  Senior Football

  26/7/25 - Ocean Grove vs Newcomb - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  26/7/25 - Queenscliff vs Modewarre - 1:50pm

  ---

  GFNL

  Senior Football

  26/7/25 - South Barwon vs Bell Park - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  26/7/25 - South Barwon vs Bell Park - 1:50pm

  ---

  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  26/7/25 - Irrewarra-Beeac vs Lorne- 2:15pm

  Watch here

Reminders

• 

  Discover a better way to learn at SEDA College

  Connect your child’s passion with their education and complete Years 11 & 12 at SEDA College. SEDA College is an Independent Senior secondary school and our model places student interest at the forefront of their Senior Secondary education, alongside a practical connection to the sport & recreation industry.

  Read More

• 

  Coaches Awards Votes Entry - REMINDER

  We are currently following up on a few outstanding submissions to for this year’s award across all Senior Male and Female Football, and A Grade Netball competitions.

  To maintain the integrity of the results and ensure players across all clubs are recognised appropriately, we kindly remind all coaches to submit their votes if they haven't already.

  These votes provide a valuable opportunity for coaches to acknowledge standout performances, both from within their own teams and from the opposition.

  At this stage, we are holding off on publicly releasing the leaderboards to ensure all data is complete and accurate.

  If you have any questions or require assistance with submitting your votes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

• 

  TAC Road Safety Round

  With TAC Road Safety Round taking place across the weekend of July 26–27,AFL Barwon is gearing up to support this important community initiative, and we’re calling on all clubs to get behind it.

  Club merchandise packs, including TAC Band Together blue armbands, posters and booklets, have been distributed and should arrive early this week (if not already). Clubs can now collect these from AFL Barwon.

  Clubs can also access bonus armband rolls for urgent activity, early promotion, or media opportunities. Please direct requests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  A digital stakeholder pack to help clubs with messaging can be foound below.

  Make sure to tag @TACVictoria, @AFLVictoria, and use #tacbandtogether when sharing any content.

  For general club questions, please direct them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  Let’s band together and make a visible impact across the Barwon region.

  VIEW DIGITAL STAKEHOLDER PACK HERE

• 

  JOB ALERT - AFL Barwon Football Operations Lead

  We are seeking a creative, enthusiastic and motivated person to manage all operational and strategic facets of Football in the AFL Barwon Region.

  The Football Operations Lead is responsible for the delivery, management and oversight of all football competitions and football operations across the AFL Barwon region. This role is a key driver of competition integrity, planning, stakeholder relationships and the successful coordination of regular season and finals competitions.

  Read More

• 

  JOB ALERT - AFL Barwon Netball Competition Coordinator

  The Netball Competition Coordinator is primarily responsible for managing and coordinating all onsite venue requirements for the AFL Barwon Junior Netball midweek competitions. The AFL Barwon Junior Netball competitions are run across Tuesday and Friday evenings at multiple venues. 

  The successful applicant will be responsible for liaising with key stakeholders, clubs, netball umpires, AFL Barwon staff and other valuable groups present at our midweek competitions.

  Read More

Local Scoreboards

• BFNL Round 14 Scoreboard
• GFNL Round 12 Scoreboard
• Beyond the Boundary Podcast

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams
• The Warm Up on Podcast

Commercial Partnerships

The Back Court Trivia Night – SSN Grand Final Week!

Netball Australia and The Back Court podcast are bringing the energy off the court with a special Trivia Night during SSN Grand Final Week!

Gather your team and test your netball and footy knowledge in a night of fun, food, and fanfare – hosted by The Back Court podcast crew.

Your ticket includes:
Chicken or eggplant parma
A drink of your choice
A merch pack to take home

Plus, there’ll be plenty of prizes, laughs, and special guests from the footy and netball world. Whether you're a die-hard netballer, a footy tragic, or just love a good pub trivia night, this event is made for you!

Don’t miss out – all the details and tickets are available below.

RSVP FORM

Club Development

• City of Greater Geelong Community Grants

  Our 2025–26 Community Grants open on Saturday 26 July 2025. To assist you in applying for a grant we are offering free information sessions and grant‑writing workshops. Information sessions The information sessions will explain the 2025–26 grants offered, including key eligibility criteria, and highlight any changes in the guidelines. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to understand which grant best suits your project. Community Infrastructure In person | Wednesday 6 August, 6:00-7:30pm (doors open 5:45pm) Wurriki Nyal,137–149 Mercer Street, Geelong Register to attend. All other grants In person | Thursday 7 August, 6:00-7:30pm (doors open 5:45pm) Wurriki Nyal,137–149 Mercer Street, Geelong Format: brief introduction, followed by breakout sessions tailored for each grant Register to attend. Grant‑writing workshops The grant‑writing workshops are designed to help you craft a strong application. We’ll take a detailed look at the application questions, explain what makes a good application and give examples of what to avoid. Community Infrastructure Hybrid (online and at Wurriki Nyal) Wednesday 20 August, 6:00-7:30pm Register to attend. Online only | Thursday 14 August, 6:00–7:00pm Register for all grant writing workshops (except Infrastructure).  If you have any questions, please email or call us at 03 5272 5560.

   

• AFL and Footy for Climate Community Club Survey

  HELP MAKE YOUR CLUB A LEADER IN SUSTSAINABLE SPORT

  The AFL and Footy for Climate are teaming up to survey local footy clubs about solar energy use and broader sustainability efforts and we need just 5 minutes of your time.

  Your input will help shape future support for local clubs and highlight the teams already driving change in our game. 

  Complete the survey by Thursday 31 July to make sure your club’s voice is heard.

  To complete the survey

• 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program

  Nominations are now open for the 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors Program.

  Each year, women and girls in the footy community are nominated and recognised for the outstanding efforts within our great game.

  Ambassadors will receive a $1,000 grant, and a money can’t buy 2025 NAB AFLW Final experience.

  Nominations close July 20

  Click for more information.

• Football Coaching Development Opportunity

  As we approach finals the AFL Vic Coaching and Umpiring teams will collaborate on an online webinar for Junior Coaches across Victoria who are competing in finals competitions at the end of this season. The webinar will take place on Wednesday 30 July from 7pm – 8pm.

  The workshop will be named “Your Actions, Their Game” with the aim to help “Shape Finals Football Environments”. 

  • We would love to see all Junior Head Coaches online, however a minimum of 1 per club competing in finals + a member of the clubs Executive Committee.
  • Junior Coordinators, Assistant Coaches and Team Managers are also encouraged to join where possible            

  Please register HERE 

  Some of the key outcomes your club will be achieve from this webinar are below:

  • Walk away with a ‘charter’ of what they as a team and club are going to do in the final part of the season.
  • Ensuring that coaches provide a positive experience forALL players who participate in finals regardless of scoreboard outcome.
  • Provide an Umpires perspective on the field and how that differs from a coaches/parent’s position
  • Ensuring we as Coaches are supporting an Umpires finals experience
  • This workshop will be aiming to help aid retention of both playersand umpires following the conclusion of the season, heading towards 2026.

   These are the key points; however, there will be other important elements that will be covered beyond this throughout the workshop.

  Enquires can be directed to Tim Secombe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• 

  Elevate your coaching skills and knowledge

  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. 

  REGISTER HERE

• 

  TAC Club Rewards is back!

  Officially opening on the 03/06/25 closing on the 25/08/25.

  Clubs can now register to participate in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads and share in the chance to earn up to $10k. 

  Further Details

Football

General Football

• Finals Eligibility – Competitive Age Groups

  Now is a good time to check player eligibility for finals. Players must have played a minimum number of games in a particular age group to qualify. Those who’ve played in higher grades/divisions may have additional requirements to be eligible for lower division finals. If there are any questions about eligibility, please reach out, and we can assist you.
  
  Please note: Even if a player qualifies for multiple teams, they are only permitted to play in one finals match per weekend.

  The below link will provide clubs with a tool to check players games played this season.

  Check Players Games Played

• 

  AFL Barwon Venue Information Request

  AFL Barwon is currently seeking updated information from all clubs regarding their home venues. This information will play a vital role in helping us better understand the current landscape and assist with planning and decision-making for future facility development and support.

  We kindly ask each club to complete the form linked below to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date details.

  Complete Form Here

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Netball

General Netball

Netball Victoria

• Training, Education and Courses

  Monthly Online Education Session

  The next Monthly Online Education Session is coming up on Monday 4^th August. This session will be targeted specifically at Complaints Managers and will also be extremely relevant and useful for Child Safety Officers.

   

  We will re-visit what each role means and then spend time working through Complaint Management in detail. The session will be run by Netball Victoria’s Child Safety and Integrity Coordinator, Penny Forrest, and will also feature a special section specifically on Investigations, run by an external expert in that area. It will be a hugely informative session and we hope to have all appointed Complaints Managers and Child Safety Officers in attendance to help them navigate such an important space.

   

  The topics are:

  6-6.30pm - Netball Connect: System updates from the 15 July release.

  6.30-8pm - Child Safety and Complaints Officers/complaint management and complaint investigation.

  Register

   

  Umpire tester meeting – Monday 11 August

  Interested in learning more about becoming an umpire tester? A new umpire tester meeting has been confirmed for 2025.
  Great for new testers, current testers, umpire mentors and umpire coordinators.

  Register

   

  Intermediate coach course – Sunday 31 August

  Another date has been locked in for an Intermediate coach course, full day, face-to-face workshop at State Netball Centre - the perfect way for coaches to consolidate their learnings across the season and increase their knowledge and accreditation.

  Places are limited and some prerequisites apply. Please share with your coaches.

  Register

• NetSetGo Information

  2025 Woolworths Netball Grants Program

  The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations running Woolworths NetSetGo.
  This year, grants of $2,000 will be awarded to up to 40 clubs across Australia, as well as there being a massive $20,000 grant for the winner of the 2025 People’s Choice Award.

  Apply now

   

  Bring a Friend for FREE to Woolworths NetSetGo in August

  This August, Woolworths NetSetGo centres across Victoria are celebrating friendship and fun by inviting participants to 'Bring a Friend' to their sessions.

  The initiative is to help encourage people within your communities to come and try netball at the introductory level and see what it’s all about!

  If you are a Woolworths NetSetGo centre wanting to be a part of this initiative, you can register here.

  More information

• General Information

  Green Wristbands & Scrunchies Now Available via Netball Connect Shop

  We’re pleased to announce that Green Wristbands and Scrunchies are now available for purchase via the Netball Connect Shop.

  These items form part of Netball Victoria’s Green Band Initiative, supporting the development and recognition of our junior umpires and junior coaches. This purchase option is designed for affiliates who have already received their free wristbands and/or scrunchies during phase 1 of the initiative and would like to purchase additional items - Green Bands - Netball Connect Shop

  Thank you for continuing to support our young umpires and coaches and their development in a safe and encouraging environment.

  To learn more about the Green Band Initiative, visit: vic.netball.com.au/green-bands

   

  2025 Netball Victoria Community Awards
  Nominations for this year’s awards are now open, and we’re encouraging all affiliates to nominate coaches, umpires, teachers and officials in their community who deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Winners receive $500 and a trophy, and leagues/associations/clubs can receive up to $2000 thanks to WorkSafe.

  Nominate now

    

  Netball Victoria’s pathway raffle
  One lucky Victorian will drive away in a brand new car, thanks to PEUGEOT and Netball Victoria’s pathway raffle.

  All proceeds raised from the raffle will go directly into Netball Victoria’s pathway programs, supporting the next generation of athletes, umpires, coaches and officials across the state.

  More information

BFNL & GFNL Netball

• Scoring Process

  Please be advised that once a game has commenced, scorers for a match should not change.

  We understand at times there are extenuating circumstances for which this may need to occur, but we do request that this be avoided where possible.

• Finals Information

  Finals information documentation will be distributed shortly. 

  There will be some changes to the following processes:

  • starting line-up selection (completed via PlayHQ instead of paper packs as per previous years) and
  • bench officials submission (to be completed via supplied template in coming weeks)

  So please ensure you keep an eye out for this information.

• 

  TAC Round

  With TAC Road Safety Round taking place across the weekend of July 26–27,AFL Barwon is gearing up to support this important community initiative, and we’re calling on all clubs to get behind it.

  Club merchandise packs, including TAC Band Together blue armbands, posters and booklets, have been distributed and should arrive early this week (if not already). Clubs can now collect these from AFL Barwon.

  Clubs can also access bonus armband rolls for urgent activity, early promotion, or media opportunities. Please direct requests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  A digital stakeholder pack to help clubs with messaging can be foound below.

  Make sure to tag @TACVictoria, @AFLVictoria, and use #tacbandtogether when sharing any content.

  For general club questions, please direct them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  Let’s band together and make a visible impact across the Barwon region.

  VIEW DIGITAL STAKEHOLDER PACK HERE

• Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round

  Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3

  The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.

  AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.

  The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.

  All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.

  ---

  Game Balls & Medals

  Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:

  • AFL Barwon HQ (Club pigeonholes) – from Tuesday 29 July 2025

  Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.

  MENTAL HEALTH ROUND GUIDE

Junior Netball

• Inclement Weather

  A reminder that any decisions on weather will be communicated via AFL Barwon by 3:30pm on Match Day.

  Club Officials will be advised via email and push notification sent via NetballHQ – please ensure you are signed into your participant account on the app in order to receive these updates.

• Summer Season Information

  Summer season competition dates have been finalised.

  Grading will run for the first 3 weeks before grades are finalised.  

  Team entries will open in September, via email. 

  • 11&U and 17&U will play on Tuesdays 
  • 13&U and 15&U will play on Fridays 

  Tuesday 11&U and 17&U	Round
  14-Oct	Round 1
  21-Oct	Round 2
  28-Oct	Round 3
  4-Nov	BYE- MELB CUP
  11-Nov	Round 4
  18-Nov	Round 5
  25-Nov	Round 6
  2-Dec	Round 7
  9-Dec	Round 8
  16-Dec	Round 9
  SCHOOL HOLIDYAS
  3-Feb	Round 10
  10-Feb	Round 11
  17-Feb	Round 12
  24-Feb	SF
  3-Mar	GF

    

  Friday 13&U and 15&U	Round
  10-Oct	Round 1
  17-Oct	Round 2
  24-Oct	Round 3
  31-Oct	BYE
  7-Nov	Round 4
  14-Nov	Round 5
  21-Nov	Round 6
  28-Nov	Round 7
  5-Dec	Round 8
  12-Dec	Round 9
  19-Dec	BYE
  SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
  30-Jan	Round 10
  6-Feb	Round 11
  13-Feb	Round 12
  20-Feb	SF
  27-Feb	GF

  EOI to host
  
  We are also putting out an expression of interest to clubs that would be interested in being a host club for our summer season. Due to the size and volume of our competition, we are seeking clubs to run the venue. Requirements of this would be venue set up, central timing and scoring set up. Clubs are welcome to run canteens etc. throughout the season to raise funds. 
  
  If your club is interested, please reply to this email within 10 days, or if you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 
  
  Summer live scoring
  
  AFL Barwon are looking to introduce live scoring for out 2025/26 summer competition. We are planning to integrate live scoring for our midweek competition in stages, as we also want to incorporate live scoring for out 2026 winter competition. 
  
  A few key changes that come with live scoring for summer, is that there will be no allocation of goals/attempts to players, and no position tracking. This is based off the feedback that we received at the end of our 2024/25 summer competition. 
  
  Lineups will need to be selected via PlayHQ 12pm day prior to game-day. In addition to any changes to line-up will need to be summitted by 4pm matchday via team manager access. 

   

  Come our 2026 winter season, position tracking and goals/attempts will be required, however noting the challenges some people may face with live scoring, we are wanting to simplify it for summer and work in phases. 

   

  Any questions about anything in this email please don't hesitate to reach out. 

   

  Summer season will be here before we know it!

CDFNL Netball

• Finals Qualification

  We have been made aware that there have been some errors in game totals in the STATISTICS report.

  Please use the ‘Games Played’ report moving forward. As over 600 pieces of paperwork being checked each week, there may be a record that hasn’t been updated.

  If any records in this report don’t look right, please email either This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and we can look into these for you.

• Read the Play Round

  Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3

  The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.

  AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.

  The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.

  All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.

  ---

  Game Balls & Medals

  Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:

  • Colac & District FNL Clubs (Colac RSL) – from Wednesday 23 July 2025

  Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual
• 11 & Under Fixture
• All-Abilities Fixture
• Friday Night Fixture

Club Noticeboard

• 

  Vacancy | St Albans A Grade Netball Coach

  St Albans

  Read Here

• 

  Vacancy | Geelong West Giants Senior Coach

  Geelong West Giants

  Read Here

• 

  Vacancy | Surf Coast Suns A Grade Netball Coach

  Surf Coast Suns

  Read Here

• 

  Northern Stars seeking Under 9 Girls Players

  Northern Stars

  Read Here

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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Football Umpire Appointments

• 

  2026 AFL Barwon Community Awards Nominations

  AFL Barwon is proud to open nominations for the 2026 AFL Barwon Community Awards, celebrating the outstanding people who make our football and netball communities thrive.

  The Community Awards recognise excellence across coaching, administration, officiating and volunteer service, incorporating the long-standing AFL Barwon Coaches Awards alongside honours for Community Netball Coaches, Club Administrators, Football and Netball Umpires, Club Trainers and Personality of the Year.

  If you know someone who has made an exceptional contribution to their club or the wider football and netball community, we encourage you to nominate them by completing the relevant award category below.

  Nominations are open to all AFL Barwon affiliated clubs, associations and leagues, including the Geelong Football Netball League, Bellarine Football Netball League, Colac & District Football Netball League, Geelong & District Football Netball League, Female Football, Junior Football & Netball competitions, and the All Abilities Football Netball League. Anyone within the community is welcome to submit a nomination.

  Nominate Here

• AFLW Community Sausage Sizzles Fundraising Opportunity

  Fire up the BBQ and support your club’s female football program by running a sausage sizzle at one of our 2026 AFLW home games!

  The AFLW Sausage Sizzle is a grassroots initiative bringing local football spirit to life, designed to support and empower female football programs across the Barwon region.

  Aligned with the AFLW home games, six local football clubs are selected each season to host a sausage sizzle at GMHBA Stadium.

  Everything is provided – all the equipment, ingredients and support – and every dollar raised goes straight back into the clubs’ female football programs helping them invest in new equipment, uniforms, support staff, and more.

  In 2024, Armstrong Creek Sharks were among those chosen.

  Their goal was simple but urgent: to provide proper mouthguards for their female players. Many girls had none, some were using hand-me-downs from their brothers, and shockingly, a few were resorting to cardboard as makeshift protection.

  But that all changed thanks to their hard work and the backing of this initiative. The Sharks raised enough money to buy bright pink mouthguards for every single girl at their club. And to celebrate this incredible achievement, Geelong Cats AFLW players joined the Sharks at training to hand-deliver both the mouthguards and guernseys, a moment filled with pride, joy, and unity. 

  The initiative launches on Monday July 6, follow the link here to express your interest for the program. 

• 

  BFNL Round 18 Fixture Venue Change

  AFL Barwon advises that the Bellarine Football Netball League Round 18 fixtures between Barwon Heads FNC and Geelong Amateur FNC have been relocated to Winter Reserve, Belmont.

  Read More

• 2026 AFL Barwon Finals Hub

  The AFL Barwon Finals Hub is your one-stop destination for everything you need throughout the 2026 Finals Series.

  Stay up to date with the latest fixtures, venues, match times, ticketing information, live streaming details, finals policies and important event information. You'll also find key details on league presentation events and everything happening across the AFL Barwon finals season.

  Finals Hub

• Coach Award Nominations

  A quick note to all Senior and A Grade coaches that we are seeking nominations for the foloowing end of season awards.

  • Coaches Team of the Year
  • Times News Group Rising Star

  Nomination forms have been emailed to clubs and can also be foundf at the finals hub.

Senior Football

Resource Links

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

GFNL & BFNL Netball

Junior / Midweek Netball

• 11&U Party Round

  11&U Party Round is scheduled for Sunday 23 August at Kardinia Park.

  Party Round is a fun way to celebrate the end of the season for our 11&U teams, who do not participate in a final's series. This year's theme is Crazy Socks and Team Posters, and we encourage all teams to get involved!

  An email has been sent to clubs with a link to submit their teams to be involved in the day. Please have this submitted by no later than Thursday 6 August.

• Clash Bibs

  Please ensure your team has a set of clash bibs included in its game day kit. It is the responsibility of each club to provide clash bibs when required.

• Kardinia Park VFL Match

  Please note there is a VFL game being played on Friday 31 July at GMHBA

  Parking may be limited and please plan ahead.

CDFNL Netball

Netball Umpiring

Resource Links

Netball Resources

• Telstra Footy Grants

  The Telstra Footy Grants program offers local football clubs in Australia the opportunity to receive funding to enhance their operations and community engagement. The Telstra Footy Grants is designed to financially assist initiatives that can support Community Clubs affiliated to the AFL to strengthen the base and secure the future in three key strategic areas: Grow and assist volunteer capacity. Grow and diversify participation. Improve club environments and experiences. Final rounds closes Thursday 23 July.

  Information found here

  Apply here

• SRV - Regional All Abilities Participation Grant

  The Regional All Abilities Participation Grants help deliver inclusive opportunities for people with a disability in regional Victoria to participate and thrive. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for equipment, travel, inclusion workforce, and programs and disability-led initiatives. Applications close 12 August.

