AFL Barwon

Portarlington vs Torquay

It was a massacre at Portarlington Recreation Reserve last Friday as Torquay destroyed the Demons by 198 points. The Tigers now sit comfortably at the top of the ladder with a 400% boost.

Small midfielder James Darke was one of the standouts for Torquay, ending the game with four goals. Equally as impressive was Thomas Burke’s tally of four majors. Callum Currie, Reef and Clay Page were just behind them with three goals apiece.

The Demons were outplayed in every way. Their only major came from Shane Wiffen in the final term. This upcoming Anzac Day, Portarlington will host Drysdale. The Demons will need to be at their best if the Demons are a chance to take it up to the Hawks. Torquay will face Anglesea who are yet to win a game.

Goals

Portarlington: S.Wiffen

Torque: 4 J. Darke, 4 T. Burke, 3 C. Currie, 3 C. Page, 3 R. Page, 2 S. Ham, 2 B. Henderson, 2 W. Tamassy, 2 T. Yensch, 2 S. Caruso, M. Croxford, N. Mifsud, J. Heathcote

Final Score

Portarlington: 1.2 (8)

Torquay: 30.26 (206)

Geelong Amateur vs Modewarre

At Queens Park Reserve, Geelong was up in the first term. However, it was Modewarre who came storming home to win by 45 points.

For the Warriors, it was Jeremy Ollis and Matty McKim who led the charge through the midfield. The solid work rate of the pair had their forward line going frantic after a quiet first term. Tom Hornsey finished the day with three majors, complimenting him were Aaron Black, Connor Joseph, and Thomas Worpel with two goals each.

Spiro Alesios and Sam Darley had solid performances for Geelong, as did Jack Scarlett who was a rock in defence. Lachlan Devine provided a good target up forward but only finished with one major for the game.

Modewarre‘s next stop is Howard Harmer Oval where they will meet Barwon Heads. The Warriors are still undefeated, but the Seagulls should provide a challenge after crushing Anglesea with ease. As for Geelong, they will have to face another tough opponent at home when they meet Newcomb.

Goals

Geelong Amateur: K. Bucovaz, S. Bucovaz, L. Crichton, L. Devine, L. Reilly

Modewarre Seniors: 3 T. Hornsey, 2 A. Black, 2 C. Joseph, 2 T. Worpel, T. Bartlett, C. Farrell, M. Kasparian, B. Wemyss

Final Score

Geelong Amateur: 6.12 (48)

Modewarre Seniors: 13.15 (93)

Barwon Heads vs Anglesea

With their first win of the season, Barwon Heads destroyed Anglesea last Saturday with a 63-point victory.

Sammy Baker was the hero of the day. Baker finished the game with three majors and was named best on ground. Mitchell Phelps also had a day out, four goals from his boot helped bury the Kangaroos. Noah McGregor-Dawson, Ryan Harvey, Kyle Polley, and Oliver Wiltshire, were also named among the best for the Seagulls.

Dylan Pettingill was the difference for Anglesea. Pettingill snagged three majors with Jordan Keras not far behind him with two. Although Anglesea was keeping pace in the first term, they fell away quickly in the second and could not recover.

Anglesea battles the top of the table Tigers next week while Barwon Heads will test themselves against Modewarre.

Goals

Barwon Heads: 4 M. Phelps, 3 S. Baker, 2 M. Hardiman, 2 R. Harvey, 2 C. McKinnon, 2 L. Wilson, B. Close, C. Hurst, N. McGregor-Dawson, L. Vella, O. Wiltshire

Anglesea: 3 D. Pettingill, 2 J. Keras, O. Balderas, L. Beers, D. Elliott, R. Williams          

Final Score

Barwon Heads: 20.9 (129)

Anglesea:  9.12 (66)

Drysdale vs Queenscliff

Without a doubt the match of the round. At halftime, the Coutas took the lead by five goals. But the Hawks managed to claw their way back into the contest and steal the win by one point.

It was Billy Beardsell who kicked the sealer from a tremendous snap with only seconds left, it was his second major of the day. Despite hamstring issues, Tom Ruggles powered through kicking a bag of five majors. Nicholas Egan battled hard through the midfield as did Ben Ryan.

For Queenscliff, Caleb Whitley was strong up forward. Whitley finished the match with three goals, with Sol Bowtell, Brod Dawson, and Jake Hedley finishing with two goals apiece. The defensive efforts from Queenscliff in the last term were outstanding. The Hawks just snuck through.

The Coutas will be very angry from this defeat. They will look to make a statement when they take on Ocean Grove this Saturday. Drysdale, on the other hand, continues their undefeated season and will meet Portarlington on Anzac Day.

Goals

Queenscliff: 3 C. Whitley, 2 Sol Bowtell, 2 B. Dawson, 2 J. Hedley, N. Fenby, D. Gibbs, J. Rush

Drysdale: 5 T. Ruggles, 3 M. Hebbard, 2 B. Beardsell, F. Chisholm, J. Hargreaves

Final Score

Queenscliff: 12.9 (81)

Drysdale: 12.10 (82)

Ocean Grove vs Newcomb

The last game of the round finished off Easter in spectacular form with a helicopter ride and another tight contest. Ocean Grove had their chances late in the fourth quarter but couldn’t convert. In the end, Newcomb was the winner by only three points.

