Finals

AFL Barwon is pleased to confirm Grinter Reserve (Newcomb FNC) and Portarlington Recreation Reserve as the host venues for the 2026 Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Finals Series. 

As part of the appointment process, Grinter Reserve has been confirmed as the host venue for the Dow BFNL Preliminary Finals and Grand Finals through to the end of the 2027 season, providing certainty for clubs, supporters and stakeholders.

Newcomb has successfully hosted three of the last four BFNL Grand Finals, demonstrating a strong track record of delivering major events and comfortably accommodating anticipated crowd numbers.

Newcomb President Matt Farrow said, “The Newcomb Power Football Netball Club is proud to have been chosen to host the final two weeks of finals for the next two seasons. Being centrally located for all clubs and with the capacity to host significant crowds, we believe it provides a great option for the BFNL. This decision will also allow us to work with council and state stakeholders on potential small upgrades to further support the delivery of a fantastic event for our league.” 

Portarlington Recreation Reserve will host the opening weeks of the 2026 finals series, including the Qualifying and Elimination Finals on 29–30 August, followed by the Semi Finals on 5–6 September. The finals action will move to Grinter Reserve following the Semi Finals, with Newcomb Football Netball Club hosting the Preliminary Finals on Saturday 12 September before culminating in the Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday 19 September.

AFL Barwon can also confirm that Lara Recreation Reserve will once again host the Epworth Senior and Junior Female Football Grand Finals on Sunday 30 August, with matches played across multiple grounds.

Following the success of last year’s Kempe Junior Male Grand Finals, St Joseph’s Football Netball Club will again host the event at Herne Hill Reserve across Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, utilising both ovals.

Venues for the opening weeks of the Epworth Female Football Finals Series and the Kempe Junior Male Finals Series will be announced in due course.

Further details regarding fixtures, match times and ticketing information will be released via the AFL Barwon website and social media channels closer to the commencement of the 2026 Finals Series.

AFL Barwon, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and the Geelong Cats have joined forces to secure GMHBA Stadium and the Kardinia Park Precinct as the home of the GFNL Grand Final for at least the next three years.

The announcement formalises a shared commitment to delivering a high-quality, community-centred Grand Final experience at Victoria’s premier regional sporting venue. 

The 2024 and 2025 Blood Toyota GFNL Grand Finals were held at Kardinia Park, attracting more than 20,000 spectators through the gates. A further 20,000 viewers tuned in via live broadcast coverage.

The event continues to play a significant role across the wider Barwon community, with supporters travelling from across Victoria and interstate to attend last year’s Grand Final.

AFL Barwon CEO Kate Patterson said “We’re in such a fortunate and unique position, being the only region in Victoria with an AFL club. Through this partnership with the Geelong Cats and KPST, we’re able to offer our clubs, players and supporters the chance to celebrate their biggest moment on a world-class stage.

“It’s an opportunity very few community football and netball leagues ever get, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to bring that experience to the GFNL.”

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin said “At Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, community is one of our core pillars, so we are thrilled to support the Geelong Football and Netball League Grand Finals at the Kardinia Park precinct over the next three years. This event is a highlight in our calendar and is the only community league football match to be held at an AFL stadium in Victoria. 

“We’re proud to partner with AFL Barwon and Geelong Football Club to help deliver such a memorable experience for the players and community." 

Geelong Cats Chief Operating Officer Marcus King said "We’re excited to see the GFNL Grand Finals returning to GMHBA Stadium and the broader Kardinia Park precinct for the next three years. Community football and netball is such a significant part of our region, and it is fitting that local football and netball grand finals will continue to be showcased on the biggest stage in Geelong. 

“It will also be a great opportunity for the football community to enjoy a huge week of football, with the GFNL Grand Finals to follow the AFLW match against Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium on the Thursday night of AFL Grand Final week.” 

The 2026 GFNL Grand Final will be played on Victoria’s Grand Final Public Holiday on Friday 25 September including 3 games of football and 12 games of netball. Further announcements on 2026 Finals Series venues will be made in the coming weeks.

Further information on the event will be available via the AFL Barwon website and AFL Barwon social media platforms.