  Please click here for more information and for the application link.

• WorkSafe Footys Favourite Farmer Nominations

  Are CLOSING SOON on the 31/07/2026 for the annual Footy ’ s Favourite Farmer competition, which celebrates the incredible individuals who shine both on the farm and at the local oval. The competition, run in partnership with AFL Victoria, awards $10,000 to the winning farmer to put towards farm safety improvements, and another $10,000 for upgrades to their local football netball club.

  https://www.footysfavouritefarmer.com.au/

   

• Bunnings Legend of the Tongs

  Bunnings are still on the search for local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their club. Clubs can still nominate until the program closes on August 18.

  Clickhere for more information.

• TAC Survey

  It was pleasing to see the strong number of Road Safety Round posts shared over the weekend. Thank you to everyone who contributed to raising awareness. For clubs applying for TAC Rewards, sharing the survey with club members and encouraging them to complete it is one of the most straightforward criteria to satisfy. The survey link is now available and can be found here.

• Play by the Rules - Complaint Handling

  Refreshed Course Play by the Rules has re-launched their Complaint Handling Course. The course aims to support presidents, committee members and nominated complaint handlers in community sport to effectively handle complaints as they arrive. The course focuses on providing tips and strategies to handle grievances that don’t need to be escalated, whilst providing options for when more formal processes should be activated.

  Click here for the web page.

• Toyota Good for Footy Raffle

  The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle gives 100% of funds raised helping invest in the things that matter most to your players, volunteers and community. Tickets are just $5. Plus, you could win one of three brand new Toyota vehicles, exclusive AFL experiences, coaching clinics and more. When your club raises funds, it builds a stronger season ahead. That's Good for Footy! Ticket sales close 21 September 2026 at 12.00pm.

  Start promoting ticket sales for your club here

• TAC Club Rewards

  The TAC and AFL Victoria have partnered together for 34 years, working to achieve the vision of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. As part of the program, all AFL Victoria-aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety in their community. This year we're tackling speeding driving.Road Safety Round will take place over the weekend of 23-26th July 2026.Applications close Monday 24 August

  Click here for more information

• Racism Doesn’t Belong In Our Game

  The State Government has launched an anti-racism campaign bringing together 7 Victorian Sporting Organisations, CM Sport, VACSAL and VicSport to increase awareness of racism in community sport and its impact.

  The Campaign is designed to tell the story of 7 people who experienced racism in community sport and provide education and digital tools for sporting clubs.

  Racism doesn't belong in our game resources

• Latrobe University knee injury study

  The Australian Knee Injury Study aims to include all Australians with a knee injury in the previous 6 months. It has received ethics approval from La Trobe University, and we have >800 individuals already enrolled. We are specifically looking to increase the number of children and adolescents. Involvement in the study is very minimal. It only involves 5-10mins of online questions about their knee injury, treatment and recovery.

  More information: www.kneeinjurystudy.com.au

  More information

• 

  2026 Community Awards Nominations

  The Netball Victoria Community Awards celebrate the significant achievements of individuals and groups who have contributed to the sport of netball in Victoria throughout the year.

  The growth and development of netball within Victoria is at the heart of everything we do and we love to highlight the great work of our Victorian netball community.

  Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards are now open!

  Nominate Now! &Awards Criteria

• Volunteer Action Plan

  As part of Netball Australia's Volunteer Action Plan, a new suite of resources are now available across a broad ranch of areas. These are designed to assist and support volunteers, making things easier, more rewarding and successful.

  https://netball.com.au/volunteers

• Survey – Associations and Clubs

  Netball Australia have released a survey to gather information about how netball affiliates are managed, particularly those that have a combination of volunteer and paid staff and administration. The results will help inform the future of the sport to best support participation growth and demands, governance requirements and long-term sustainability of associations, leagues and clubs. You can access the survey here

• NEW! Beginner Umpire Resource

  Netball Victoria has created a great new resource for beginner umpires! This resource includes a whole range of information for beginner umpires - what they need to know to start the game, how to penalise infringements, explanation of common rules, where to position, what hand signals they need to know and loads more! Share this resource with your umpire mentors and beginner umpires.

• Front Runners - Carpool Grant

  With petrol and diesel prices set to rise again, FrontRunners, a non-profit founded by David Pocock, is looking for clubs interested in being part of a carpooling pilot program to help reduce environmental impact and save money.

  Grants of up to $2500 are available for individual community clubs. Interested in hearing more? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with 'carpool pilot' in your subject line.

  More information here 

   FrontRunners carpool invitation (1).pdf

• Netball Victoria Community Support Grants – Hardship & Disaster Relief funding

  Netball Victoria has established the 2026 Disaster Relief Program under its Community Support Program to provide targeted financial assistance to affiliated clubs, associations, leagues and families impacted by natural disaster events during 2026. The hardship grant can also be accessed and applied for through this link. Community Support Program - Netball VIC

• State Government – Community Recovery Grants Program

  Community groups and not-for-profit organisations in bushfire-affected Victorian council areas can now apply for grants of up to $75,000 to deliver locally led recovery initiatives that help communities reconnect, rebuild and strengthen resilience following the January 2026 bushfires. Funding can support a wide range of projects, including community wellbeing events, workshops, trauma-informed training, psychological first aid programs, and emergency preparedness resources. With applications open until 31 August 2026, this is an excellent opportunity for organisations to secure funding for projects that address the unique recovery needs of their local communities. For more information and to apply, visit the Victorian Government's Community Recovery Grants Program.

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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2025 Handbook

Bulletin Archive

Contact Us

Football Umpire Appointments

General Updates

Key Updates

• 

  $10K ON OFFER FOR YOUR CLUB!

  The Real MVP – Marathon Foods Volunteer Program recognises and rewards the unsung heroes who make community football and netball possible.

  This initiative honours the volunteers who represent the heart and soul of their clubs — the ones who go above and beyond to keep things running behind the scenes.

  Read More

• Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative - DATE EXTENDED!!

  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.

  If clubs are wanting product to support your ssubmission, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  ENTRIES DEADLINE CHANGED UNTIL JULY 30TH!

  Read More

• AFL Barwon's Celebration of Females in Sport is here

  Thank you to those who have already shared the content pieces for our Female Festival of Sport – your support is greatly appreciated.

  This is a friendly reminder that we’re still seeking your club’s engagement on the points below so we can celebrate the incredible women and girls across all AFL Barwon clubs.

  FEMALE CLUB CHAMPIONS 

  This is a chance to recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of one exceptional female in your club who has made an outstanding contribution.

  Use the template link here to share on your club social media page and tag @aflbarwon

  AUSKICK, NET SET GO & U9, U10 & 11&U FEMALE PLAYER VIDEOS 

  We want to hear from the female players at your clubs on some of the things they love about playing football and netball.

  A selection of these videos will be played at the Female Festival of Sport Breakfast on Friday July 4th.

  Click here to see the questions and filming tips.

  Female Festival of Sport Info

• 

  Victorian Community Football Aligns Under First-Ever Statewide Charter

  In a landmark moment for grassroots football in Victoria, the state’s 20 metropolitan and country governing bodies have aligned with AFL Victoria to formally endorse a unified strategic direction for the game’s future.   The culmination of more than two years of collaboration, the newly established Victorian Community Football Charter marks the first time the state’s community football bodies have aligned under a shared philosophy: that through strong relationships, clearer governance, and effective structures, Victorian community football can thrive.

  Read More

• 

  AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  BFNL

  Senior Football

  5/7/25 - Torquay vs Anglesea - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  5/7/25 - Portarlington vs Barwon Heads - 11:50am

  ---

  GFNL

  Senior Football

  6/7/25 - St Mary's vs Leopold - 1:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  5/7/25 - Geelong West vs South Barwon - 1:40pm

  ---

  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  5/7/25 - Birregurra vs Colac Imperials- 2:15pm

  ---

  VISIT AFLB TV

• Social Media and Media Protocols

  AFL Barwon wish to bring to your attention the importance of being aware of what is being posted on social media as well as comments that club members may also make on posts regardless of if it is another club’s post or AFL Barwon. This also is important when contacting people within our sporting community on these platforms.

  The local and social media play an integral role in promoting football and netball across our region. As a community, we are fortunate to have strong footprints in both mediums that actively supports our clubs and AFL Barwon.

  We encourage clubs to promote and celebrate important achievements and to engage with both traditional ways and social media when the intent is to positively contribute to the growth of the game and uphold respect for all members of our community.

  Unfortunately, a small minority within our region have not acted with these intentions. As a result, we would like to remind clubs of the by-law relating to Unauthorised Media Statements. This rule exists to protect all clubs from public commentary regarding the policies and actions of AFL Barwon, its committees, or other clubs under AFL Barwon governance. We take this rule seriously and strongly encourage clubs to remind members in official capacities of the consequences and potential sanctions for any breaches. We also draw your attention to the AFL Social Media Policy, which outlines the standards expected of all members when using social media in connection with community football and netball. Adherence to this policy is essential to maintaining a respectful environment across our platforms.

  Community sport is a passionate space, and differing opinions and perspectives are natural. We welcome respectful discussion and the constructive challenging of the status quo, but this must be done within the rules and with consideration for others in our sporting community.

  We encourage clubs to continue promoting the games and the outstanding work being done across the region, but ask that all communications, including those on social media, be carried out with respect for all.
  
  

  Please see below the AFL Barwon Policies and AFL National Community Handbook to refer to Media and Social Media Policies:
  AFL Barwon Policies
  AFL National Community Handbook

• 

  Respect Means More Than The Result

  Download a Canva template via the button below to promote respect at your club!

  ---

  At AFL Barwon, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone involved in our game — players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and supporters alike.

  Whether you're on the field, on the sidelines, or supporting from afar, your words and actions matter.

  ✅ Support in an positive way
  ✅ Encourage fair play and sportsmanship
  ✅ Respect our umpires and volunteers — the game doesn't run without them
  ✅ Be kind online — what you say behind a screen still has real impact

  Let’s lead by example and make sure footy and netball remain spaces where our whole community can thrive.

  If you see or experience behaviour that doesn’t align with these values, report it to your club. If there are still concerns beyond this, please don't hesitate to reach out to AFL Barwon for support. 

  Respect the game. Respect each other. Respect yourself.

  Social Media Template

Reminders

• 

  Read the Play 2025 Fundraiser Breakfast

  Book here

• 

  2025 AFL Toyota 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 AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota.

  Nominate here

• 

  School Holiday Programs

  Visit here

Local Scoreboards

• BFNL Round 10 Scoreboard
• GFNL Round 8 Scoreboard
• Beyond the Boundary Podcast

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams
• The Warm Up on Podcast

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

• 

  Did you know Epworth Geelong’s Emergency Department at Waurn Ponds is open 24/7?

• 

  Serenity in the Stadium 2025 – Special Offer 🧘‍♀️

  Registrations Are Now Open! Serenity in the Stadium 2025 is back-bigger, brighter, and more mindful than ever.
  Join us at GMHBA Stadium 8am on Sunday 19 October for a powerful morning of yoga, connection, and community. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, this event is about moving your body, calming your mind, and celebrating wellbeing in a space that brings us together.
  Early bird tickets are on sale on the link below

  Book Early Bird Tickets

Reminders

• 

  AFL Barwon Announces Partnership with HITIQ to Support Concussion Management Across the Region

  AFL Barwon is proud to announce a new three-year partnership with HITIQ, a leading provider of concussion management technology, naming HITIQ as the Official Concussion Technology Partner of AFL Barwon.

  This partnership will see HITIQ’s innovative PROTEQT smart mouthguard showcased across the AFL Barwon region, enhancing player safety and wellbeing for more than 25,000 participants. This important initiative will support our continued focus on player welfare and strengthen concussion education and management across all levels of community sport.

  Read More

• 

  The Geelong Football Club welcomes 2025 submissions for the Carter/Costa and R J Hickey Awards

  The Geelong Football Club is calling on nominations for the 2025 Carter/Costa Award and RJ Hickey Award.

  Recipients of the Carter/Costa Award and RJ Hickey Award will be announced at the Annual General Meeting or another appropriate event in 2025.

  Click to Nominate

• 

  Online Survey - People with prior knee injury

  Do you know anyone who has injured their knee in the past 6 months?

  Unique opportunity to be involved in an important nationwide project led by La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Center. 

  The Australian Knee Injury Study is a registry of knee injuries to help our healthcare system get a better understanding of the extent of knee injuries in Australia, the types of assessments and treatments provided, and the long-term outcomes. It is entirely online (5 min questionnaires) and confidential.

  Visit our website for more information: www.kneeinjurystudy.com.au

  Register Here

Local Media

• 

  Belief building at Bell Park

  K Rock Football

  Read Here

• 

  Saints using great visual tool for footy education

  Times News Group

  Read here

• 

  Emma Finch 350th game for Modewarre

  Times News Group

  Read here

• 

  Grubber young gun hospitalised

  K Rock Football

  Read Here

• 

  Lara coach looks at the positives

  Times News Group

  Read here

• 

  Star Couta suffers ruptured spleen

  K Rock Football

  Read Here

Club Development

• 

  Women & Girls Lead Your Way Program

  The Lead Your Way program supports the growth and retention of women and gender-diverse individuals in community football leadership by helping current leaders build capability, confidence, and connection. The program also aims to equip participants with practical tools to positively impact their clubs and communities, delivering content specific to the groups identified challenges. Congratulations to Chelsea Hart-Grovedale FNC,Emily Hoare-Portarlington FNC,Lily Edwards-Belmont Lions Sports Club & Nicole Smith St Albans FNC who proudly represented our region in this program.

  Eligibility Criteria

• 

  Football Coaching Development Opportunity - EOI

  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. 

  REGISTER HERE

• 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program

  Nominations are now open for the 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors Program.

  Each year, women and girls in the footy community are nominated and recognised for the outstanding efforts within our great game.

  Ambassadors will receive a $1,000 grant, and a money can’t buy 2025 NAB AFLW Final experience.

  Nominations close July 20

  Click for more information.

• 

  TAC Club Rewards is back!

  Officially opening on the 03/06/25 closing on the 25/08/25.

  Clubs can now register to participate in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads and share in the chance to earn up to $10k. 

  Further Details

• 

  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.

  Register here

Football

Senior Football

Selected Team Entry Reminder

Selected Team Entry Reminder - Senior Men’s and Women’s Division 1 Football

A reminder to all clubs that selected teams for Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Division 1 football must be entered into the PlayHQ database by 7:00pm each Thursday night.

Clubs are required to include:

• Playing positions for 18 starting players
• 4 interchange players
• Up to 3 emergencies

Accurate and timely team submissions help enhance coverage and visibility across our media partners and provide greater exposure for your players and club

Failure to comply with this competition rule will result in relevant sanction.

Junior Football

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Football Umpiring

Reminder

Netball

General Netball

Netball Victoria

• Monthly Online Education Session

  For those that missed June’s monthly online education session, Session 1- Child Safety Recruitment Practices and Robust Screening is available to view.

  You can view all of the previous recordings on Netball Victoria’s monthly online education sessions section on YouTube at any time.

  The next session will run on Monday 7 July, covering the following topics:

  6-6:30pm	Child Safety Standards
  6:30-7pm	Woolworths NetSetGo - Bring a friend initiative
  7-7:30pm	Facilities - Building for the future

  Umpire and Coach Accreditations

• Train Like a Vixen

  As school holidays approach, we’re encouraging your members to secure their spots in the July school holiday Train Like a Vixen clinics, running from 10 July- 18 July. Ideal for netballers aged 5–15.

  These clinics are a great way to keep players active, engaged, and developing their skills during the break.

  More information

• CLOSING JULY 7TH - The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program is currently open for application.

  The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program (CFNP) is now open, and closes on 7 July 2025. Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of sports lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including gender‑neutral change rooms. If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or the NV facilities team. Please note that all applications must be submitted via your local Council.

   

  See here for more information

BFNL & GFNL Netball

• Team Benches Reminder

  A reminder to all teams that only players and bench officials are permitted on team benches. Please ensure you are abiding by these rules to ensure match day goes smoothly. We ask parents to please enable the coaches to coach their teams for the duration of the game.

  Parents and spectators should also be reminded to stand back from the playing surface to ensure the safety of all involved. If you are asked by an official or mentor to step away from the court or bench, please do so without issue.

• Promoting Positive Behaviour

  We have received some reports regarding the use of inappropriate language and instances of unsporting behaviour on the field. We kindly remind everyone that maintaining respectful conduct is essential to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all players, officials, and spectators.

  We encourage coaches, team managers, and club officials to actively support and reinforce these behavioural standards with their players. By working together, we can continue to uphold the values of respect, sportsmanship, and community that are central to our game.

  Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to fostering a positive sporting culture.

Junior Netball

• Netball Coordinator Appointment

  AFL Barwon are pleased to announce the appointment of Caitlyn Murphy to the role of Netball Coordinator. Caitlyn joins us full time after working with us as a competition coordinator across our midweek competition venues. With a background in Youth Work and Sports Management, she is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and driving opportunities for young people- particularly in the development of netball.

• Junior Netball Season Dates

  A reminder that AFL Barwon Junior Netball has season byes due to school holidays with no games to be played on Tuesday 8th July, Friday 11th July, Tuesday 15th July.

  Enjoy the break and see you on Friday 18^th July when we return.

• Team Benches Reminder

  A reminder to all teams that only players and bench officials are permitted on team benches. Please ensure you are abiding by these rules to ensure match day goes smoothly. We ask parents to please enable the coaches to coach their teams for the duration of the game.

  Parents and spectators should also be reminded to stand back from the playing surface to ensure the safety of all involved. If you are asked by an official or mentor to step away from the court or bench, please do so without issue.

• Promoting Positive Behaviour

  We have received some reports regarding the use of inappropriate language and instances of unsporting behaviour on the field. We kindly remind everyone that maintaining respectful conduct is essential to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all players, officials, and spectators.

  We encourage coaches, team managers, and club officials to actively support and reinforce these behavioural standards with their players. By working together, we can continue to uphold the values of respect, sportsmanship, and community that are central to our game.

  Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to fostering a positive sporting culture.

• 

  First Aid

  Just a reminder that clubs are responsible to have their own first aid kids. The AFL Barwon office should not be responsible for medication like Ventolin

• Team Line-up

  Just a friendly reminder to please select team line-up on PlayHQ prior to 10am match day.

  Link here

• August 8th Fixture

  Due to the Geelong cats home game at GMHBA there will be no games played at Kardinia Park on August 8. The fixture for this will be published in due time with the night running similar to last time.

  11&U Fixtures

  All Abilities Fixture

  Friday Night Fixture

• Representative Netball

  Congratulations to our Representative Development Teams who are participated in Grand Finals on Monday 30^th June!

  • 13&U Bellarine FNL vs 13&U Geelong FNL: Kardinia Park 7:00pm 24 (BFNL) def 12 (GFNL)
  • 15&U Geelong FNL vs GCNA Turquoise: Kardinia Park 7:00pm 37 (GFNL) def 27 (GNNA Turquoise) 

  GCNA Fixture Here

CDFNL Netball

Netball Umpiring

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual
• 11 & Under Fixture
• All-Abilities Fixture
• Friday Night Fixture

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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2025 Handbook

Bulletin Archive

Contact Us

Football Umpire Appointments

General Updates

Key Updates

• 

  Local Clubs Stand Together for Youth Mental Health in Read the Play Round

  From Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August, football and netball clubs across the Bellarine, Geelong, Geelong and District, and Colac and District Football Netball Leagues will come together to take part in Read the Play Round—a powerful weekend dedicated to raising awareness about youth mental health and building supportive club environments.

  More than 50 clubs will participate in this annual initiative, recognising the vital role community sport plays in supporting the mental wellbeing of young people. Each 15/U netball and U16 football match will highlight the values of Respect, Courage, and Teamwork, with a Read the Play MVP awarded to the player who best demonstrates these qualities. MVPs will be honoured with a special medallion and game ball following each game.

  Read the Play Round is proudly supported by partners Hamlan Homes and Beyond Bank, whose commitment to youth mental health is helping to drive positive cultural change across local clubs and communities.

  Read More

• 

  Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round

  Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3

  The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.

  AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.

  The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.

  All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.

  ---

  Game Balls & Medals

  Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:

  • AFL Barwon HQ (Club pigeonholes) – from Tuesday 29 July 2025

  • Colac & District FNL Clubs (Colac RSL) – from Wednesday 23 July 2025

  Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.

  Mental Health Round Guide

• 

  Kardinia Park to again host Geelong FNL Grand Finals

  AFL Barwon is excited to confirm that the 2025 Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) Grand Finals will once again be held at GMHBA Stadium.

  This decision reinforces a shared commitment to providing a high-quality experience for participants, supporters, and the wider Barwon community, and comes off the back of strong collaboration between AFL Barwon, the Geelong Cats, and the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST). Together, the three organisations have worked through key operational and financial considerations, to ensure the return of the Grand Final to GMHBA Stadium is both achievable and sustainable.

  The 2024 Blood Toyota GFNL Grand Final Day attracted more than 10,000 attendees to GMHBA Stadium, with an additional 10,000-plus viewers tuning in via live stream. This strong community engagement highlighted the broad appeal of the region’s premier football and netball competitions and reinforced the need for a venue capable of accommodating a crowd of this scale, both in terms of capacity and supporting infrastructure such as parking and event operations.

  This year’s event will once again take place on the AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday Friday, 26 September giving families, friends, and fans an opportunity to attend this marquee community event.

  Read More

• 

  Newcomb and Lara in line to host major finals again in 2025

  AFL Barwon is pleased to confirm the venues for the 2025 Finals Series across all affiliated football and netball competitions.

  The venue selection process was overseen by AFL Barwon Commission taking into consideration a range of factors from the club submissions that were provided. All clubs were invited to submit an expression of interest, allowing for an open, inclusive, and transparent process. Hosting finals provides clubs with a unique opportunity to showcase their facilities, celebrate the hard work of volunteers, and bring the broader football and netball community together.

  Grinter Reserve has been announced as the host venue for both the Preliminary Finals and Grand Final of the 2025 Dow Bellarine Football Netball League (BFNL) Finals Series. Portarlington Recreation Reserve will once again host the first two weeks of the BFNL Finals, continuing its strong support of finals football and netball in the region.

  Lara Recreation Reserve will continue its role as a key final’s venue, hosting the 2025 Epworth Female Football Grand Finals. Meanwhile, St Joseph’s Football & Netball Club will again host the Junior Grand Finals, utilising both the Drew and Walker Ovals. Junior boys’ finals competitions will be played across both Saturdays and Sundays, consistent with previous seasons.

  Read More

• 

  AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  BFNL

  Senior Football

  2/8/25 - Modewarre vs Anglesea - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  2/8/25 - Geelong Amateur vs Torquay - 1:50pm

  ---

  GFNL

  Senior Football

  2/8/25 - Newtown & Chilwell vs South Barwon - 2:10pm

  ---

  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  2/8/25 - Alvie vs Lorne- 2:15pm

  Watch here

Reminders

• 

  JOB ALERT - AFL Barwon Football Operations Lead - CLOSES 31/7

  We are seeking a creative, enthusiastic and motivated person to manage all operational and strategic facets of Football in the AFL Barwon Region.

  The Football Operations Lead is responsible for the delivery, management and oversight of all football competitions and football operations across the AFL Barwon region. This role is a key driver of competition integrity, planning, stakeholder relationships and the successful coordination of regular season and finals competitions.

  Read More

• 

  JOB ALERT - AFL Barwon Netball Competition Coordinator - CLOSES 1/8

  The Netball Competition Coordinator is primarily responsible for managing and coordinating all onsite venue requirements for the AFL Barwon Junior Netball midweek competitions. The AFL Barwon Junior Netball competitions are run across Tuesday and Friday evenings at multiple venues. 

  The successful applicant will be responsible for liaising with key stakeholders, clubs, netball umpires, AFL Barwon staff and other valuable groups present at our midweek competitions.

  Read More

• 

  Community Awards Nominations

  AFL Barwon is excited to seek nominations for the 2025 AFL Barwon Community Awards.

  The event has incorporated the historic AFL Barwon Coaches Awards with the additions of Community Netball Coaching, Club Administrator Awards, and both Football and Netball umpiring awards.

  To nominate a Club Administrator, Football or Netball Coach, Personality of the Year or Club Trainer, simply answer the questions below associated with the specific award.

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

  NOMINATE HERE

• 

  AFL Barwon Broadcast & Filming EOI

  AFL Barwon is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced media, broadcast, or production companies to deliver filming, live streaming, highlights, and digital content distribution services for football and netball matches across our competitions.

  Our current broadcast footprint includes the live streaming of one senior football match per week in both the Geelong Football League (GFNL) and Bellarine Football League (BFNL). All seniorfootball matches are filmed weekly,while netball coverage is provided using VEO technology.

  This tender process aims to formalise and potentially expand AFL Barwon’s filming and broadcast arrangements from the 2026 season onwards.
  

  The Expression of Interest details can be found below.

  AFL BARWON BROADCAST & FILMING EOI

• 

  Coaches Awards Votes Entry - REMINDER

  We are currently following up on a few outstanding submissions to for this year’s award across all Senior Male and Female Football, and A Grade Netball competitions.

  To maintain the integrity of the results and ensure players across all clubs are recognised appropriately, we kindly remind all coaches to submit their votes if they haven't already.

  These votes provide a valuable opportunity for coaches to acknowledge standout performances, both from within their own teams and from the opposition.

  At this stage, we are holding off on publicly releasing the leaderboards to ensure all data is complete and accurate.

  If you have any questions or require assistance with submitting your votes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

• 

  Mental Health Round Game

  Tackle Your Feelings, Read the Play and Leisure Networks are coming together to help support the mental health of the football and netball communities in the Geelong, Barwon and Surf Coast regions. The organisations will be holding a special mental-health themed event at the Geelong and District Football Netball League clash between Winchelsea and Thomson at Eastern Reserve (Winchelsea) on Saturday August 9 starting at 12.30pm. The luncheon will include a panel discussion with Geelong footballers Mark O’Connor and Zach Guthrie, as well as some other activations and prize giveaways. For those looking to support or requiring further information, please get in contact with TYF’s Ben Guthrie (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Read the Play’s Michelle Gerdtz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Hope to see as many people supporting mental health on the day as we can.

Local Scoreboards

• BFNL Round 15 Scoreboard
• GFNL Round 13 Scoreboard
• Beyond the Boundary Podcast

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams
• The Warm Up on Podcast

Commercial Partnerships

• 

  The Real MVP – Marathon Foods Volunteer Program - CLOSES 31/7

  The Real MVP – Marathon Foods Volunteer Program recognises and rewards the unsung heroes who make community football and netball possible. 

  This initiative honours the volunteers who represent the heart and soul of their clubs — the ones who go above and beyond to keep things running behind the scenes. 

  Club Nominations

  Each club is invited to nominate one standout volunteer who embodies commitment, community spirit, and passion.

  Clubs must submit a short video showcasing the volunteer’s impact, dedication, and contributions, as well as any creative elements that help tell their unique story. Each Nomination must be submitted on Instagram or TikTok by tagging AFL Barwon & Marathon Foods.

  Social Media Sharing

  All video submissions will be featured across Marathon Foods and AFL Barwon’s social media platforms, amplifying the inspiring stories of volunteers and highlighting their role in local sport.

  Judging Criteria

  A judging panel made up of representatives from Marathon Foods and AFL Barwon will assess each nomination based on:

  • Impact on the club and broader community
  • Dedication and level of service
  • Creativity and originality of the video
  • Social media engagement (likes, shares, and comments)

   Prizes

  1st Place: $10,000 for the club

  All other nominees will receive 6 cartons of Marathon Classic Dim Sims.

  Competition closes 5pm July 31st, 2025.

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

• 

  The Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative - CLOSES 30/7

  The Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative is designed to support and empower local football and netball clubs across the AFL Barwon region.

  This initiative focuses on helping AFL Barwon-affiliated clubs deliver impactful projects that improve club environments and strengthen community engagement. With an emphasis on long-term benefits, it aims to inject meaningful support into grassroots sport, where even small investments can make a big difference.

  As part of the initiative, each AFL Barwon club is invited to take part in a creative and engaging challenge:
  Create a short-form video or reel (maximum 90 seconds) that respectfully showcases Lee Kum Kee products, using creativity, entertainment, and a strong sense of community spirit.

  How to Enter:

  • Post the video to your club’s Instagram page
  • Tag @AFLBarwon
  • Use the hashtag #LeeKumKee

  The most entertaining and brand-associated entry will win a $4,000 prize, to be used for a club improvement project of the winner’s choice.

  This initiative not only promotes creativity and fun across our community but also encourages clubs to reflect on how they can grow and better support their players, members, and fans.

  Prizes
  1st Place: $4,000 for the club

  Entries close: July 30, 2025

  For further information or assistance, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• 

  Geelong Cats AFLW Season Launch

  The 2025 AFLW season is right around the corner and the Geelong Cats are excited to kick it off on August 7 with the Season Launch!

  Join the team for the jumper presentation and hear from some of the players and staff ahead of Round 1.

  Get your tickets now at bit.ly/CatsSeasonLaunch

• 

  AFLW Sausage Sizzle

  Fire up the BBQ and support your club by running a sausage sizzle at one of our 2025 AFLW home games! 
  We’ll supply all the gear — you just turn up in your club colours, serve up some snags, and take home the profits. 
  

  Your club keeps 100% of the proceeds, going straight back into your female football program. 
  Be one of the lucky 6 clubs selected to take part in this year’s AFLW Sausage Sizzle.

  Expression of interest close COB Friday 1 August 

Club Development

• Football Coaching Development Opportunity - TONIGHT

  As we approach finals the AFL Vic Coaching and Umpiring teams will collaborate on an online webinar for Junior Coaches across Victoria who are competing in finals competitions at the end of this season. The webinar will take place on Tonight from 7pm – 8pm.

  The workshop will be named “Your Actions, Their Game” with the aim to help “Shape Finals Football Environments”. 

  • We would love to see all Junior Head Coaches online, however a minimum of 1 per club competing in finals + a member of the clubs Executive Committee.
  • Junior Coordinators, Assistant Coaches and Team Managers are also encouraged to join where possible            

  Please register HERE 

  Some of the key outcomes your club will be achieve from this webinar are below:

  • Walk away with a ‘charter’ of what they as a team and club are going to do in the final part of the season.
  • Ensuring that coaches provide a positive experience forALL players who participate in finals regardless of scoreboard outcome.
  • Provide an Umpires perspective on the field and how that differs from a coaches/parent’s position
  • Ensuring we as Coaches are supporting an Umpires finals experience
  • This workshop will be aiming to help aid retention of both playersand umpires following the conclusion of the season, heading towards 2026.

   These are the key points; however, there will be other important elements that will be covered beyond this throughout the workshop.

  Enquires can be directed to Tim Secombe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Geelong Cats Football Coaching Development Opportunity

  The Geelong Cats Academy is excited to offer a number of coaching opportunities across our 2025 Emerging Talent and Development Squad programs for Boys and Girls. 

  We are seeking passionate and committed coaches to join our Academy team in delivering high-quality football development experiences for talented young athletes across our Cats Academy zone.

  Please see the list of available positions below:

  • U16 Boys Development Squad Coaching Team
  • U15 Boys Development Squad Coaching Team
  • U14 Boys Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team
  • U13 Boys Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team
  • U16 Girls Development Squad Coaching Team
  • U14 Girls Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team

  The 2025 Academies will involve a 4-week training program commencing in August, with coaches expected to attend training one night per week. Training may then increase to two nights per week throughout September, leading into the Academy matches.

  Coaches will also be expected to attend a coach development session led by Geelong Cats staff and be encouraged to attend AFL Barwon matches to observe nominated players and assist in the talent identification process.

  Applications for these positions are now open, and close on Friday 8 August.

  To apply for one or more of these roles, please click here.

  More information can also be found here –  Geelong Cats Academy Coaching opportunities 

  Purpose

  This honorarium position is to collaboratively lead the Geelong Cats Academy Boys and Girls talent programs by delivering a player-centred environment that supports development at all stages of the pathway. Coaching teams will provide high-performance experiences for players progressing toward elite junior football, while also fostering foundational skill development, confidence and connection for emerging talent. Together, coaches will plan and deliver training, mentor athletes, and contribute to the overall vision and values of the Geelong Cats Academy.

  Key Responsibilities

  • Identify and select players through training, trials and game observations.
  • Plan and deliver structured, progressive training sessions.
  • Share coaching responsibilities across all aspects of preparation and match day execution.
  • Promote the values of connection, learning and resilience within the squad.
  • Provide individual player feedback and support player development plans.
  • Assist in preparing player evaluations and end-of-program reports.
  • Maintain strong communication with families, Academy staff and other stakeholders. 

  Requirements

  • Coach AFL accreditation.
  • Demonstrated coaching experience with junior athletes.
  • Strong teamwork, communication and planning skills.
  • Knowledge and experience in the Geelong Cats Academy zone, including insights into clubs, schools and pathways.
  • Understanding of the Coates Talent League and player pathway expectations.
  • Current VIT or Working with Children Check. 

  Enquires regarding the above can be directed to Chris Lynch Academy & Pathways Manager – Geelong Cats - 0400 071 680  - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• Geelong Cats NGA – Talent ID Feedback Request

  Junior club coordinators have been contacted to provide feedback on eligible Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy (NGA) Boys and Girls born 2009-2012 tied to their club. This information will support Talent ID for the Cats Academy U13 & U14 Emerging Talent Squads and U15 & U16 Development Squads.

  If your club has not received the email, please contact Chris Lynch, Academy & Pathways Manager at the Geelong Cats, via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards

  On behalf of AFL Barwon, thank you to all clubs who promoted and submitted nominations for the 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards.

  AFL Victoria saw a 70% increase in nominations with AFL Barwon receiving 33 nominations which is a fantastic recognition and demonstrates the respect and value we have for the volunteers in our region.

• AFL and Footy for Climate Community Club Survey

  HELP MAKE YOUR CLUB A LEADER IN SUSTSAINABLE SPORT

  The AFL and Footy for Climate are teaming up to survey local footy clubs about solar energy use and broader sustainability efforts and we need just 5 minutes of your time.

  Your input will help shape future support for local clubs and highlight the teams already driving change in our game. 

  Complete the survey by Thursday 31 July to make sure your club’s voice is heard.

  To complete the survey

• 

  Elevate Your Coaching Skills and Knowledge

  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. 

  REGISTER HERE

• City of Greater Geelong Community Grants

  Our 2025–26 Community Grants open on Saturday 26 July 2025. To assist you in applying for a grant we are offering free information sessions and grant‑writing workshops. Information sessions The information sessions will explain the 2025–26 grants offered, including key eligibility criteria, and highlight any changes in the guidelines. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to understand which grant best suits your project. Community Infrastructure In person | Wednesday 6 August, 6:00-7:30pm (doors open 5:45pm) Wurriki Nyal,137–149 Mercer Street, Geelong Register to attend. All other grants In person | Thursday 7 August, 6:00-7:30pm (doors open 5:45pm) Wurriki Nyal,137–149 Mercer Street, Geelong Format: brief introduction, followed by breakout sessions tailored for each grant Register to attend. Grant‑writing workshops The grant‑writing workshops are designed to help you craft a strong application. We’ll take a detailed look at the application questions, explain what makes a good application and give examples of what to avoid. Community Infrastructure Hybrid (online and at Wurriki Nyal) Wednesday 20 August, 6:00-7:30pm Register to attend. Online only | Thursday 14 August, 6:00–7:00pm Register for all grant writing workshops (except Infrastructure).  If you have any questions, please email or call us at 03 5272 5560.

   

• 

  TAC Club Rewards

  Officially opening on the 03/06/25 closing on the 25/08/25.

  Clubs can now register to participate in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads and share in the chance to earn up to $10k. 

  Further Details

Football

General Football

• Finals Eligibility – Competitive Age Groups

  Now is a good time to check player eligibility for finals. Players must have played a minimum number of games in a particular age group to qualify. Those who’ve played in higher grades/divisions may have additional requirements to be eligible for lower division finals. If there are any questions about eligibility, please reach out, and we can assist you.
  
  Please note: Even if a player qualifies for multiple teams, they are only permitted to play in one finals match per weekend.

  The below link will provide clubs with a tool to check players games played this season.

  Check Players Games Played

• 

  AFL Barwon Venue Information Request

  AFL Barwon is currently seeking updated information from all clubs regarding their home venues. This information will play a vital role in helping us better understand the current landscape and assist with planning and decision-making for future facility development and support.

  We kindly ask each club to complete the form linked below to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date details.

  Complete Form Here

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Football Umpiring

Reminder

The Runners Role

As we head towards end of the season and finals we want to give a timely reminder to levels of football of the roles of officials on the ground, this week we look at the role and duties of the “runner”.

Runners are reminded that they are not engage with opposition players or umpires and are subject to the laws of the game and all reportable offences.

They must always follow the direction of an umpire and must leave the ground if directed to do so immediately. Free kicks can and will be paid for any disrespectful, back chat or disputing umpires’ decisions. Runners are not to be “coaching” players on the ground – message and message only, Runners are not permitted to run around the ground or standing on the ground spectating, runners are delivering messages from their coaching staff only and not simply doing their own thing!

Runners must avoid being between the play and umpire and obstructing view and need to be well away in a passive position, if they obstruct the view of an umpire or get caught up in play a free kick can be awarded.

 

Runners are reminded that they are not engage with opposition players or umpires and are subject to the laws of the game and all reportable offences.

Free kicks can and will be paid for any disrespectful, back chat or disputing umpires’ decisions.

 

For the most part this is being executed very well and will be monitored closely by umpires/officials for in the lead up and during the 2025 football finals. Please ensure your runners at each age level understand their duties and role clearly to avoid any match day issues.

 

See below extract form the 2025 AFL Barwon handbook page 90 (refer to your own League By-laws for GDFNL and CDFNL for further clarification)

 

9. Runners

9.1 No. of Runners

All grades are only permitted to have 1 (one) runner.

9.2 9.2.1 Eligibility to act as runner

No person who is a registered player or an official of any club, other than their home club

whether affiliated or not, nor who is under disqualification or suspension by their home

club or League, shall act as an official runner in any competition match, or any other match

in which an AFL Victoria affiliated Club or League is participating.

9.2.2 No coach or assistant coach of an AFL Victoria open age team shall act as a runner in a

match in which a team of their club is participating.

9.2.3 No coach or assistant coach of an AFL Victoria team shall act as a runner in a match in

which the team that they coach is participating.

9.3 Duties of Runners

9.3.1 The Team runner shall not have affixed to their person any communication device which

includes but is not limited to headsets, microphones or earpieces or water bottles.

9.3.2 9.3.3 Runners may enter and exit the playing arena from any point of the ground.

The sole duty of the runner shall be to confer with the player or players of their club and to

immediately leave the playing arena.

9.4 Runners uniforms

All runners are to wear uniforms as approved by AFL Barwon at the commencement of

each season. Runner tops must carry the club name and the word “Runner”.

Penalty $100

Netball

Netball Victoria

• Training, Education and Courses

  Umpire tester meeting – Monday 11 August

  Interested in learning more about becoming an umpire tester? A new umpire tester meeting has been confirmed for 2025.
  Great for new testers, current testers, umpire mentors and umpire coordinators.

  Register 

  Intermediate coach course – Sunday 31 August

  Another date has been locked in for an Intermediate coach course, full day, face-to-face workshop at State Netball Centre - the perfect way for coaches to consolidate their learnings across the season and increase their knowledge and accreditation.

  Places are limited and some prerequisites apply. Please share with your coaches.

  Register

  Umpires in the Field – Mentor Workshop

  Friday 1^st August – presented by Ann Castles

  Ballarat Netball Association

  6-8pm

  https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149  

• NetSetGo Information

  2025 Woolworths Netball Grants Program

  The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations running Woolworths NetSetGo.
  This year, grants of $2,000 will be awarded to up to 40 clubs across Australia, as well as there being a massive $20,000 grant for the winner of the 2025 People’s Choice Award.

  Apply now

  Bring a Friend for FREE to Woolworths NetSetGo in August

  This August, Woolworths NetSetGo centres across Victoria are celebrating friendship and fun by inviting participants to 'Bring a Friend' to their sessions.

  The initiative is to help encourage people within your communities to come and try netball at the introductory level and see what it’s all about!

  If you are a Woolworths NetSetGo centre wanting to be a part of this initiative, you can register here.

  More information

• General Information

  Green Wristbands & Scrunchies Now Available via Netball Connect Shop

  We’re pleased to announce that Green Wristbands and Scrunchies are now available for purchase via the Netball Connect Shop.

  These items form part of Netball Victoria’s Green Band Initiative, supporting the development and recognition of our junior umpires and junior coaches.

  This purchase option is designed for affiliates who have already received their free wristbands and/or scrunchies during phase 1 of the initiative and would like to purchase additional items - Green Bands - Netball Connect Shop

  Thank you for continuing to support our young umpires and coaches and their development in a safe and encouraging environment.

  To learn more about the Green Band Initiative, visit: vic.netball.com.au/green-bands

  2025 Netball Victoria Community Awards
  Nominations for this year’s awards are now open, and we’re encouraging all affiliates to nominate coaches, umpires, teachers and officials in their community who deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Winners receive $500 and a trophy, and leagues/associations/clubs can receive up to $2000 thanks to WorkSafe.

  Nominate now

  Netball Victoria’s pathway raffle
  One lucky Victorian will drive away in a brand new car, thanks to PEUGEOT and Netball Victoria’s pathway raffle.

  All proceeds raised from the raffle will go directly into Netball Victoria’s pathway programs, supporting the next generation of athletes, umpires, coaches and officials across the state.

  More information

BFNL & GFNL Netball

• Finals – Bench Officials and Team Selection Changes

  In an attempt to reduce the amount of paper used through finals, as well as reduce the number of tasks required by clubs on match day, there have been some changes to the processes for finals, which will be included with other finals information when distributed, but I wanted to highlight here.

• Bench Officials

  A spreadsheet will be sent to all clubs to complete, nominating who their team bench officials will be for the finals series. We understand many teams will have a stable bench, so needing to provide this each week is not always necessary.

  However, if there is a change to your submitted list – then no worries, please pop to the competition office, or email the AFL Barwon team through the week, and we can update this for you. Only those named on our lists will be permitted to sit on the bench.

• Starting Positions

  While team selections will still be required by Wednesday of each week to enable us to type up position tracking sheets with qualified players, starting positions/line ups will be required to be selected in PlayHQ by 6pm the day before match day.

  Again – if there are changes to this post this time, this can be communicated at the competition office.

  All teams will still be required to ‘check in’ at the competition office, to run their names over their lists, and ensure all players are listed. From there, umpires will bring the paperwork to the score bench, for the independent scorer and check scorers.

• Finals Information

  Finals information documentation will be distributed shortly. A pre-recorded video will be made available, stepping you through the process and requirements, highlighting any changes for you.

Junior Netball

• Summer Season Information

  Summer season competition dates have been finalised.

  Grading will run for the first 3 weeks before grades are finalised.  

  Team entries will open in September, via email. 

  • 11&U and 17&U will play on Tuesdays 
  • 13&U and 15&U will play on Fridays 

  Tuesday 11&U and 17&U	Round
  14-Oct	Round 1
  21-Oct	Round 2
  28-Oct	Round 3
  4-Nov	BYE- MELB CUP
  11-Nov	Round 4
  18-Nov	Round 5
  25-Nov	Round 6
  2-Dec	Round 7
  9-Dec	Round 8
  16-Dec	Round 9
  SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
  3-Feb	Round 10
  10-Feb	Round 11
  17-Feb	Round 12
  24-Feb	SF
  3-Mar	GF

    

  Friday 13&U and 15&U	Round
  10-Oct	Round 1
  17-Oct	Round 2
  24-Oct	Round 3
  31-Oct	BYE
  7-Nov	Round 4
  14-Nov	Round 5
  21-Nov	Round 6
  28-Nov	Round 7
  5-Dec	Round 8
  12-Dec	Round 9
  19-Dec	BYE
  SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
  30-Jan	Round 10
  6-Feb	Round 11
  13-Feb	Round 12
  20-Feb	SF
  27-Feb	GF

  EOI to host
  
  We are also putting out an expression of interest to clubs that would be interested in being a host club for our summer season. Due to the size and volume of our competition, we are seeking clubs to run the venue. Requirements of this would be venue set up, central timing and scoring set up. Clubs are welcome to run canteens etc. throughout the season to raise funds. 
  
  If your club is interested, please reply to this email within 10 days, or if you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 
  
  Summer live scoring
  
  AFL Barwon are looking to introduce live scoring for out 2025/26 summer competition. We are planning to integrate live scoring for our midweek competition in stages, as we also want to incorporate live scoring for out 2026 winter competition. 
  
  A few key changes that come with live scoring for summer, is that there will be no allocation of goals/attempts to players, and no position tracking. This is based off the feedback that we received at the end of our 2024/25 summer competition. 
  
  Lineups will need to be selected via PlayHQ 12pm day prior to game-day. In addition to any changes to line-up will need to be summitted by 4pm matchday via team manager access. 

   

  Come our 2026 winter season, position tracking and goals/attempts will be required, however noting the challenges some people may face with live scoring, we are wanting to simplify it for summer and work in phases. 

   

  Any questions about anything in this email please don't hesitate to reach out. 

   

  Summer season will be here before we know it!

• August 8th Update

  Just a reminded that due to the Geelong Cats home game on Friday August 8, Kardinia Park is not available.

  The fixture for August 8^th has been released on PlayHQ. Please ensure you consult PlayHQ for your venue and time.

  Alternate venues for the night include:

  • Banyul-Warri Fields
  • Grinter Reserve
  • Herne Hill Reserve
  • Lara Recreation Reserve
  • Queens Park Reserve
  • Shell Road Reserve

• 11&U Party Round

  11&U Party Round is scheduled for 24th August at Kardinia Park.

  An email has been sent out to clubs with a link to submit their application to be involved. Please have this submitted no later than 15^th August.

  The theme this year is crazy socks and posters!

• 2026 Representative Program

  Coaching applications are now live AFL Barwon’s 2026 Representative Netball program. Please see the link below to submit your interest.

  Register Interest Here

• 2026 Representative Program Selectors

  AFL Barwon are looking for a team of selectors to assist in the rep trials.

  For more information, please contact Caitlyn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• AFL Barwon Junior Netball Award Nominations

  BFNL and GFNL Junior Netball Award nominations are now open! Below is a summary of all awards available to vote on.

  DOW Primary Education Award (BFNL Only)
  The purpose of this award is to encourage and support the further education, and development in the sport of netball, of a Primary age player within an affiliated Club.
  
  Criteria:
  · Age and status i.e. must have completed year 6 at Primary School and entering year 7 the following year
  · Club orientation i.e. Contribution to the ideals / practices of the Club
  · Self-motivation e.g. Attitude to training, participation in available courses
  · Evidence of good sportsmanship
  · Talent, and the likelihood of a significant future in netball
  · The need for assistance toward the costs of secondary education. 

  DOW Tertiary Scholarship (BFNL Only)

  Dow Australia Pty Ltd has been a valued sponsor of the Bellarine Football Netball League since 1987.     

  The purpose of this award is to encourage and support the further education, and development in the field of science of a junior age player towards their chosen professional career.

  Criteria: 

  • Age and status i.e. must be a year 12 student entering University in the following year
    · Evidence of good leadership
    · Self-motivation e.g. Attitude to training, participation in available courses
    · The need for assistance toward the costs of higher education
    · Must have ambitions of a future in one of the following careers: Science / Engineering OR Business / Commerce

  Junior Coach Encouragement Award (BFNL & GFNL)

  The Purpose of this award is to encourage, develop and support a young, aspiring coach.

  Criteria:
  ▪ Hold a current Coaching Accreditation
  ▪ Hold a current pass in the Rules of Netball theory exam
  ▪ Needs to be the nominated Coach for a team, not an Assistant.
  ▪ Be of Junior age: Up to and including 19/Under.
  ▪ Be a financial member of a club affiliated with AFL Barwon.
  ▪ Be a financial member of Netball Victoria.
  ▪ Display the qualities of a good Coach (Arrives early to meet and greet players, Dresses appropriately, Keeps players interested and active during training and warm-up sessions, Can demonstrate and encourage correct skills and apply appropriate fault correction, Gives constructive feedback during training and matches.

   Junior Umpire Encouragement Award (BFNL & GFNL)

  The purpose of the award is to encourage, develop and support young trainee / badged umpires who are members of a Club affiliated with the Bellarine Football Netball League.

  Criteria:
  - Completion Foundation umpire course and the rules of netball theory exam prior to or during the year of the award.
  - The ability to umpire matches completely unsupervised.
  - Willingness to umpire as and when requested by their Club, to dress appropriately, and to act responsibly as an umpire.

  Please see the below links for to submit your nominations.

  BFNL:

  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D7rusd1loBRu52rm0haevqdHVMRk5HOCjKIijz4AQ1Y/edit

  GFNL:

  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dlGhI3dq1M7byrwTJsOJU2Bjio_JWkdcSwOCYf-WS78/edit

CDFNL Netball

• Read the Play Round

  Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3

  The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.

  AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.

  The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.

  All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.

  ---

  Game Balls & Medals

  Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:

  • Colac & District FNL Clubs (Colac RSL) – from Wednesday 23 July 2025

  Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.

• Umpire Uniform Reminder

  Please be reminded of the following rules pertaining to umpiring in the CDFNL.

  8.4 Umpires are to wear a white top with a white/black or navy skirt or shorts (bike shorts are not considered appropriate and shall not be worn)

  8.4.1 Leggings/exercise tights (full length or 3/4 length only) shall only be worn during junior games 13U-17Us.

  8.4.2 Umpire’s must wear skirt or shorts in white/black or navy when officiating senior games.

  8.4.3 Umpiring officiating finals must wear full whites.

  8.4.1 Umpires are to wear white or cream attire, inclusive of shorts/skirt/bottoms, when officiating finals.

  8.5 No umpire shall umpire more than two (2) games, within our League, on any given day. 

  As we approach finals, please ensure you have the correct uniform available in the case of being allocated a finals match.
  
  

• Match Management Paperwork Trial

  The CDFNL Board have determined that for the final rounds of the season, we are going to be introducing a ‘Match Management’ log, which will be a requirement to be completed should any form of Warning, Suspension or Send Off occur.

  The Match Management log can be kept underneath the scoresheet, but when time is held for a warning (or other) to be issued, the scorer should note the position, club and quarter for which the incident has occurred. This is for OFFICIAL warnings and so on, not proactive advice or advancements, so time should be held for these to be issued, so should not impact scoring.

  At the end of the game, when signing off on votes and paperwork, the umpires should write down a note as to the reason for the warning (i.e. persistent infringing), and fill in any blanks (i.e. player name), as scorers may only note down the position, quarter and action at the time.

  

  If this paperwork needs to be completed, it must be sent with the scoresheets to AFL Barwon. If no issues occur, the paper can be re-used another time. 

  The form can be found under ‘Netball Resources’ on the AFL Barwon website – orlinked HERE for convenience

• Finals Scorer and Timekeeper information

  It’s the time of year where we ask clubs to please provide the names of their 7 nominated scorers and timekeepers for finals.

  These can be submitted via the following form: https://forms.gle/zhtrDadfkny3v45M8

  Please do so by August 18th

• Bench Personnel

  As the final 5 begin to become clearer, we are also in a position to start collecting your bench officials for finals.

  These can be submitted via the following form: https://forms.gle/ZDuGiVNJGCDUqz7j9

  Skip any teams for which you do not need to submit officials for. If your team is a possibility of making finals, please complete the form.

  Please complete this form by August 24^th.

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual
• 11 & Under Fixture
• All-Abilities Fixture
• Friday Night Fixture

Club Noticeboard

• 

  Vacancy | St Albans A Grade Netball Coach

  St Albans

  Read Here

• 

  Vacancy | Geelong West Giants Senior Coach

  Geelong West Giants

  Read Here

• 

  Vacancy | Surf Coast Suns A Grade Netball Coach

  Surf Coast Suns

  Read Here

• 

  Northern Stars seeking Under 9 Girls Players

  Northern Stars

  Read Here

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Football Umpire Appointments

• Blood Toyota GFNL Finals Weeks 1 - 3

  AFL Barwon is pleased to confirm that West Oval will host the opening three weeks of the 2026 Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Finals Series.

  The schedule is as follows:

  Week 1 – West Oval

  Saturday, September 5 - Qualifying Finals

  Sunday, September 6 - Elimination Finals

  Week 2 – West Oval

  Saturday, September 12 - Second Semi Finals

  Sunday, September 13 - First Semi Finals

  Week 3 – West Oval

  Saturday, September 19 - Preliminary Finals

  Week 4 – Kardinia Park

  Friday, September 25 - Grand Finals

  More information on the finals series can be found at the below button.

  Finals Hub

• AFL Industry to pay tribute to Nathan Fitzgerald

  The AFL, on behalf of the football community across Australia, extends its deepest condolences to Nathan Fitzgerald’s family, friends, teammates and everyone connected with the Epping Football Netball Club, Lalor Football Netball Club and the Northern Football Netball League.
  
  Nathan’s passing has deeply saddened everyone in the football community. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him, and with the many people across local football who have been affected by this tragic loss.
  
  At times like these, football is about much more than the game itself. It is about coming together to support one another, with the team at AFL Victoria working closely with those affected and continuing to provide wellbeing support to Nathan’s family, his club and everyone impacted across the days and weeks ahead.
  
  As a tribute, all 18 clubs across AFL matches this weekend will wear black armbands as a mark of respect. In addition, the Melbourne Demons and Nathan's beloved Richmond Tigers will hold a minute's silence before their match on Sunday at the MCG. 
  
  The AFL will also communicate to all community football leagues and clubs around the country and encourage all players to wear black armbands during this weekend’s matches.
  

  - Andrew Dillon, AFL CEO

• Racism Doesn’t Belong In Our Game

  The State Government has launched an anti-racism campaign bringing together 7 Victorian Sporting Organisations, CM Sport, VACSAL and VicSport to increase awareness of racism in community sport and its impact.

  The Campaign is designed to tell the story of 7 people who experienced racism in community sport and provide education and digital tools for sporting clubs.

  Racism doesn't belong in our game resources

• 2026 Presentation Night Dates

  We are pleased to provide stakeholders with the full list of presentation night event dates for the end of this season.

  Please be reminded that there is a change in format for junior vote count evenings this year. Junior votes counts for 17U and below for football and netball will be completed virtually, with the intention to enable more junior participants the opportunity to tune in and engage with the evening.

  Award winners will still have the opportunity to be presented with their awards at the combined junior sport presentation evening, on the 23rd of September.

  We are excited to enable more junior footballers and netballers within the region the opportunity to participate in the vote count experience.

  Clubs are encouraged to host their own events and screening of the counts should they wish. 

  Senior Football & Netball

  Mathieson Medal | Geelong Football Netball League Presentation Night | Tuesday 22nd September 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  Ash Medal | Bellarine Football Netball League Presentation Night | Wednesday 16th September 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  Female Football Presentation Night | Senior Female | Monday 24th August 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  Junior Football & Netball

  Under 18 Football and 19 & Under Netball Presentation Night | Wednesday 17th September 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  AFL Barwon Junior Sport Presentation Dinner | Wednesday 23rd September 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  AFL Barwon Junior Netball Vote Counts | Tuesday 15th September 2026 | Online via AFL Barwon website

  AFL Barwon Junior Football Vote Counts | Tuesday 1st September 2026 | Online via AFL Barwon website

  Colac & District FNL

  Mahoney & Russell Medal | Colac & District Football Netball League | Wednesday 9th September 2026 | Colac RSL

  CDFNL Junior Presentation Night | Monday 7th September 2026 | Colac RSL

  Finals Hub here

• 

  2026 Female Festival of Sport Junior Representative Netball Exhibition Match

  Celebrate our Bellarine, Geelong and Colac & District Athletes on the big stage.

  Alongside Geelong Cougars as they host their Victorian Netball League Home game, our 17U representative teams will take part in an exhibition match to kick off the day.

  Come along and celebrate the calibre of netball from the Barwon region, as Geelong Cougars take on the Western Warriors in the Victorian Netball League at “The Arena”.

  Date: Tuesday 7 July
  Times:

  • 10:30am - Local Representative Exhibition Match
  • 12pm - VNL Development Match
  • 1:30pm - 23&U VNL Match
  • 3pm - Championship VNL Match  

  Venue: The Arena

• 2026 Female Festival of Sport Female Club Champion

  Thank you to the clubs who submitted nominations for Female Club Champions to be recognised by our Communications team.

  For clubs wishing to recognise someone within their own club on social media, we've created an editable Canva template that you can customise and share. The link is provided below.

  We'd love to see clubs share these posts on Thursday night next week and tag AFL Barwon in your posts so we can help celebrate the incredible women making a difference across our community.

  ---

  BFNL: https://canva.link/26icv0bqyrasmnq

  GFNL: https://canva.link/3if22rtldyel3ih

  Juniors: https://canva.link/26icv0bqyrasmnq

  CDFNL: https://canva.link/n3z9gzqib4g4gh7

  GDFNL: https://canva.link/343u9mq7k3nfk45

General Football

Junior Football

• AFL Barwon Kempe Junior Football Finals

  Please note and advise coaches, team managers and any other relevant club personnel of the following information for finals.

  Dates:

  Junior football finals for the region will commence on the following dates by age group: 

  U14 Mixed & U16: 

  • Week 1 – 22^nd/23^rd August (TBC)
  • Week 2 – 29^th/30^thAugust (TBC)
  • Week 3 – 5^th/6^thSeptember (Grand Finals @ Herne Hill Reserve)

  U14 & U17 Female: 

  • Week 1 – 16^th August (TBC)
  • Week 2 – 23^rd August (TBC)
  • Week 3 – 30^th August (Grand Finals @ Lara Recreation Reserve)

  *Please note that games will be played across both Saturday and Sunday throughout the final series for the U14 Mixed & U16 competitions.

  Eligibility:

  As of July 7^th, we are 10 rounds through the season (inclusive of grading) for every age group. Please look to make yourself familiar with the eligibility requirements for finals to ensure that your club/participants are aware of what will be enforced: 

  

  

  

• Match Day Paperwork

  Please ensure that all team sheets on PlayHQ to this point in the season are accurate and match what has been signed off by the umpires on game day. If you have any queries about this, please reach out to the Football Operations team.

• Yellow Card Procedure

  AFL Barwon wishes to remind all clubs of the correct procedure relating to Yellow Cards in junior football competitions following recent instances of confusion regarding player replacements.

  For clarification, any player participating in an Under 18 competition or younger who receives a Yellow Card is not to be replaced. The player must leave the field and serve 15 minutes of playing time in the designated Yellow Card area before returning to play. During this period, their team must continue with one fewer player on the field.

  The relevant section of the AFL Barwon Handbook is provided below for reference.

  

  Please ensure all coaches, team managers, players and match day officials are familiar with this procedure and that it is consistently applied throughout the remainder of the season.

  Clubs found to be in breach of this rule may be subject to penalties in accordance with the AFL Barwon Competition Bylaws.

Resource Links

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

GFNL & BFNL Netball

• BFNL/GFNL Netball – Coaches Votes

  A gentle reminder for those who are yet to complete this form from the weekend.

  BFNL - 2026 Bellarine FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  GFNL - 2026 Geelong FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  A reminder that we require this information be submitted by Tuesday morning of each week.

• Netball Connect

  Loading Umpire & Coaching accreditation into Netball Connect (must be done when registering into your competition.

  A reminder that umpire and coaching accreditation should be recorded in individual Netball Connect profiles.  This can only be done at the point of registration. When umpires and coaches are registering into your competitions, they will be prompted to connect their Netball Australia My Learning account to their Netball Connect Profile and this will automatically pull through their accreditation information including expiry dates. This is really helpful for you to review and can be exported into a spreadsheet from Netball Connect. An outline of the process on Netball Connect can be found here.

  Please also note if there are issues or the umpire/coach believes the information showing is not right, it is most likely that there has been a typo when entering their Netball Learning username on through the registration form (often a capital letter at the start of the email address). This can easily be fixed by our Workforce team - please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any checks or changes. Accreditation records are imported into Netball Connect fortnightly, so if an accreditation is new, it could take a week or two to show on Netball Connect.

  A reminder that all coaches and umpires MUST be registered to your competition.

Resource Links

Netball Resources

• 2026/2027 Greater Geelong Community Grants

  2026/2027 City of Greater Geelong Community Grants are open.

  Do you have an amazing idea but need funding to bring it to life?

  Whether you are seeking to purchase new equipment, offer group activities, upgrade facilities, run a community event or create an inspired arts project, funding is available.

  Grants available include:

  • Arts Projects
  • Christmas
  • Clean Economy
  • Climate Change Partnerships
  • Community Equipment
  • Community Events
  • Community Infrastructure
  • Community Strengthening
  • Creative Commissions
  • Creative Seed
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • First Nations

  For grant guidelines, how to apply and important dates including free information sessions and grant writing workshops, visit Here

  Stay up to date with Community Grants news by subscribing to our newsletter.

• Australia Post Community Grant

  Our Community Grants program supports projects that connect people to improve mental wellbeing in local communities. To help them deliver for their communities, we award Community Grants of up to $10,000 each year to fund community-led, local projects. These funds will be dedicated to projects that enhance mental wellbeing by fostering connection and building resilience within communities recovering from a natural disaster or a major storm event.

  Apply and find out more here

• Local Sports Infrastructure Fund - Now Open

  he next round of Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is now open with funding up to $500,000 available. Clubs are encouraged to speak to their Council contact about any potential projects and its alignment to program guidelines. Program is only eligible to LGAs and will close on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 5pm.

  More information

• Federal Grant Opportunity - Game On: Teaming up for climate action

  Australian Government will open a funding opportunity to clubs and councils on June 11 and closes July 31st, 2026.

  The Game on: Teaming up for climate action program will deliver $35.262 million over 2 funding rounds and will run over 3 years from 2026–27 to 2028–29. The program was announced as part of the Support for the Net Zero Plan.

  Individual clubs can apply ($25K - $100K)

  More information on the program can be foundhere

• Telstra Footy Grants

  The Telstra Footy Grants program offers local football clubs in Australia the opportunity to receive funding to enhance their operations and community engagement. The Telstra Footy Grants is designed to financially assist initiatives that can support Community Clubs affiliated to the AFL to strengthen the base and secure the future in three key strategic areas: Grow and assist volunteer capacity. Grow and diversify participation. Improve club environments and experiences. Final rounds closes Thursday 23 July.

  Information found here

  Apply here

• SRV - Regional All Abilities Participation Grant

  The Regional All Abilities Participation Grants help deliver inclusive opportunities for people with a disability in regional Victoria to participate and thrive. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for equipment, travel, inclusion workforce, and programs and disability-led initiatives. Applications close 12 August.

  Please click here for more information and for the application link.

• Play by the Rules - Complaint Handling

  Refreshed Course Play by the Rules has re-launched their Complaint Handling Course. The course aims to support presidents, committee members and nominated complaint handlers in community sport to effectively handle complaints as they arrive. The course focuses on providing tips and strategies to handle grievances that don’t need to be escalated, whilst providing options for when more formal processes should be activated.

  Click here for the web page.

• Toyota Good for Footy Raffle

  The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle gives 100% of funds raised helping invest in the things that matter most to your players, volunteers and community. Tickets are just $5. Plus, you could win one of three brand new Toyota vehicles, exclusive AFL experiences, coaching clinics and more. When your club raises funds, it builds a stronger season ahead. That's Good for Footy! Ticket sales close 21 September 2026 at 12.00pm.

  Start promoting ticket sales for your club here

• TAC Club Rewards

  The TAC and AFL Victoria have partnered together for 34 years, working to achieve the vision of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. As part of the program, all AFL Victoria-aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety in their community. This year we're tackling speeding driving.Road Safety Round will take place over the weekend of 23-26th July 2026.Applications close Monday 24 August

  Click here for more information

• AFLW Community Ambassadors Program

  Nominations are now open for the 2026 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors Program.

  The Program recognises women and girls in the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls’ football.

  You can find out more about the program here- https://play.afl/clubhelp/women-girls/grants

  Nominations close on July 26th.

2026 Community Awards Nominations – NOW OPEN

The Netball Victoria Community Awards celebrate the significant achievements of individuals and groups who have contributed to the sport of netball in Victoria throughout the year.

The growth and development of netball within Victoria is at the heart of everything we do and we love to highlight the great work of our Victorian netball community.

Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards are now open!

Nominate Now! &Awards Criteria

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Football Umpire Appointments

• 

  2026 Female Festival of Sport Breakfast

  AFL Barwon is proud to host a special breakfast conversation with two of Australia’s most influential sporting leaders — Laura Kane, AFL’s Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations, and Sharelle McMahon, one of Australia’s most iconic netballers and now General Manager of High Performance and Pathways at Netball Victoria.

  Together, they’ll reflect on their journeys so far, and explore the future of women’s sport in Australia: the momentum, the possibilities, and the next era of opportunity for girls and women across football, netball and the broader sporting landscape.

  From community pathways to elite performance, from leadership to visibility, this conversation will look ahead to what’s next — and what we must build now to ensure the next generation thrives.

  Held at the newly openedNyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, this is a rare chance to hear from two trailblazers shaping the national agenda, and to connect with others who are passionate about creating a stronger, more inclusive future for women and girls in sport.

  Join us for an inspiring morning of insight, connection and possibility.

  The full Female Fesitval of Sport events will be communicated shortly.

  RSVP FORM

• 

  2026 Female Sport Education Session hosted by Epworth Geelong

  Join Dr Alex Bonner, Dr Rekha Ganeshalingam and Emily Brown for an insightful panel discussion exploring the unique health and performance considerations of female athletes.

  This engaging session will examine the relationship between menstrual health and athletic performance, effective load management strategies, and practical ways to support the participation, wellbeing and long-term development of women and girls in sport.

  Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, health professional or passionate supporter of female sport, you'll gain valuable insights from industry experts and experienced practitioners working at the forefront of athlete health and performance.

  Date: Tuesday 7 July
  Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
  Venue: Epworth Geelong

  Be part of the conversation and learn how we can better support female athletes to thrive both on and off the field.

  Register here

• 2026 Female Festival of Sport Female Club Champion Nominations

  As part of AFL Barwon’s Female Festival of Sport, we are inviting all clubs to nominate their Female Club Champion – an outstanding female who has made a significant contribution to your club and community.

  This prestigious recognition forms part of a week-long celebration dedicated to honouring the achievements and impact of women and girls in sport across the Barwon region.

  Whether through playing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, administration or leadership, the Female Club Champion Award acknowledges those who go above and beyond to make a positive difference within their club.

  Clubs are asked to submit in 150 words or less their Female Club Champion nomination to AFL Barwon by Wednesday 24 June to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. From the club recipients, AFL Barwon will select several individuals to receive additional recognition, highlighting their exceptional contribution to community sport.

  Social media templates will be provided to clubs in late June, with all Female Club Champions to be celebrated across club and AFL Barwon channels on Thursday 9 July.

  We encourage every club to recognise and celebrate the women who help make our sporting communities stronger.

• 

  2026 Female Festival of Sport Junior Representative Netball Exhibition Match

  Celebrate our Bellarine, Geelong and Colac & District Athletes on the big stage.

  Alongside Geelong Cougars as they host their Victorian Netball League Home game, our 17U representative teams will take part in an exhibition match to kick off the day.

  Come along and celebrate the calibre of netball from the Barwon region, as Geelong Cougars take on the Western Warriors in the Victorian Netball League at “The Arena”.

  Date: Tuesday 7 July
  Times:

  • 10:30am - Local Representative Exhibition Match
  • 12pm - VNL Development Match
  • 1:30pm - 23&U VNL Match
  • 3pm - Championship VNL Match  

  Venue: The Arena

• 

  2026 Read the Play Round

  Read the Play Round will take place across the weekend of 19 to 21 June, with clubs encouraged to get involved and help raise awareness of youth mental health and wellbeing across our football and netball community.

  Game footballs, netballs and medals will be available for Saturday and Sunday home clubs to collect from the following locations:

  AFL Barwon Junior Football and Netball competitions
  Available from Tuesday 16 June
  AFL Barwon, Roslyn Road, Highton

  ---

  Colac and District FNL clubs
  Available from Thursday 12 June
  Colac RSL

  ---

  AFL Barwon will organise balls and medals for all Friday night netball matches.

  Home clubs are asked to please ensure balls and medals are collected ahead of their matches and used as part of their Read the Play Round recognition.

  If your club has the bye during Read the Play Round and would like to host a Read the Play match later in the season, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 2026 Geelong Cats Community Awards - Call for Nominations

  Do you know someone making an outstanding impact in football or the Geelong community? Nominations are now open for Club Awards, recognising exceptional service, leadership and contribution on and off the field.
  
  Help us recognise those who are the catalyst for good and reflect the values that make our Club and community stronger. Plus, all nominators go into the draw to win a 2026 AFL team-signed guernsey!

  ---

  RJ Hickey Award

  The RJ Hickey Award is named in the honour of one of our great past players, Premiership Coach and Captain Reg Hickey, whose contribution to the game of Australian Football and to the Geelong Football Club was profound over three decades, from 1926 to 1959.

  The RJ 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.

  Nominate here

  ---

  Carter/Costa Award

  The Carter/Costa Award is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service that strengthens the Geelong Football Club or contributes significantly to the wellbeing and vitality of the broader Geelong community.
  
  This award recognises service beyond football, reflecting the community leadership and values embodied by Colin Carter and Frank Costa.
  
  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.

  Nominate here

  Find out more

Resource Links

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

General Netball

• Woolworths Netball Grants

  Since 2019, Woolworths has been a proud partner of grassroots netball as the naming rights sponsor of Woolworths NetSetGo. Our commitment goes beyond the court; over the last seven years, we have donated more than $1.1 million to over 320 clubs and associations across Australia.

  The 2026 Woolworths Netball Grants Program is now open. We are offering $100,000 in cash grants to help local clubs and associations upgrade facilities, buy equipment, and support their players.

  To be in the running, apply below and explain how your club or association would use a grant to help improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids, in one or more of the following ways:

  • Sporting equipment / uniforms / improvements to facilities
  • Access to Woolworths’ NetSetGo program; and/or
  • Nutrition

  Applications for the 2026 Woolworths Netball Grant start are now open and close at 23:59 AEST on 06.08.26

  More Information

• Development / A Grade Coaching Accreditation

  We have been advised that due to being unable to secure a facilitator for the coaching course that was scheduled to be held in Geelong this month, the upcoming course will not proceed.

  I understand that a few coaches were relying on this course, particularly following the cancellation of the course in Colac. Once a date is confirmed, this will be visible via the Netball Victoria website. – Coaching Calendar: https://vic.netball.com.au/events#148

  In the meantime, all coaches who were waiting to attend this course must send through via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.proof that they have completed the online component of the accreditation.

  Other course dates:

  • Knox Regional Netball Centre – Sunday July 12

• Netball Best and Fairest Votes

  While we have seen great success with the digitisation of votes this season, clubs are reminded that they should have hard copy/paper votes available, for occasions where technical issues may occur. All clubs were issued with 20 vote cards at the start of the season, for occasions such as this.

  Please reach out if you do not have any cards on hand.

  To be clear - hard copy votes should only be used where technical issues occur.

   

• Netball Operations Intern - Work Experience Overview – AFL Barwon

  We are excited to welcome work experience participants into our team and provide a valuable learning and development experience. Our program is designed to give students or recent graduates real-world exposure to the operations of a dynamic organisation, hands-on opportunities to contribute, and the ability to explore different areas of our business.

  What We Offer

  As part of your time with us, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside a passionate and experienced team, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to our day-to-day operations. You’ll also gain insight into all areas of the business, including (but not limited to)

  • Operations and Administration
  • Events and Competitions
  • Community Engagement
  • Governance and Compliance

  Please click here for the position description and for more information.

GFNL & BFNL Netball

Junior / Midweek Netball

• Fixture Update

  Please be mindful of upcoming competition byes. No games will be played on the below dates:

  • Tuesday 9 June
  • Friday 12 June
  • Tuesday 7 July
  • Friday 3 July

• Uniform

  A reminder that long sleeve shirts are permitted to be worn under uniform, however, if multiple players wish to wear a long sleeve, they must be the same colour. 

  i.e. If one wears white, others who opt to wear one must also wear white. Cannot be a mix of black and white

Netball Umpiring

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• 2026 AFL Barwon Pre-season Handbook

• Book a Read the Play session before Mental Health Round

  May and June bookings are filling quickly, so clubs are encouraged to book as soon as possible to secure a session before RTP Round.

  Clubs that book one or more Read the Play sessions and appoint a Player Wellbeing Officer will receive a Read the Play Mentally Healthy Club Badge. To be eligible, clubs will need to promote the Player Wellbeing Officer role within their club and provide the details to Read the Play.

  The badge gives clubs a great opportunity to promote on their website, socials, newsletters and other club communications that they are a mentally healthy sporting club and are prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of their young players.

  Book here

• 

  Brazilian Butterfly Player of the Week

  Brazilian Butterfly is proud to partner with AFL Barwon in supporting and celebrating female athletes across our region throughout the 2026 season.

  As part of this partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will provide Player of the Week vouchers to clubs across our female competitions. The initiative aims to recognise outstanding individual performances and celebrate the contribution of players at every level of the game.

  To assist in promoting the initiative, clubs are asked to share an image of their selected Player of the Week holding the voucher using the dedicated template on social media and tag @aflbarwon & @Brazilianbutterflyau.

  The template can be downloaded on the link below.

  Please note that vouchers are available for collection from AFL Barwon for clubs that have not yet picked theirs up.

  We thank Brazilian Butterfly for their support of female football and netball within the Barwon region.

  Download template here

• 

  Mental Health Round

  19th - 21st June

  Read more

• 

  Female Festival of Sport

  6th - 12th July

  Read more

• Woolworths Netball Grants

  Since 2019, Woolworths has been a proud partner of grassroots netball as the naming rights sponsor of Woolworths NetSetGo. Our commitment goes beyond the court; over the last seven years, we have donated more than $1.1 million to over 320 clubs and associations across Australia.

  The 2026 Woolworths Netball Grants Program is now open. We are offering $100,000 in cash grants to help local clubs and associations upgrade facilities, buy equipment, and support their players.

  To be in the running, apply below and explain how your club or association would use a grant to help improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids, in one or more of the following ways:

  • Sporting equipment / uniforms / improvements to facilities
  • Access to Woolworths’ NetSetGo program; and/or
  • Nutrition

  Applications for the 2026 Woolworths Netball Grant start are now open and close at 23:59 AEST on 06.08.26

  More Information

• SRV - Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants

  The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program is now open, helping First Peoples communities in Victoria play sport and compete at higher levels. Funding for (1) Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, (2) Uniforms and equipment, and (3) Athlete participation support will all be supported under the grant. Applications close: July 6 2026 

  More information

• Local Sports Infrastructure Fund - Now Open

  he next round of Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is now open with funding up to $500,000 available. Clubs are encouraged to speak to their Council contact about any potential projects and its alignment to program guidelines. Program is only eligible to LGAs and will close on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 5pm.

  More information

• Game On : Climate Action Grant opens 1st July

  The program will provide support for up to 500 community sports clubs, helping them upgrade their facilities to be more climate resilient and energy efficient. Applications open on the 1st July. If this grant interests you, please contact our facilities team onThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and also reach out to your local Council representative. 

  More Information

• New Netball Intermediate Coach Course Structure

  Netball Australia have released the newly redesigned and update Intermediate Coach course. Moving to a blended learning model, with both online course and a face-to-face workshop, it is an amazing learning opportunity for Development accredited coaches to move to the next level. The practical workshop must be completed to have your accreditation awarded, but the online course is open to all that hold the prerequisites. Details about upcoming practical workshops will be confirmed soon, while we pilot and test with Netball Australia. 

  Find out more

• Development / A Grade Coaching Accreditation

  We have been advised that due to being unable to secure a facilitator for the coaching course that was scheduled to be held in Geelong this month, the upcoming course will not proceed.

  I understand that a few coaches were relying on this course, particularly following the cancellation of the course in Colac. Once a date is confirmed, this will be visible via the Netball Victoria website. – Coaching Calendar: https://vic.netball.com.au/events#148

  In the meantime, all coaches who were waiting to attend this course must send through via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.proof that they have completed the online component of the accreditation.

  Other course dates:

  • Knox Regional Netball Centre – Sunday July 12

• TAC Club Rewards

  The 2026 TAC Club Rewards Program was launched this week with the program inviting clubs to apply for a share in $700,000 to deliver community initiatives that help influence behaviour and save lives. Now in its seventh year, the program will focus on speeding, encouraging clubs to lead by example with the message “Be the Difference. Make the Right Choice. Slow Down on the Road.” 

  Read More

• 

  Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards

  Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2026 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money-can’t-buy 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota. 

  Find out more information here -https://play.afl/toyota-afl-national-volunteer-awards 

  Club promotion toolkit found here

• Women & Girls Community Football Charter – AFL Vic

  AFL Barwon is committed to ensuring community football environments are welcoming, safe, and inclusive for women & girls.

  Female football participation across the region is entering an exciting growth phase, with new opportunities emerging for clubs supporting women and girls. The Women and Girls Community Football Charter encourages clubs, leagues, and umpire groups to create inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments, guided by four principles: opportunity, visibility, access, and investment.

  Clubs can easily become signatories by submitting an expression of interest and completing a short action plan with support from the state body. Benefits include access to grants, ongoing updates, recognition, and promotional resources. As momentum builds, embracing women and girls in football is strengthening club culture and fostering a unified “one club” environment.

  Further information and to register your clubs EOI found here - https://play.afl/clubhelp/women-girls/community-football-charter

  As a thought provoker and to compliment the Women & Girls Community Football Charter, please consider completing The Fair Access Club Self-Assessment Tool which is a practical guide developed by the City of Greater Geelong to help sporting clubs review how inclusive and welcoming they are. It allows clubs to assess key areas such as facilities, culture, leadership, participation and promotion, focusing on inclusion of women, girls and under-represented groups. The benefit is that clubs can identify strengths and gaps, then take action to improve fairness and access across all parts of the organisation. This leads to more diverse participation, stronger community connections, increased volunteering, and a more supportive environment for everyone involved in sport and active recreation.

  Complete the tool with your committee here: https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/index.php?cID=3580

  Further information and to register your clubs EOI found here

• Football Coach Developers – AFL Vic

  AFL Victoria provides a free Coach Developer network to support community clubs with mentoring, training session observation, and tailored education focusing on player-centred environments. These developers work directly with local coaches, particularly in junior football, to improve training structures and game-day coaching behaviours, AFL Barwon have assigned local AFL Victoria coach developers who are more than happy to provide coach education at your club. Enquires can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Check out these handy coaching resources packed full of videos to support coaches in our region

  Read More

• Work Safe Club Safety Fund Launch

  The WorkSafe Club Safety Fund has been established to provide financial assistance to country netball communities to improve the safety of their grounds and facilities.

  Netball Victoria and WorkSafe are working together to build an environment that looks after the health, safety and wellbeing of our community.

  More Information

• Linking and Viewing Accreditations (Umpire & Coaching) in Netball Connect

  We have been working with Netball Connect to have visibility of coach and umpire accreditations on a member's profile in Netball Connect. A few small bugs have been resolved and all accreditations now showing on a profile should be correct. If there are any issues, or the umpire/coach believes the information showing is not right, it is most likely that there has been a typo when entering their Netball Learning username on their registration form (often a capital letter at the start of the email address). This can easily be fixed by our Workforce team - please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any checks or changes.

  Importantly:

  • Accreditation records are imported into Netball Connect fortnightly, so if an accreditation is new, it could take a week or two to show on Netball Connect.
  • A reminder that all coaches and umpires MUST be registered to your competition for insurance and child safety purposes.
  • Learn more about how this works in Netball Connect here

• Umpiring Update

  • Umpire Practical Assessment sheet - The current umpire practical assessment sheet is accessible on the Netball Victoria website. Please ensure current test sheets, with '2026' written at the bottom, are used for all upcoming umpire assessments.
  • Umpire Tester Meeting (register through link) - An additional umpire tester meeting will be held on 22nd June 2026 at 6pm, online. Attendance in 2026 is mandatory to be included on the Endorsed Tester List, but the meeting is open to anyone who is interested in becoming a tester or would like to learn more about umpire testing.
  • Current Endorsed Tester List - The 2026 Endorsed Umpire Tester List can be found on the NV website and through the link provided. The list is updated monthly. Please ensure you check the list ahead of arranging testing panels to ensure testers are eligible.

• Save the Date: Netball Victoria Community Awards

  Netball Victoria will be hosting our annual community awards on Sunday 18th October 2026 from 2-5pm. A great opportunity for all our community to come together and celebrate an amazing year. Head to our page to learn more and nominate association/ league of the year, volunteer of the year, inclusive netball community of the year, NetSetGo centre of the year, umpire of the year, coach of the year and teacher of the year.

  More Information

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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2025 Handbook

Bulletin Archive

Contact Us

Football Umpire Appointments

General Updates

New Updates

• 

  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.

  Inclusion Club Toolkit

• 

  2025 Female Festival of Sport Breakfast Tickets on sale NOW

  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

  This year’s line-up of guest speakers includes:

  • Meagan Mifsud – Torquay Netball Club
  • Jaz Shelley – Professional basketballer, Geelong United Basketball
  • Taylah Hassett – Head Coach, Geelong VFLW

  Join us for a powerful morning of networking, storytelling, and inspiration as we champion the future of female participation in sport.

  Purchase Tickets

• AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  BFNL

  Senior Football

  14/6/25 - Geelong Amateur vs Modewarre - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  14/6/25 - Ocean Grove vs Torquay - 1:50pm

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  GFNL

  Senior Football

  14/6/25 - Colac vs St Mary's - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  14/6/25 - Colac vs St Mary's - 1:40pm

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  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  14/6/25 - Birregurra vs Alvie - 2:15pm

  ---

  VISIT AFLB TV

• 

  2025 AFL Toyota 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 AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota.

  Nominate Here

Reminders

• 

  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

• 

  Auskick & Super Kick 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.

  Find your nearest centre

• 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 
  

Local Scoreboards

• GFNL Scoreboard
• BFNL Scoreboard

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams

Commercial Partnerships

Reminders

• 

  Corio Bay Health Group - Sports Taping Workshop

  Download Flyer

• 

  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

• 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. 

• 

  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 person 

  This 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 Cats

  All proceeds go directly to supporting Read the Play’s youth mental health programs.

  Register here

Football

Junior Female Football

• 

  Competition Update – U14 & U16 Female Division Changes & Fixture Adjustments

  Please note that due to recent results and competition changes, there have been updates to team placements and fixtures across U14 & U16 Female divisions. We encourage all participants to review this week’s fixtures carefully, as some games have been adjusted.

  To ensure fairness and equal opportunity across both divisions, a match ratio system will now be implemented for ladder standings.

  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a balanced and competitive environment for all.

• 

  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. 

  Complete the EOI

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Football Umpiring

New Updates

Netball

General Netball

• 

  Uniform Reminder

  Please be reminded that all players who intend to take the court must be in appropriate uniform. This includes complying with the information nominated by clubs, which can be found at the back of the AFL Barwon Handbook (page 181).

  Players who are not in correct uniform may not take the court until the matter is rectified.

  Please note: If a club has nominated more than one colour of socks, players within a team can wear either colour, and do not need to whole team to be in the same colour.

• High priority - NETBALL REGISTRATIONS AND CLEARANCES CLOSE JUNE 30th

  As per AFL Barwon By-Law 2.3 and Netball Competition rule 2, player registrations and clearances in netball close on June 30^th.

  Please ensure all players are registered/cleared to your club prior to this date.

  No late registrations will be accepted

Netball Victoria

• Netball Victoria – Education & Development

   Accreditation information on Netball Connect

  A reminder to make sure your coaches and umpires include their Netball Learning email address in the registration process. This will allow their correct accreditation information to be added to their User profile for administrators to view. Please view the resource here to help with this process-   Umpire and Coach Accreditations

  ---

  Community coaches recruitment

  Netball Victoria is recruiting accredited coaches to assist with delivery of school programs and clinics.

  Payment is $50/ hour (tax free!), flexible shifts, school hours, support and training provided, and sharing the love of the game - what more could there be?!

  More information

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  Australian concussion guidelines

  The AIS and Sports Medicine Australia have developed concussion guidelines for community sport. You can access the full guidelines plus a downloadable A3 poster outlining simple steps to help ensure athletes with suspected concussion receive proper care and sufficient recovery time.

  View here

  ---

  Advanced & Elite coach courses

  Expressions of interest are now open for Advanced coaching course (November) and Elite coaching course (October). 

  Find out more or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with additional queries.

  ---

  Train Like a Vixen clinics - July school holidays

  Get in early and encourage your members to secure their spots in our July school holiday Train Like a Vixen clinics (8 -18 July), ideal for netballers aged 9–15 years.

  These clinics are a great way to keep players active, engaged, and developing their skills during the break.

  More information

  ---

  WorkSafe mental health and wellbeing workshop registrations now open

  Registrations are now open for a range of FREE mental health and wellbeing workshops, thanks to our Principal Partner, WorkSafe, and delivery partner, Sport and Life Training (SALT).

  Workshop 1- Mental health and wellbeing program

  Workshop 2- Empowered

  Workshop 3- Team first leadership

  Sign up now for your chance to win a meet and greet with a Vixen player at your club or association!

• 

  Netball Victoria – Grants Update

  2025 Woolworths netball grants program

  The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations running Woolworths NetSetGo across the country to improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids.
  This year, grants of $2,000 will be awarded to up to 40 clubs across Australia, as well as there being a massive $20,000 grant for the winner of the 2025 People’s Choice Award.

  More information

  ---

  Reminder - The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program is currently open for application.
  The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program (CFNP) is now open, and closes on 7 July 2025. Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of sports lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including gender‑neutral change rooms. If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or the NV facilities team. Please note that all applications must be submitted via your local Council.

• Netball Victoria - Reminders

  Action Required - Appointment of child safety officers and complaints officers on Netball Connect

  As part of Netball Victoria’s continued commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for every young person involved in our sport, we have introduced a requirement for all associations, leagues and clubs to appoint a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager. 

  These appointments are a mandatory requirement under the Netball Victoria Affiliation Policy. Please upload the name and contact details of your appointed CSO and Complaints Manager by 30 June, 2025 via Netball Connect. 

  This can be done by logging into Netball Connect > Click on the User module > Administrator > Our Organisation. Please view the resource here-  Our Organisation - Contacts

  Dedicated training and support details will be communicated and commence in July. 

  We also have a resource where you search for your frequently asked questions. Please view the resource here- Answers to frequently asked questions.

  ---

  Netball Victoria Community Award Nominations NOW OPEN

  Nominations are now open for the 2025 Netball Victoria Community Awards, celebrating the passionate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make netball thrive across Victoria.

  You know better than anyone the incredible people who dedicate their time and energy purely out of love for the game – now’s the time to recognise them.

  Award categories include:

  • Volunteer of the Year
  • NetSetGO Centre of the Year
  • Inclusive Netball Community of the Year
  • Contribution to Coaching
  • Contribution to Umpiring
  • Association/League of the Year
  • Teacher of the Year
  • WorkSafe Safety Initiative of the Year

  We encourage every association, league, and club to submit at least one nomination. Let’s share and celebrate the inspiring stories of those at the heart of our sport.

  2025 Community Awards - Netball VIC

BFNL & GFNL Netball

• 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. 

  Coaches: Monday 16 June – 6pm, AFL Barwon Highton Office 

  Register

• 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.   

Junior Netball

• 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.

• Representative Netball – Monday 16th June 

  Fixtures 

  Geelong Central Netball Association 

  • Semester 1 Finals start Monday 16th June 

  GCNA Fixture Here 

CDFNL Netball

• CDFNL Junior Interleague

  This Sunday, Colac Imperials' Western Oval will host an exciting day of representative netball as the CDFNL junior teams take on the Central Highlands in the 13U, 15U, and 17U age groups. Game times are set for 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm respectively.

  Best of luck to all players representing the league, we’re proud of your efforts and can’t wait to see you in action!

  View Fixture Here

• 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.
    
    Coaches: Monday 16 June – 6pm, AFL Barwon Highton Office

  Register Here

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual
• 11 & Under Fixture
• All-Abilities Fixture
• Friday Night Fixture

Netball Umpiring

Club Development

• 

  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.  

  Read more here 

  Eligibility Criteria

• 

  TAC Club Rewards is back!

  Officially opening on the 03/06/25 closing on the 25/08/25.

  Clubs can now register to participate in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads and share in the chance to earn up to $10k. 

  Further Details

• 

  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.

  Register here

• 

  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. 

  Register here

• 

  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

  Apply Here

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Football Umpire Appointments

• 

  AFL Barwon announces ‘Barwon Blueprint’ initiative to strengthen the future of community sport.

  AFL Barwon has today announced the establishment of a Steering Committee to lead the development of the Barwon Blueprint - a long-term, region-wide strategy focused on strengthening the sustainability, competitiveness and future viability of community football and netball across the Barwon region. 

  The Steering Committee will undertake a comprehensive review of competition structures, club sustainability, participation pathways and competitive balance levers across senior and junior netball and football leagues.

  The key output of this work will be a recommendations report outlining a long-term competition roadmap, including structural options and transition plans. 

  The initiative comes in response to ongoing concerns about widening competitive gaps, increasing pressure on volunteer-driven clubs, and the need to ensure local sport remains strong and sustainable for future generations.

  Read More

• 

  About Read the Play Mental Health Round

  This year, Read the Play celebrates 20 years of supporting young people across our football and netball community through free mental health and wellbeing education.

  For two decades, Read the Play has helped young people better understand mental health, recognise when someone may be struggling and know where to seek support. Through the support of volunteers, partners and the community, including long-standing partner Kempe Engineering, this important work has reached thousands of young people across our region.

  To help celebrate this milestone, AFL Barwon is encouraging all clubs to get behind Read the Play Round, taking place this weekend (19–21 June).

  Resources have been provided to help clubs promote the round and raise awareness of the importance of youth mental health and wellbeing.

  Link to Resources – Club Kit

  Link to RTP Guide

  We ask all clubs to:

  • Share Read the Play Round content on your club social media channels
  • Include Read the Play Round in club newsletters and communications
  • Encourage members and supporters to donate to Read the Play
  • Help celebrate 20 years of impact in our community

  ---

  About Read the Play Mental Health Round

  Read the Play Round is about raising awareness of mental health, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their teammates, friends and family.

  Mental health challenges are increasingly affecting young Australians:

  • 49% of young Australians report experiencing high or very high psychological distress.
  • 2 in 5 young people aged 16–24 experience a mental health disorder in any 12-month period.
  • Symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress increase significantly throughout the high school years and are most prevalent among girls and gender-diverse young people.
  • Globally, mental health disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability for young people aged 10–19.

  Source: headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey 2025 and National Mental Health Commission 2023.

  Read the Play Round Values

  Throughout Read the Play Round, players are encouraged to embody the values that strengthen both sport and community.

  RESPECT
  Treat everyone with dignity, empathy and understanding.

  COURAGE
  Speak up, seek support and look out for those around you.

  TEAMWORK
  Work together, support your mates and create a positive environment for all.

  The player who best demonstrates the Read the Play Round values will be awarded theRead the Play Medal and receive the match ball.

• 

  2026 Read the Play Round Game Balls and Medals

  Read the Play Round will take place across this weekend (19 to 21 June), with clubs encouraged to get involved and help raise awareness of youth mental health and wellbeing across our football and netball community.

  Under 16 male & Under 17 female Footballers, and 15&Under Netballers play with a dedicated RTP match ball.

  Game footballs, netballs and medals will be available for Saturday and Sunday home clubs to collect from the following locations:

  AFL Barwon Junior Football and Netball competitions
  Available Now
  AFL Barwon, Roslyn Road, Highton

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  Colac and District FNL clubs
  Available Now
  Colac RSL

  ---

  AFL Barwon will organise balls and medals for all Friday night netball matches.

  Home clubs are asked to please ensure balls and medals are collected ahead of their matches and used as part of their Read the Play Round recognition.

  If your club has the bye during Read the Play Round and would like to host a Read the Play match later in the season, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

  2026 Read The Play Round Guide

• 

  A special Cats jumper auction to celebrate 20 years of Read the Play

  Read the Play is celebrating 20 years of empowering young people with proactive mental health education and we’re inviting your club to be part of this milestone.

  The Geelong Cats have been a proud supporting partner of Read the Play since its inception, helping strengthen the program’s reach and impact across our region.

  To mark the occasion, the Geelong Cats are donating 56 of the 2025 Regional Guernsey’s, each signed by the 2026 playing group, for clubs to auction in support of Read the Play. 

  All funds raised go directly to Read the Play, helping deliver free mental health education across our region.

  More information including social media assets will be sent directly to clubs in the coming days. 

• 2026 Geelong Cats Community Awards - Call for Nominations

  Do you know someone making an outstanding impact in football or the Geelong community? Nominations are now open for Club Awards, recognising exceptional service, leadership and contribution on and off the field.
  
  Help us recognise those who are the catalyst for good and reflect the values that make our Club and community stronger. Plus, all nominators go into the draw to win a 2026 AFL team-signed guernsey!

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  RJ Hickey Award

  The RJ Hickey Award is named in the honour of one of our great past players, Premiership Coach and Captain Reg Hickey, whose contribution to the game of Australian Football and to the Geelong Football Club was profound over three decades, from 1926 to 1959.

  The RJ 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.

  Nominate here

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  Carter/Costa Award

  The Carter/Costa Award is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service that strengthens the Geelong Football Club or contributes significantly to the wellbeing and vitality of the broader Geelong community.
  
  This award recognises service beyond football, reflecting the community leadership and values embodied by Colin Carter and Frank Costa.
  
  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.

  Nominate here

  Find out more

• COGG Census

  City of Greater Geelong is inviting clubs to take part in the 2026 Sport and Recreation Census. Input will help shape future planning, investment, and support for community sport and recreation across the region.
  
  The census focuses on understanding participation, infrastructure needs, and key challenges facing clubs. Insights gathered will help ensure facilities and services meet the needs of our growing community.
  
  We encourage clubs to complete the census and share their perspective:

  • Highlight your club’s current priorities and challenges
  • Identify future facility and infrastructure needs
  • Provide feedback to help strengthen your club and community sport

  Feedback is valuable and will contribute to better outcomes for clubs and the wider community.

  https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/project_link/nRxA219L5fWbOcZHDKrHoDVT6YpMnhHf9w6GjFB2mPMgBkhVs7owp8DmUQ9inaOz 

• 

  2026 Female Festival of Sport Breakfast

  AFL Barwon is proud to host a special breakfast conversation with two of Australia’s most influential sporting leaders — Laura Kane, AFL’s Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations, and Sharelle McMahon, one of Australia’s most iconic netballers and now General Manager of High Performance and Pathways at Netball Victoria.

  Together, they’ll reflect on their journeys so far, and explore the future of women’s sport in Australia: the momentum, the possibilities, and the next era of opportunity for girls and women across football, netball and the broader sporting landscape.

  From community pathways to elite performance, from leadership to visibility, this conversation will look ahead to what’s next — and what we must build now to ensure the next generation thrives.

  Held at the newly openedNyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, this is a rare chance to hear from two trailblazers shaping the national agenda, and to connect with others who are passionate about creating a stronger, more inclusive future for women and girls in sport.

  Join us for an inspiring morning of insight, connection and possibility.

  The full Female Fesitval of Sport events will be communicated shortly.

  RSVP FORM

• 

  2026 Female Sport Education Session hosted by Epworth Geelong

  Join Dr Alex Bonner, Dr Rekha Ganeshalingam and Emily Brown for an insightful panel discussion exploring the unique health and performance considerations of female athletes.

  This engaging session will examine the relationship between menstrual health and athletic performance, effective load management strategies, and practical ways to support the participation, wellbeing and long-term development of women and girls in sport.

  Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, health professional or passionate supporter of female sport, you'll gain valuable insights from industry experts and experienced practitioners working at the forefront of athlete health and performance.

  Date: Tuesday 7 July
  Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
  Venue: Epworth Geelong

  Be part of the conversation and learn how we can better support female athletes to thrive both on and off the field.

  Register here

• 

  2026 Female Festival of Sport Social Run with The Athlete’s Foot & AFL Barwon

  oin The Athlete’s Foot & AFL Barwon to celebrate the Female Festival of Sport with a morning run and coffee!

  Start your day celebrating movement, community, and the incredible women involved in sport at the Female Festival of Sport. Join The Athlete’s Foot and AFL Barwon for a relaxed social run, followed by coffee and a chance to connect with like-minded people.

  Event Details
  • Meeting Point: Front entrance of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre(look out for The Athlete’s Foot flags and signage – you can’t miss us!)
  • Meet: From 6:45am
  • Run starts: 7:00am
  • Post-run: Coffee and a casual catch-up on us

  Bonus:The Athlete’s Foot team will have a range of wear-test shoes available to try during the run, plus Bounceback Cards for all participants.

  Capacity:Limited to 100 participants. Bring your friends, teammates, or come along solo and meet new people as we celebrate women in sport and the power of community. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot!

  *Coffee limited to the first 100 participants.

• 2026 Female Festival of Sport Female Club Champion Nominations

  As part of AFL Barwon’s Female Festival of Sport, we are inviting all clubs to nominate their Female Club Champion – an outstanding female who has made a significant contribution to your club and community.

  This prestigious recognition forms part of a week-long celebration dedicated to honouring the achievements and impact of women and girls in sport across the Barwon region.

  Whether through playing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, administration or leadership, the Female Club Champion Award acknowledges those who go above and beyond to make a positive difference within their club.

  Clubs are asked to submit in 150 words or less their Female Club Champion nomination to AFL Barwon by Wednesday 24 June to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. From the club recipients, AFL Barwon will select several individuals to receive additional recognition, highlighting their exceptional contribution to community sport.

  Social media templates will be provided to clubs in late June, with all Female Club Champions to be celebrated across club and AFL Barwon channels on Thursday 9 July.

  We encourage every club to recognise and celebrate the women who help make our sporting communities stronger.

• 

  2026 Female Festival of Sport Junior Representative Netball Exhibition Match

  Celebrate our Bellarine, Geelong and Colac & District Athletes on the big stage.

  Alongside Geelong Cougars as they host their Victorian Netball League Home game, our 17U representative teams will take part in an exhibition match to kick off the day.

  Come along and celebrate the calibre of netball from the Barwon region, as Geelong Cougars take on the Western Warriors in the Victorian Netball League at “The Arena”.

  Date: Tuesday 7 July
  Times:

  • 10:30am - Local Representative Exhibition Match
  • 12pm - VNL Development Match
  • 1:30pm - 23&U VNL Match
  • 3pm - Championship VNL Match  

  Venue: The Arena

Resource Links

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

GFNL & BFNL Netball

• BFNL/GFNL Netball – Coaches Votes

  A gentle reminder for those who are yet to complete this form from the weekend.

  BFNL - 2026 Bellarine FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  GFNL - 2026 Geelong FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  A reminder that we require this information be submitted by Tuesday morning of each week.

• PlayHQ Best Players

  A reminder that following each match, each team must select their best players for media reporting purposes. This refers to the 3 players that are listed upon the score entry screen, and that can be seen by the public who view the results.

  Our position tracking template (linked here) has space for this to be recorded, to support with score entry. Please ensure all teams are completing this step.

• E-scoring Requirements

  A reminder that ALL BFNL & GFNL A GRADE MATCHES are required to be live-scored.

  This can be done via the following url: na.score.playhq.comand can be completed by anyone with PlayHQ admin access, or e-scoring access can be granted via the admin portal to specific individuals via the admin portal.

  For more details instructions on how to e-score, please review the Match Day Operations Manual.

  To practice e-scoring, please feel free to utilise the following demo link:

  https://score.uat.playhq.com/demo/netball-australia/2026-03-12/demo-court-id/games/demo-game-id_netball-australia

Junior / Midweek Netball

• Fixture Update

  Please be mindful of upcoming competition byes. No games will be played on the below dates:

  • Friday 3 July
  • Tuesday 7 July

• Uniform

  A reminder that long sleeve shirts are permitted to be worn under uniform, however, if multiple players wish to wear a long sleeve, they must be the same colour. 

  i.e. If one wears white, others who opt to wear one must also wear white. Cannot be a mix of black and white

Netball Umpiring

• Match Management Log

  Please ensure that the current Match Management Log Form (download below) is available courtside for scorers and umpires to complete whenever Game Management is used during a match.

  When completing the log, please record all Game Management actions taken, including relevant details.
  
  Example 1:

  GA received a proactive and an advance in Q1 for repeated obstruction.
  In Q2 player continued to obstruct so issued a warning.
  In Q3 player continued to infringe and was suspended.

  Example 2:

  Warning delivered to GK for umpire dissent. 
  
  This form needs to be submitted with the match day paperwork for C grade and below or via OfficialsHQ for A & B grade through panel appointments.

• Action required: missing information from clubs

  As outlined in the Netball Umpire Coordinator meeting at the start of the year clubs are required to provide their umpire rosters each week to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. assist in providing mentoring opportunities for your club umpires.
  
  Can the below clubs please send through their rosters for round listed.

  Grovedale	Round 4, 8, 9, 10
  Lara	Round 5, 6, 8, 9 ,10
  Leopold	Round 10
  North Shore	Round 9, 10
  South Barwon	Round 8, 9, 10
  Anglesea	Round 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
  Drysdale	Round 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
  Modewarre	Round 9, 10, 11
  Queenscliff	Round 10, 11
  Surf Coast Suns	Round 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• 2026 AFL Barwon Pre-season Handbook

• Book a Read the Play session for Mental Health Round

  Bookings are filling quickly, so clubs are encouraged to book as soon as possible to secure a session before RTP Round.

  Clubs that book one or more Read the Play sessions and appoint a Player Wellbeing Officer will receive a Read the Play Mentally Healthy Club Badge. To be eligible, clubs will need to promote the Player Wellbeing Officer role within their club and provide the details to Read the Play.

  The badge gives clubs a great opportunity to promote on their website, socials, newsletters and other club communications that they are a mentally healthy sporting club and are prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of their young players.

  Book here

• 

  WIN: A Geelong Experience – Round 19

  We are rewarding one AFL Barwon club with the opportunity to take 20 young players to an unforgettable Thursday night AFL match in Round 19, complete with a Junior Mascot opportunity at one of the game's most iconic venues.

  The chosen club will receive:

  • 2 Entry tickets and 1 Junior mascot experience   
  • 20 Entry tickets and positions in the Guard of Honour 

  • An unforgettable experience that celebrates sport for the right reasons

  Date: Round 19 – Thursday night (16 July)

  How to enter 

  Entries are open from 12^th – 23^rd June. 

  Simply follow the link below and fill out the registration form answering one key question: 

  "Tell us how your club loves the game, not the odds." 

  Selection is based on their response - so make it count! 

  ENTER HERE: https://lovethegame.vic.gov.au/join-love-game/ 

  Take a stand against sports betting sponsorship and help juniors to love the game, not the odds.

  View T&C's here

• 

  Mental Health Round

  19th - 21st June

  Read more

• 

  Female Festival of Sport

  6th - 12th July

  Read more

• Woolworths Netball Grants

  Since 2019, Woolworths has been a proud partner of grassroots netball as the naming rights sponsor of Woolworths NetSetGo. Our commitment goes beyond the court; over the last seven years, we have donated more than $1.1 million to over 320 clubs and associations across Australia.

  The 2026 Woolworths Netball Grants Program is now open. We are offering $100,000 in cash grants to help local clubs and associations upgrade facilities, buy equipment, and support their players.

  To be in the running, apply below and explain how your club or association would use a grant to help improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids, in one or more of the following ways:

  • Sporting equipment / uniforms / improvements to facilities
  • Access to Woolworths’ NetSetGo program; and/or
  • Nutrition

  Applications for the 2026 Woolworths Netball Grant start are now open and close at 23:59 AEST on 06.08.26

  More Information

• SRV - Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants

  The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program is now open, helping First Peoples communities in Victoria play sport and compete at higher levels. Funding for (1) Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, (2) Uniforms and equipment, and (3) Athlete participation support will all be supported under the grant. Applications close: July 6 2026 

  More information

• Local Sports Infrastructure Fund - Now Open

  he next round of Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is now open with funding up to $500,000 available. Clubs are encouraged to speak to their Council contact about any potential projects and its alignment to program guidelines. Program is only eligible to LGAs and will close on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 5pm.

  More information

• Game On : Climate Action Grant opens 1st July

  The program will provide support for up to 500 community sports clubs, helping them upgrade their facilities to be more climate resilient and energy efficient. Applications open on the 1st July. If this grant interests you, please contact our facilities team onThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and also reach out to your local Council representative. 

  More Information

• New Netball Intermediate Coach Course Structure

  Netball Australia have released the newly redesigned and update Intermediate Coach course. Moving to a blended learning model, with both online course and a face-to-face workshop, it is an amazing learning opportunity for Development accredited coaches to move to the next level. The practical workshop must be completed to have your accreditation awarded, but the online course is open to all that hold the prerequisites. Details about upcoming practical workshops will be confirmed soon, while we pilot and test with Netball Australia. 

  Find out more

• Development / A Grade Coaching Accreditation

  We have been advised that due to being unable to secure a facilitator for the coaching course that was scheduled to be held in Geelong this month, the upcoming course will not proceed.

  I understand that a few coaches were relying on this course, particularly following the cancellation of the course in Colac. Once a date is confirmed, this will be visible via the Netball Victoria website. – Coaching Calendar: https://vic.netball.com.au/events#148

  In the meantime, all coaches who were waiting to attend this course must send through via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.proof that they have completed the online component of the accreditation.

  Other course dates:

  • Knox Regional Netball Centre – Sunday July 12

• 

  Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards

  Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2026 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money-can’t-buy 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota. 

  Find out more information here -https://play.afl/toyota-afl-national-volunteer-awards 

  Club promotion toolkit found here

• 

  AFL Victoria establishes Barwon Regional Council

  AFL Victoria has today announced the formal implementation of the Barwon Regional Council, which will provide strategic leadership and advice to support community football in the Barwon region.

  The formation of the Barwon Regional Council follows the announcement of governance reform made by AFLVictoria last November and represents an important milestone in the evolution of community football governance.

  The Council has been established to provide strategic advice and regional leadership, ensuring decisions are informed by local knowledge while aligning with AFL Victoria's broader strategic direction.

  Regional Administration Centres (RACs) were first introduced in response to the 2011 Peter Jackson Report, which recommended consolidating local league administration, umpiring, and game development into unified regional models.

  It is a move which has allowed AFL Victoria and its regions to hone its efforts on participation growth, game development, and increased community engagement, as well as assist clubs and leagues in delivering increasingly complex football and netball operations and locally focused strategic initiatives.

  Read More

• Save the Date: Netball Victoria Community Awards

  Netball Victoria will be hosting our annual community awards on Sunday 18th October 2026 from 2-5pm. A great opportunity for all our community to come together and celebrate an amazing year. Head to our page to learn more and nominate association/ league of the year, volunteer of the year, inclusive netball community of the year, NetSetGo centre of the year, umpire of the year, coach of the year and teacher of the year.

  More Information

• 

  2026 Community Awards Nominations – NOW OPEN

  The Netball Victoria Community Awards celebrate the significant achievements of individuals and groups who have contributed to the sport of netball in Victoria throughout the year.

  The growth and development of netball within Victoria is at the heart of everything we do and we love to highlight the great work of our Victorian netball community.

  Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards are now open!

  Nominate Now! &Awards Criteria

THE BARWON BULLETIN

• facebook
• instagram
• tiktok
• linkedin

2025 Handbook

Bulletin Archive

Contact Us

Football Umpire Appointments

General Updates

New Updates

• 

  Respect is the ultimate team sport

  The AFL has zero tolerance for racism and other forms of vilification - it’s not hard, it’s out of bounds.

  If you have been vilified, or you witness it:

  SUPPORT

  Seek support from trusted people;

  or provide support to the vilified person.

  REPORT

  Report the incident to your Club. Ask them to

  lodge a complaint with the Controlling Body (League) or report it directly to the AFL, via our easy-to-use online templates.

  Visit PLAY.AFL/VILIFICATION

• 

  2025 Female Festival of Sport Breakfast Tickets on sale NOW

  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

  This year’s line-up of guest speakers includes:

  • Meagan Mifsud – Torquay Netball Club
  • Jaz Shelley – Professional basketballer, Geelong United Basketball
  • Taylah Hassett – Head Coach, Geelong VFLW

  Join us for a powerful morning of networking, storytelling, and inspiration as we champion the future of female participation in sport.

  Purchase Tickets

• AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  BFNL

  Senior Football

  21/6/25 - Portarlington vs Modewarre - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  21/6/25 - Newcomb vs Geelong Amateur - 1:50pm

  ---

  GFNL

  Senior Football

  21/6/25 - Lara vs North Shore - 2:10pm

  22/6/25 - Geelong West vs Grovedale - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  21/6/25 - St Albans vs Leopold - 1:40pm

  22/6/25 - Geelong West vs Grovedale - 1:40pm

  ---

  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  21/6/25 - Western Eagles vs Otway Districts - 2:15pm

  ---

  VISIT AFLB TV

• 

  School Holiday Programs

  Register Here

Reminders

• 

  2025 AFL Toyota 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 AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota.

  Nominate here

• 

  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

Local Scoreboards

• BFNL Round 10 Scoreboard
• GFNL Round 8 Scoreboard
• Beyond the Boundary Podcast

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams
• The Warm Up on Podcast

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

• 

  Kick a Financial Goal with Beyond Bank!

  Looking to save money and support your community all at the same time? Click the following link to see if you’re eligible for a special interest rate offer from our proud partner, Beyond Bank.

  https://bit.ly/4jxKDuq

  Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or just looking for a better rate, Beyond Bank is offering benefits designed with our supporters in mind.

  Community banking benefits and a special rate available to AFL Barwon members, supporters and their community:

  • Special home loan options
  • Fee Free Banking on selected Beyond Bank accounts
  • Additional .10% on Term Deposits
  • Support from a customer-owned bank that gives back to the game that you love!

  Click here to find out more and don’t miss your opportunity to start saving money today!  

  Alternatively contact Cam Murnane on 0413 938 268 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  More Information here

• 

  HITIQ PROTECT Concussion Management System

  Claim your offer here

• 

  Game Day Glow and Glam: AFL Barwon Welcomes Brazilian Butterfly Partnership

  AFL Barwon is delighted to welcome Brazilian Butterfly as a naming rights partner for the 2025–26 seasons, supporting key female football and netball competitions and awards across the region.

  As part of this exciting partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will hold naming rights for:

  • The 13 & Under Division 1 GFNL Netball Competition
  • The 15 & Under Division 2 GFNL Netball Competition
  • The Senior Female Football Coaches Team of the Year Award

  As part of this partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will actively support the recognition of female athletes by offering Player of the Week vouchers to football and netball clubs throughout the season. This initiative aims to celebrate exceptional individual performances across all levels of competitions.

  Read More

• 

  The Athlete's Foot Geelong are hiring!!

• Premier Data Mid Year Survey 2025

  In our commitment to continually enhance our services and tailor them to your needs, we are eager to gather your valuable feedback. Your insights play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our offerings and ensuring that we exceed your expectations.

  We kindly request a few moments of your time to complete a brief survey. Your responses will provide us with invaluable insights into your experiences with Premier Data and offer guidance on areas where we can further enhance our services to better meet your needs. The survey will take roughly 15 minutes to complete.

  As a reward for taking part in the survey, you will enter the draw to win 1 of 3 Dan Murphy's vouchers valued at $100! (Can be altered to a voucher of your choice if preferred) These will be drawn by the end of July.

  Access the survey

Reminders

• 

  Corio Bay Health Group - Sports Taping Workshop

  Register

• 

  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

Local Media

• 

  New deal for Dragons mentor

  K Rock Football

  Read here

• 

  Hawks embracing winter grind in fierce competition

  Times News Group

  Read Here

• 

  Ross injury takes shine off Tiger victory

  K Rock Football

  Read here

• 

  Falcons’ quartet make Vic Country under-18 girls’ squad

  Times News Group

  Read Here

Football

Junior Female Football

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. 

Complete the EOI

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Football Umpiring

Reminder

Netball

General Netball

• Games Played Report – Finals Qualification

  Please ensure you’re monitoring your games played totals throughout the season. Clubs also bear responsibility to ensure players are managed within the bounds of the game, and are monitoring this information.

  While AFL Barwon does check paperwork and make amendments as needed, we check over 600 pieces of paper per week, so we may miss a record.

  If you require support in checking these records, please reach out.

• High Priority - Child Safety Officers & Complaints Officers Compliance Requirements

  It is a Netball Victoria compliance requirement that ALL clubs have their Child Safety Officers AND Complaint Officers assigned in Netball Connect.

  This does not have to be a separate person if you already have someone undertaking the role for your club in a football sense.

  To assign a person to this role on Netball Connect, please follow the following steps:

  • Log in to the admin portal
  • Users tab
  • Hover over ‘Administrators’ and select ‘my organisation’
  • Toggle across to the ‘contacts’ tab
  • Add a new contact, and select the role as ‘Child Safety Officer’ or ‘Complaints Officer’
  • You can set this person as having ‘NO admin access’.

  If you are having trouble completing this step – please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• High priority - NETBALL REGISTRATIONS AND CLEARANCES CLOSE JUNE 30th

  As per AFL Barwon By-Law 2.3 and Netball Competition rule 2, player registrations and clearances in netball close on June 30^th.

  Please ensure all players are registered/cleared to your club prior to this date.

  No late registrations will be accepted

Netball Victoria

• Netball Victoria – Education & Development

  Accreditation information on Netball Connect

  A reminder to make sure your coaches and umpires include their Netball Learning email address in the registration process. This will allow their correct accreditation information to be added to their User profile for administrators to view. Please view the resource here to help with this process-   Umpire and Coach Accreditations

• 

  Netball Victoria – Grants Update

  2025 Woolworths netball grants program

  The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations running Woolworths NetSetGo across the country to improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids.
  This year, grants of $2,000 will be awarded to up to 40 clubs across Australia, as well as there being a massive $20,000 grant for the winner of the 2025 People’s Choice Award.

  More information

  ---

  Reminder - The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program is currently open for application.
  The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program (CFNP) is now open, and closes on 7 July 2025. Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of sports lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including gender‑neutral change rooms. If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or the NV facilities team. Please note that all applications must be submitted via your local Council.

• Netball Victoria - Reminders

  Action Required - Appointment of child safety officers and complaints officers on Netball Connect

  As part of Netball Victoria’s continued commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for every young person involved in our sport, we have introduced a requirement for all associations, leagues and clubs to appoint a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager. 

  These appointments are a mandatory requirement under the Netball Victoria Affiliation Policy. Please upload the name and contact details of your appointed CSO and Complaints Manager by 30 June, 2025 via Netball Connect. 

  This can be done by logging into Netball Connect > Click on the User module > Administrator > Our Organisation. Please view the resource here-  Our Organisation - Contacts

  Dedicated training and support details will be communicated and commence in July. 

  We also have a resource where you search for your frequently asked questions. Please view the resource here- Answers to frequently asked questions.

  ---

  Netball Victoria Community Award Nominations NOW OPEN

  Nominations are now open for the 2025 Netball Victoria Community Awards, celebrating the passionate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make netball thrive across Victoria.

  You know better than anyone the incredible people who dedicate their time and energy purely out of love for the game – now’s the time to recognise them.

  Award categories include:

  • Volunteer of the Year
  • NetSetGO Centre of the Year
  • Inclusive Netball Community of the Year
  • Contribution to Coaching
  • Contribution to Umpiring
  • Association/League of the Year
  • Teacher of the Year
  • WorkSafe Safety Initiative of the Year

  We encourage every association, league, and club to submit at least one nomination. Let’s share and celebrate the inspiring stories of those at the heart of our sport.

  2025 Community Awards - Netball VIC

BFNL & GFNL Netball

• Netball Umpiring Items

  There are several high priority umpiring items within the umpiring section of the Bulletin that require action by clubs.

  Please ensure you are reviewing this section and actioning appropriately.

• Fixture Changes

  Please be reminded that any proposed schedule changes must be submitted to AFL Barwon with a minimum of 14 days notice, with evidence that both clubs have been consulted and are in agreeance of what is being proposed.

  All changes are subject to approval by AFL Barwon, and appropriate timings should be proposed to allow umpires sufficient time between games to complete relevant tasks.

Junior Netball

• Information Update about Friday 20th June

  Fixture

  Attached is a copy of the fixture. As a reminder the venues are:

  • Banyul Warri Fields (Surf Coast Suns)
  • Grinter Reserve (Newcomb)
  • Lara Reserve (Lara)
  • McDonald Reserve (South Barwon)
  • Queens Park (Geelong Amateur)
  • Shell Road Reserve (Ocean Grove)

   Please make sure all club members are carefully checking which venue and time their game is being played.

  Scoresheets

   

  Due to host clubs having to collect paperwork early, all scoresheets have now been printed for this Friday. This means teams may need to handwrite names on scoresheets if the line-up hadn't already been selected. Clubs can still select/edit line-ups before the game however these changes will not be reflected on the scoresheet. Please make sure any changes are made on the scoresheet and position tracking sheets before the start of the game. We do apologise about the inconvenience.

  Other Reminders

  As per usual, please make sure your teams have their own first aid kits available. Please also ensure your teams allow plenty of time to travel to venues and find parking. Noting that we are spread across multiple venues, please be respectful to host clubs, AFLB staff and umpires. These games wouldn't be going ahead without their support!

  11&U Fixtures

  All Abilities Fixture

  Friday Night Fixture

• Representative Netball – Monday 23rd June

  Fixtures

  Central West Association Championships

  Our 13&U Championship and Development teams head to Association Championships this weekend. We also have an All-Abilities team competing as well. Good luck to all teams playing!

  When: Sunday 22^nd June

  Where: State Netball and Hockey Centre (10 Brens Dr, Parkville VIC 3052)

  13&U Fixture

  All Abilities Fixture

   

  Geelong Central Netball Association – Finals Round 2

  • 13&U Geelong FNL v The Randos: Kardinia Park 6:05pm court 4

  13&U Bellarine FNL and 15&U Geelong FNL straight through to Grand Finals on Monday 30^th June.

  GCNA Fixture Here

• Farewell from Chloe

  In case you weren't aware, this Friday 20th June is my last day with AFL Barwon. I wanted to thank you all for the support and work that goes on at club land. You're all doing amazing things, and it has been incredible to see how the midweek competition and representative program has grown over the past three years! It has been a pleasure working with and getting to know you all since I started. I won't be a stranger and am sure I will still see you all around Geelong!!

  Until a replacement is finalised, please reach out to Sophie (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0488 788 095) with anything to do with midweek or the representative program.

  Good luck and I look forward to seeing everyone around town 

   

CDFNL Netball

• CDFNL Uniform Reminders

  It has become apparent that jewellery is being worn within CDFNL competitions.

  This is NOT permitted and should be addressed by umpires during the pre-match checks.

• CDFNL Umpire Etiquette

  Co-umpires should not be providing unsolicited feedback to one another and should ensure they are working collaboratively to manage the game.

Netball Umpiring

• Missing information from clubs - please send these through ASAP

  Umpire Coordinators were asked at the start of the season to send through their rosters prior to or after each round had concluded. Collecting this information is to assist in best supporting umpire coordinators, the umpires and the mentors when visiting clubs. It also contributes to decision making when clubs ask for an exemption for umpires to umpire grades above their level of accreditation. 

  The back dated information requested in the table below is to be sent through to clubs by Monday 30 June.
  
  Thank you to the few clubs that have been sending through their umpire rosters weekly.
  
  

  Anglesea	Rounds: 1, 2, 5,8, 9, 10
  Barwon Heads	Rounds: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  Drysdale	Rounds: 8, 9, 10
  Geelong Amateur	All rounds received
  Modewarre	Rounds: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  Newcomb/Surf Coast Suns	Rounds: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  Ocean Grove	All rounds received
  Portarlington	Rounds: 6, 7, 9, 10
  Queenscliff	Rounds: 7, 8, 9, 10
  Torquay	All rounds received

   

  Bell Park	Rounds: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
  Colac	Rounds: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
  Geelong West Giants	Rounds: 2, 3, 4, 5
  Grovedale	Rounds: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  Lara	Rounds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  Leopold	Rounds: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6,
  Newtown	All rounds received
  North Shore	All rounds received
  South Barwon	Rounds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  St Albans	Rounds: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  St Josephs	Rounds: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
  St Marys	All rounds received

• Netball Game Management Education Session

  Thankyou to the clubs that supported these sessions for umpires and coaches. We appreciate the time that Emily Green and Sarah Langley put into delivering this information to our netball cohort.
  
  We will aim to get notes out in the coming week to attendees, Club and Umpire Coordinators.

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual
• 11 & Under Fixture
• All-Abilities Fixture
• Friday Night Fixture

Club Development

• 

  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.  

  Read more here 

  Eligibility Criteria

• 

  TAC Club Rewards is back!

  Officially opening on the 03/06/25 closing on the 25/08/25.

  Clubs can now register to participate in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads and share in the chance to earn up to $10k. 

  Further Details

• 

  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.

  Register here

• 

  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. 

  Register here

• 

  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

  Apply Here

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• Road Safety Round Collateral

  Road Safety Round returns from 23-26th July 2026, where we call upon football and netball players across Victoria to ‘Band Together’.

  This year’s Road Safety Round will spotlight speeding, which is a contributing factor in at least 30% of fatal and 25% of serious injury crashes on Victorian roads. Don't risk it, slow down.

  Players will take to the field or court wearing blue armbands to honour lives lost on the road and serve as a reminder that we can all be the difference in making them safer.

  Road Safety Round collateral has been put into your clubs pigeon hole at AFL Barwon HQ.

• 

  Read the Play Guernsey Fundraiser

  We are excited to announce an excitinginitiative for our Mental Health Partner, Read the Play thanks to the Geelong Cats.

  The Geelong Cats have been a proud supporting partner of Read the Play since its inception, helping strengthen the program’s reach and impact across our region.

  To mark the occasion, the Geelong Cats are donating 56 of the 2025 Regional Guernsey’s, each signed by the 2026 playing group, for clubs to auction in support of Read the Play.

  All funds raised go directly to Read the Play, helping deliver mental health education across our region. Every $50 raised supports another young person to participate in the program.

  AUCTION TIMELINE

  • Opens: 5pm, Friday 19 June

  • Closes: 3pm, Monday 6 July

  HOW IT WORKS

  • Your club receives a specially allocated jumper.

  • You’ll be provided with an online auction link.

  • Members and supporters can bid throughout the auction period.

  • The top three fundraising clubs will receive exclusive prizes.

  WHAT CLUBS NEED TO DO

  • Promote the auction link to members and supporters.

  • Share the auction across your social media channels.

  • Encourage bidding throughout the campaign.

  This is an amazing opportunity to support Read the Play for all the important work they do in raising awareness for youth mental health.

• 2026 Geelong Cats Community Awards - Call for Nominations

  Do you know someone making an outstanding impact in football or the Geelong community? Nominations are now open for Club Awards, recognising exceptional service, leadership and contribution on and off the field.
  
  Help us recognise those who are the catalyst for good and reflect the values that make our Club and community stronger. Plus, all nominators go into the draw to win a 2026 AFL team-signed guernsey!

  ---

  RJ Hickey Award

  The RJ Hickey Award is named in the honour of one of our great past players, Premiership Coach and Captain Reg Hickey, whose contribution to the game of Australian Football and to the Geelong Football Club was profound over three decades, from 1926 to 1959.

  The RJ 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.

  Nominate here

  ---

  Carter/Costa Award

  The Carter/Costa Award is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service that strengthens the Geelong Football Club or contributes significantly to the wellbeing and vitality of the broader Geelong community.
  
  This award recognises service beyond football, reflecting the community leadership and values embodied by Colin Carter and Frank Costa.
  
  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.

  Nominate here

  Find out more

• COGG Census

  City of Greater Geelong is inviting clubs to take part in the 2026 Sport and Recreation Census. Input will help shape future planning, investment, and support for community sport and recreation across the region.
  
  The census focuses on understanding participation, infrastructure needs, and key challenges facing clubs. Insights gathered will help ensure facilities and services meet the needs of our growing community.
  
  We encourage clubs to complete the census and share their perspective:

  • Highlight your club’s current priorities and challenges
  • Identify future facility and infrastructure needs
  • Provide feedback to help strengthen your club and community sport

  Feedback is valuable and will contribute to better outcomes for clubs and the wider community.

  Complete the census here

• 2026 Presentation Night Dates

  We are pleased to provide stakeholders with the full list of presentation night event dates for the end of this season.

  Please be reminded that there is a change in format for junior vote count evenings this year. Junior votes counts for 17U and below for football and netball will be completed virtually, with the intention to enable more junior participants the opportunity to tune in and engage with the evening.

  Award winners will still have the opportunity to be presented with their awards at the combined junior sport presentation evening, on the 23rd of September.

  We are excited to enable more junior footballers and netballers within the region the opportunity to participate in the vote count experience.

  Clubs are encouraged to host their own events and screening of the counts should they wish. 

  Senior Football & Netball

  Mathieson Medal | Geelong Football Netball League Presentation Night | Tuesday 22nd September 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  Ash Medal | Bellarine Football Netball League Presentation Night | Wednesday 16th September 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  Female Football Presentation Night | Senior Female | Monday 24th August 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  Junior Football & Netball

  Under 18 Football and 19 & Under Netball Presentation Night | Wednesday 17th September 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  AFL Barwon Junior Sport Presentation Dinner | Wednesday 23rd September 2026 | Buckley's Entertainment Centre

  AFL Barwon Junior Netball Vote Counts | Tuesday 15th September 2026 | Online via AFL Barwon website

  AFL Barwon Junior Football Vote Counts | Tuesday 1st September 2026 | Online via AFL Barwon website

  Colac & District FNL

  Mahoney & Russell Medal | Colac & District Football Netball League | Wednesday 9th September 2026 | Colac RSL

  CDFNL Junior Presentation Night | Monday 7th September 2026 | Colac RSL

  Finals Hub here

• 

  2026 Female Festival of Sport Breakfast

  AFL Barwon is proud to host a special breakfast conversation with two of Australia’s most influential sporting leaders — Laura Kane, AFL’s Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations, and Sharelle McMahon, one of Australia’s most iconic netballers and now General Manager of High Performance and Pathways at Netball Victoria.

  Together, they’ll reflect on their journeys so far, and explore the future of women’s sport in Australia: the momentum, the possibilities, and the next era of opportunity for girls and women across football, netball and the broader sporting landscape.

  From community pathways to elite performance, from leadership to visibility, this conversation will look ahead to what’s next — and what we must build now to ensure the next generation thrives.

  Held at the newly openedNyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, this is a rare chance to hear from two trailblazers shaping the national agenda, and to connect with others who are passionate about creating a stronger, more inclusive future for women and girls in sport.

  Join us for an inspiring morning of insight, connection and possibility.

  The full Female Fesitval of Sport events will be communicated shortly.

  RSVP FORM

• 

  2026 Female Sport Education Session hosted by Epworth Geelong

  Join Dr Alex Bonner, Dr Rekha Ganeshalingam and Emily Brown for an insightful panel discussion exploring the unique health and performance considerations of female athletes.

  This engaging session will examine the relationship between menstrual health and athletic performance, effective load management strategies, and practical ways to support the participation, wellbeing and long-term development of women and girls in sport.

  Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, health professional or passionate supporter of female sport, you'll gain valuable insights from industry experts and experienced practitioners working at the forefront of athlete health and performance.

  Date: Tuesday 7 July
  Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
  Venue: Epworth Geelong

  Be part of the conversation and learn how we can better support female athletes to thrive both on and off the field.

  Register here

• 

  2026 Female Festival of Sport Social Run with The Athlete’s Foot & AFL Barwon

  oin The Athlete’s Foot & AFL Barwon to celebrate the Female Festival of Sport with a morning run and coffee!

  Start your day celebrating movement, community, and the incredible women involved in sport at the Female Festival of Sport. Join The Athlete’s Foot and AFL Barwon for a relaxed social run, followed by coffee and a chance to connect with like-minded people.

  Event Details
  • Meeting Point: Front entrance of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre(look out for The Athlete’s Foot flags and signage – you can’t miss us!)
  • Meet: From 6:45am
  • Run starts: 7:00am
  • Post-run: Coffee and a casual catch-up on us

  Bonus:The Athlete’s Foot team will have a range of wear-test shoes available to try during the run, plus Bounceback Cards for all participants.

  Capacity:Limited to 100 participants. Bring your friends, teammates, or come along solo and meet new people as we celebrate women in sport and the power of community. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot!

  *Coffee limited to the first 100 participants.

• 2026 Female Festival of Sport Female Club Champion Nominations

  As part of AFL Barwon’s Female Festival of Sport, we are inviting all clubs to nominate their Female Club Champion – an outstanding female who has made a significant contribution to your club and community.

  This prestigious recognition forms part of a week-long celebration dedicated to honouring the achievements and impact of women and girls in sport across the Barwon region.

  Whether through playing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, administration or leadership, the Female Club Champion Award acknowledges those who go above and beyond to make a positive difference within their club.

  Clubs are asked to submit in 150 words or less their Female Club Champion nomination to AFL Barwon by Wednesday 24 June to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. From the club recipients, AFL Barwon will select several individuals to receive additional recognition, highlighting their exceptional contribution to community sport.

  Social media templates will be provided to clubs in late June, with all Female Club Champions to be celebrated across club and AFL Barwon channels on Thursday 9 July.

  We encourage every club to recognise and celebrate the women who help make our sporting communities stronger.

• 

  2026 Female Festival of Sport Junior Representative Netball Exhibition Match

  Celebrate our Bellarine, Geelong and Colac & District Athletes on the big stage.

  Alongside Geelong Cougars as they host their Victorian Netball League Home game, our 17U representative teams will take part in an exhibition match to kick off the day.

  Come along and celebrate the calibre of netball from the Barwon region, as Geelong Cougars take on the Western Warriors in the Victorian Netball League at “The Arena”.

  Date: Tuesday 7 July
  Times:

  • 10:30am - Local Representative Exhibition Match
  • 12pm - VNL Development Match
  • 1:30pm - 23&U VNL Match
  • 3pm - Championship VNL Match  

  Venue: The Arena

Resource Links

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

GFNL & BFNL Netball

• BFNL/GFNL Netball – Coaches Votes

  A gentle reminder for those who are yet to complete this form from the weekend.

  BFNL - 2026 Bellarine FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  GFNL - 2026 Geelong FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  A reminder that we require this information be submitted by Tuesday morning of each week.

• PlayHQ Best Players

  A reminder that following each match, each team must select their best players for media reporting purposes. This refers to the 3 players that are listed upon the score entry screen, and that can be seen by the public who view the results.

  Our position tracking template (linked here) has space for this to be recorded, to support with score entry. Please ensure all teams are completing this step.

• E-scoring Requirements

  A reminder that ALL BFNL & GFNL A GRADE MATCHES are required to be live-scored.

  This can be done via the following url: na.score.playhq.comand can be completed by anyone with PlayHQ admin access, or e-scoring access can be granted via the admin portal to specific individuals via the admin portal.

  For more details instructions on how to e-score, please review the Match Day Operations Manual.

  To practice e-scoring, please feel free to utilise the following demo link:

  https://score.uat.playhq.com/demo/netball-australia/2026-03-12/demo-court-id/games/demo-game-id_netball-australia

Junior / Midweek Netball

• Fixture Update

  Please be mindful of upcoming competition byes. No games will be played on the below dates:

  • Friday 3 July
  • Tuesday 7 July

• Uniform

  A reminder that long sleeve shirts are permitted to be worn under uniform, however, if multiple players wish to wear a long sleeve, they must be the same colour. 

  i.e. If one wears white, others who opt to wear one must also wear white. Cannot be a mix of black and white

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• 2026 AFL Barwon Pre-season Handbook

• Australian Sports Foundation

  Grassroots football clubs should consider using the Australian Sports Foundation as it allows clubs to raise funds through tax-deductible donations. This makes it easier to attract support from individuals, businesses and major donors while increasing credibility and reach. Clubs can use the platform to fundraise for projects such as facility upgrades, equipment, participation programs and other club development initiatives.

  Read More

• Australia Post Community Grant

  Our Community Grants program supports projects that connect people to improve mental wellbeing in local communities. To help them deliver for their communities, we award Community Grants of up to $10,000 each year to fund community-led, local projects. These funds will be dedicated to projects that enhance mental wellbeing by fostering connection and building resilience within communities recovering from a natural disaster or a major storm event.

  Apply and find out more here

• Local Sports Infrastructure Fund - Now Open

  he next round of Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is now open with funding up to $500,000 available. Clubs are encouraged to speak to their Council contact about any potential projects and its alignment to program guidelines. Program is only eligible to LGAs and will close on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 5pm.

  More information

• Woolworths Netball Grants

  Since 2019, Woolworths has been a proud partner of grassroots netball as the naming rights sponsor of Woolworths NetSetGo. Our commitment goes beyond the court; over the last seven years, we have donated more than $1.1 million to over 320 clubs and associations across Australia.

  The 2026 Woolworths Netball Grants Program is now open. We are offering $100,000 in cash grants to help local clubs and associations upgrade facilities, buy equipment, and support their players.

  To be in the running, apply below and explain how your club or association would use a grant to help improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids, in one or more of the following ways:

  • Sporting equipment / uniforms / improvements to facilities
  • Access to Woolworths’ NetSetGo program; and/or
  • Nutrition

  Applications for the 2026 Woolworths Netball Grant start are now open and close at 23:59 AEST on 06.08.26

  More Information

• Toyota Good for Footy Raffle

  The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle gives 100% of funds raised helping invest in the things that matter most to your players, volunteers and community. Tickets are just $5. Plus, you could win one of three brand new Toyota vehicles, exclusive AFL experiences, coaching clinics and more. When your club raises funds, it builds a stronger season ahead. That's Good for Footy! Ticket sales close 21 September 2026 at 12.00pm.

  Start promoting ticket sales for your club here

• 

  Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards

  Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2026 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money-can’t-buy 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota. 

  Find out more information here -https://play.afl/toyota-afl-national-volunteer-awards 

  Club promotion toolkit found here

• TAC Club Rewards

  The TAC and AFL Victoria have partnered together for 34 years, working to achieve the vision of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. As part of the program, all AFL Victoria-aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety in their community. This year we're tackling speeding driving.Road Safety Round will take place over the weekend of 23-26th July 2026.Applications close Monday 24 August

  Click here for more information

• Save the Date: Netball Victoria Community Awards

  Netball Victoria will be hosting our annual community awards on Sunday 18th October 2026 from 2-5pm. A great opportunity for all our community to come together and celebrate an amazing year. Head to our page to learn more and nominate association/ league of the year, volunteer of the year, inclusive netball community of the year, NetSetGo centre of the year, umpire of the year, coach of the year and teacher of the year.

  More Information

• 

  2026 Community Awards Nominations – NOW OPEN

  The Netball Victoria Community Awards celebrate the significant achievements of individuals and groups who have contributed to the sport of netball in Victoria throughout the year.

  The growth and development of netball within Victoria is at the heart of everything we do and we love to highlight the great work of our Victorian netball community.

  Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards are now open!

  Nominate Now! &Awards Criteria

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General Updates

New Updates

• 

  $10K ON OFFER FOR YOUR CLUB!

  The Real MVP – Marathon Foods Volunteer Program recognises and rewards the unsung heroes who make community football and netball possible.

  This initiative honours the volunteers who represent the heart and soul of their clubs — the ones who go above and beyond to keep things running behind the scenes.

  Read More

• 

  AFLW Pioneer Debbie Lee Joins Female Festival of Sport Breakfast Panel

  Debbie Lee is the National Women’s and Girls Football Lead at the AFL and a pioneering figure in women’s Australian rules football. A former player and coach, she gave up a WNBL career to found the St Albans Spurs in 1992. Lee is a five-time Helen Lambert Medalist, six-time All-Australian, and former president of the Victorian Women's Football League. She played a key role in launching the AFLW through her leadership roles at Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. In 2021, she became the first woman inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

  Female Festival of Sport Info

• 

  Read the Play 2025 Fundraiser Breakfast

  Book Tickets Here

• 

  AFL Barwon's Celebration of Females in Sport is here

  Female Festival of Sport Info

• AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  BFNL

  Senior Football

  28/6/25 - Queenscliff vs Ocean Grove - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  28/6/25 - Anglesea vs Drysdale - 1:50pm

  ---

  GFNL

  Senior Football

  28/6/25 - Leopold vs Bell Park - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  28/6/25 - Leopold vs Bell Park - 1:40pm

  ---

  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  28/6/25 - Otway Districts vs. Simpson- 2:15pm

  ---

  VISIT AFLB TV

Reminders

• 

  CLOSING MONDAY!!! 2025 Female Festival of Sport Breakfast Tickets

  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

  This year’s line-up of guest speakers includes:

  • Meagan Mifsud – Torquay Netball Club
  • Jaz Shelley – Professional basketballer, Geelong United Basketball
  • Taylah Hassett – Head Coach, Geelong VFLW

  Join us for a powerful morning of networking, storytelling, and inspiration as we champion the future of female participation in sport.

  Purchase tickets here

• 

  2025 AFL Toyota 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 AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota.

  Nominate here

• 

  School Holiday Programs

  Visit here

• 

  Respect is the ultimate team sport

  The AFL has zero tolerance for racism and other forms of vilification - it’s not hard, it’s out of bounds.

  If you have been vilified, or you witness it:

  SUPPORT

  Seek support from trusted people;

  or provide support to the vilified person.

  REPORT

  Report the incident to your Club. Ask them to

  lodge a complaint with the Controlling Body (League) or report it directly to the AFL, via our easy-to-use online templates.

  Visit here

• 

  REGISTRATIONS CLOSE TODAY! 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

Local Scoreboards

• BFNL Round 10 Scoreboard
• GFNL Round 8 Scoreboard
• Beyond the Boundary Podcast

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams
• The Warm Up on Podcast

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

• 

  AFL Barwon Announces Partnership with HITIQ to Support Concussion Management Across the Region

  AFL Barwon is proud to announce a new three-year partnership with HITIQ, a leading provider of concussion management technology, naming HITIQ as the Official Concussion Technology Partner of AFL Barwon.

  This partnership will see HITIQ’s innovative PROTEQT smart mouthguard showcased across the AFL Barwon region, enhancing player safety and wellbeing for more than 25,000 participants. This important initiative will support our continued focus on player welfare and strengthen concussion education and management across all levels of community sport.

  Read More

• 

  The Geelong Football Club welcomes 2025 submissions for the Carter/Costa and R J Hickey Awards

  The Geelong Football Club is calling on nominations for the 2025 Carter/Costa Award and RJ Hickey Award.

  Recipients of the Carter/Costa Award and RJ Hickey Award will be announced at the Annual General Meeting or another appropriate event in 2025.

  Click to Nominate

• 

  Online Survey - People with prior knee injury

  Do you know anyone who has injured their knee in the past 6 months?

  Unique opportunity to be involved in an important nationwide project led by La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Center. 

  The Australian Knee Injury Study is a registry of knee injuries to help our healthcare system get a better understanding of the extent of knee injuries in Australia, the types of assessments and treatments provided, and the long-term outcomes. It is entirely online (5 min questionnaires) and confidential.

  Visit our website for more information: www.kneeinjurystudy.com.au

  Register Here

Reminders

• 

  Kick a Financial Goal with Beyond Bank!

  Looking to save money and support your community all at the same time? Click the following link to see if you’re eligible for a special interest rate offer from our proud partner, Beyond Bank.

  https://bit.ly/4jxKDuq

  Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or just looking for a better rate, Beyond Bank is offering benefits designed with our supporters in mind.

  Community banking benefits and a special rate available to AFL Barwon members, supporters and their community:

  • Special home loan options
  • Fee Free Banking on selected Beyond Bank accounts
  • Additional .10% on Term Deposits
  • Support from a customer-owned bank that gives back to the game that you love!

  Click here to find out more and don’t miss your opportunity to start saving money today!  

  Alternatively contact Cam Murnane on 0413 938 268 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  More Information here

• 

  HITIQ PROTECT Concussion Management System

  Claim your offer

• 

  The Athlete's Foot Geelong are hiring!!

• Premier Data Mid Year Survey 2025

  In our commitment to continually enhance our services and tailor them to your needs, we are eager to gather your valuable feedback. Your insights play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our offerings and ensuring that we exceed your expectations.

  We kindly request a few moments of your time to complete a brief survey. Your responses will provide us with invaluable insights into your experiences with Premier Data and offer guidance on areas where we can further enhance our services to better meet your needs. The survey will take roughly 15 minutes to complete.

  As a reward for taking part in the survey, you will enter the draw to win 1 of 3 Dan Murphy's vouchers valued at $100! (Can be altered to a voucher of your choice if preferred) These will be drawn by the end of July.

  Access the survey

Local Media

• 

  Mellor makes call on future

  K Rock Football

  Read here

• 

  Consistency key for Tigers

  K Rock Football

  Read here

• 

  Finals call close, GMHBA Stadium in the mix

  K Rock Football

  Read Here

Club Development

• 

  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.  

  Read more here 

  Eligibility Criteria

• 

  TAC Club Rewards is back!

  Officially opening on the 03/06/25 closing on the 25/08/25.

  Clubs can now register to participate in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads and share in the chance to earn up to $10k. 

  Further Details

• 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program

  Nominations are now open for the 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors Program.

  Each year, women and girls in the footy community are nominated and recognised for the outstanding efforts within our great game.

  Ambassadors will receive a $1,000 grant, and a money can’t buy 2025 NAB AFLW Final experience.

  Nominations close July 20

  Click for more information.

• 

  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.

  Register here

Football

Female Football

EOI Pint FC

Junior Female Football

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. 

Complete the EOI

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Football Umpiring

Reminder

Netball

General Netball

• JUNE 30 DEADLINE - NETBALL REGISTRATIONS AND CLEARANCES CLOSE

  As per AFL Barwon By-Law 2.3 and Netball Competition rule 2, player registrations and clearances in netball close on June 30^th.

  Please ensure all players are registered/cleared to your club prior to this date.

  No late registrations will be accepted.

• JUNE 30 DEADLINE - Child Safety Officers & Complaints Officers Compliance Requirements

  It is a Netball Victoria compliance requirement that ALL clubs have their Child Safety Officers AND Complaint Officers assigned in Netball Connect.

  This does not have to be a separate person if you already have someone undertaking the role for your club in a football sense.

  To assign a person to this role on Netball Connect, please follow the following steps:

  • Log in to the admin portal
  • Users tab
  • Hover over ‘Administrators’ and select ‘my organisation’
  • Toggle across to the ‘contacts’ tab
  • Add a new contact, and select the role as ‘Child Safety Officer’ or ‘Complaints Officer’
  • You can set this person as having ‘NO admin access’.

  If you are having trouble completing this step – please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• Games Played Report – Finals Qualification

  Please ensure you’re monitoring your games played totals throughout the season. Clubs also bear responsibility to ensure players are managed within the bounds of the game, and are monitoring this information.

  While AFL Barwon does check paperwork and make amendments as needed, we check over 600 pieces of paper per week, so we may miss a record.

  If you require support in checking these records, please reach out.

Netball Victoria

• Accreditation information on Netball Connect

  A reminder to make sure your coaches and umpires include their Netball Learning email address in the registration process. This will allow their correct accreditation information to be added to their User profile for administrators to view. Please view the resource on the link below to help with this process.

  Umpire and Coach Accreditations

• Monthly Online Education Session

  For those that missed June’s monthly online education session, Session 1- Child Safety Recruitment Practices and Robust Screening is available to view.

  You can view all of the previous recordings on Netball Victoria’s monthly online education sessions section on YouTube at any time.

  The next session will run on Monday 7 July, covering the following topics:

  6-6:30pm	Child Safety Standards
  6:30-7pm	Woolworths NetSetGo - Bring a friend initiative
  7-7:30pm	Facilities - Building for the future

  Umpire and Coach Accreditations

• Train Like a Vixen

  As school holidays approach, we’re encouraging your members to secure their spots in the July school holiday Train Like a Vixen clinics, running from 10 July- 18 July. Ideal for netballers aged 5–15.

  These clinics are a great way to keep players active, engaged, and developing their skills during the break.

  More information

• 

  Grants Update

  2025 Woolworths netball grants program

  The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations running Woolworths NetSetGo across the country to improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids.
  This year, grants of $2,000 will be awarded to up to 40 clubs across Australia, as well as there being a massive $20,000 grant for the winner of the 2025 People’s Choice Award.

  More information

  ---

  Reminder - The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program is currently open for application.
  The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program (CFNP) is now open, and closes on 7 July 2025. Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of sports lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including gender‑neutral change rooms. If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or the NV facilities team. Please note that all applications must be submitted via your local Council.

BFNL & GFNL Netball

• High Importance - GFNL – Ladder Types Update

  It has come to our attention that in grades whereby not all teams are fielded, the ladder type has not been amended to reflect match ratio.

  The Match Ratio is a calculation that is used to rank ladders similar in many ways Ladder Points Average (in that it allows for fairness when the number of games each team plays in a season is not equal).

  For C and D Grade ladders, these ladder types will remain as is, with all teams fielded in these competitions.

  However, for all other ladders, due to their being variations in the number of byes teams will experience (ranging from 1 through to 4 byes for the season), the ladder type will be updated.

  These changes are now reflected on PlayHQ.

• Netball Umpiring Items

  There are several high priority umpiring items within the umpiring section of the Bulletin that require action by clubs.

  Please ensure you are reviewing this section and actioning appropriately.

• Fixture Changes

  Please be reminded that any proposed schedule changes must be submitted to AFL Barwon with a minimum of 14 days notice, with evidence that both clubs have been consulted and are in agreeance of what is being proposed.

  All changes are subject to approval by AFL Barwon, and appropriate timings should be proposed to allow umpires sufficient time between games to complete relevant tasks.

• 

  Photography Consent

  Please be reminded of seeking consent for photography from opposition clubs on Match Day.

  A list of teams with ‘no photography’ players was distributed earlier this season, but players may also have changed their preference since then.

  If a team has a ‘no photo’ player, photography can still occur, but it must be made clear which player cannot be captured/used in photography during the match.

  Photography Consent Form

Junior Netball

• Midweek Netball

  Junior Netball Season Dates

  A reminder that AFL Barwon Junior Netball will continue next week, with games on both Tuesday 1st July and Friday 4th July.

  If you are aware that your team will be impacted on these dates due to player absences, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with as much notice as possible if forfeiting.

  Season byes are as follows:

  Tuesday 8th July

  Friday 11th July

  Tuesday 15th July

   

  Friday June 20

  A huge thank you to the clubs who supported on Friday evening, ensuring our midweek competition was able to continue without the use of Kardinia Park. 

  We are currently preparing for the same impact on August 8^th, so please be prepared for fixture changes on this date, and to make alternate travel plans to venues.

  11&U Fixtures

  All Abilities Fixture

  Friday Night Fixture

• Representative Netball – Monday 30th June

  Association Championships

  The weekend saw our 13&U Championship and Development Teams, as well as our All-Abilities Representative teams head to Association Championships at the State Netball Centre. 

  Congratulations to all players, coaches and umpires who participated and represented our region proudly. Association Championships concludes our program for our Championship teams for 2025, with Development teams due to conclude on Monday 30^th June.

  Results

  13U Champs Pool A

  13U Champs Pool B

  13U Reserves Pool A

  13U Reserves Pool B

  All Abilities

   

  Geelong Central Netball Association – Grand Final

  Congratulations to our Representative Development Teams who are participating in Grand Finals on Monday 30^th June!

  • 13&U Bellarine FNL vs 13&U Geelong FNL: Kardinia Park 6:05pm court 3
  • 15&U Geelong FNL vs GCNA Turquoise: Kardinia Park 7:00pm court 5

  GCNA Fixture Here