Will Farrow and Bray Cullinan were engine room for Power’s midfield. They played the game out until the very end. Richie Hollins led well out from the forward line, but it was tall timber Andrew Steel with two goals including the sealer in the final term. Nathan McDonald was the pillar in defence for Newcomb.

Ocean Grove’s forwards fought hard and although they weren’t accurate in front of goal, the pressure brought by Josh Horton, Harley Pearce, and Tom Chalkley was immense. Their backline was also well served by Kye Annand and Mitch Taylor. Taylor seems to have more time than most players to make a decision with the ball.

Ocean Grove will have to work on their accuracy in front of goal when they take on Queenscliff. The Coutas will be no easy feat after losing to the Hawks by one point. Newcomb will have to travel to Geelong next Saturday and meet the Ammos on their home turf.

Goals

Ocean Grove: 2 J. McDonald, 2 D. Moroney, K. Annand, T. Chalkley, J. Paterson, H. Pearce, T. Ruck

Newcomb:  2 C. Eagle, 2 A. Steele, M. Andrews, F. Anscombe, N. Brown, B. Cullinan, B. Rees, B. Ritchie

Final Score

Ocean Grove: 9.13 (67)

Newcomb: 10.10 (70)

Drysdale vs Anglesea

It was another massacre from the Hawks this weekend as Anglesea went down by 54 points. Anglesea came close to edging the score in the second term, but the Hawks stepped it up a notch in the third to become uncachable.

Anglesea will return home this weekend to face Newcomb which will be a less stressful task than Drysdale. The Hawks will remain at home and it will be Modewarre that pays them a visit this Saturday.

Best
Drysdale: L. Dalgleish, J. Breust, J. Jenkins, C. Lynch, M. Hebbard, B. Beardsell
Anglesea: E. Floyd, L. Beers, L. Holland, J. Keras, J. Harrison, D. Elliott

Goals
Drysdale: 5 M. Hebbard, 2 B. Beardsell, 2 J. Breust, C. Lynch, B. Fennell, M. Gunn, B. Sykes
Anglesea: 2 J. Harrison, 2 B. Jaska, 2 R. Williams, A. Caldwell, J. Elliott

Final Score
Drysdale: 14.20 (104)
Anglesea: 8.10 (58)

Barwon Heads vs Geelong

It was a very tight contest between the Ammos and the Seagulls. But in the final term, Barwon Heads just wanted the win a little bit more. 14 points were the difference as Barwon Heads continue to prove themselves.

Barwon Heads will have a chance to gain some percentage this weekend when they meet Portarlington. Geelong will take on Ocean Grove who were no pushovers last week.

Best
Geelong: C. Lewis, S. Bain, D. Lovick, S. Bucovaz, L. Devine, C. Kangars
Barwon Heads: K. Polley, R. Harvey, S. Lyle, N. Aulsebrook, L. Mitchell, S. Baker

Goals
Geelong: 4 K. Bucovaz, 2 B. Barnett, S. Bucovaz, J. Lee
Barwon Heads: 3 S. Baker, 3 S. Lyle, 2 N. Brown, 2 L. Vella, N. McGregor-Dawson

Final Score
Geelong: 9.7 (61)
Barwon Heads: 11.9 (75)

Modewarre vs Ocean Grove

Modewarre copped quite the scare last week as Ocean Grove led for three terms straight. It was a last gasp effort in the final quarter. The Warriors snagged five goals to Oceans Grove's two that had Modewarre steal victory by nine points.

Ocean Grove will be filthy on that loss to Modewarre. They have shown they can tackle some of the best, and they will get another test against Barwon Heads this weekend. Modewarre, on the other hand, will face the ultimate test with Drysdale as their next stop.

Best
Modewarre: O. Butler, D. Hemphill, B. Wemyss, J. Finch, M. McKim, L. Phillips
Ocean Grove: E. Dayman, J. McDonald, M. Sutton, G. Campbell, J. Horton, K. Annand

Goals
Modewarre: 2 A. Black, 2 T. Hornsey, C. Farrell, C. Joseph, B. Wemyss, T. Worpel, T. Anderson
Ocean Grove: 4 E. Dayman, 3 J. Paterson, J. Horton, D. Moroney

Final Score
Modewarre: 9.14 (68)
Ocean Grove: 9.5 (59)

Torquay vs Newcomb

It was an inaccurate day for the Tigers scoring more than twice the amount of behinds than goals. Even though it was the slaughter of Newcomb by 71 points, inaccuracy could be Toquay's undoing against the harder competition.

Torquay will remain at McCartney Oval this Saturday, their next opponent will be Queenscliff. Newcomb will have to fend off Anglesea which might be more challenging than what the Roos scorecard shows.

Best
Torquay: J. Ireland, W. Doyle, L. Findlay, N. Mifsud, E. McCoy, M. Croxford
Newcomb: O. Marshall, B. Rees, J. Duke, N. Brown, F. Anscombe, S. Scolaro

Goals
Torquay: 3 W. Doyle, 3 C. Heard, 3 C. Page, 2 T. Grace, S. Ham, N. Mifsud, J. Ireland
Newcomb: 3 J. Duke, 2 A. Steele, O. Marshall

Final Score
Torquay: 14.30 (114)
Newcomb: 6.7 (43)

Portarlington vs Queenscliff

Queenscliff took control of the game from the start of the first siren and the trend continued until the final horn. Another blow for the Demons this time defeated by 81 points.

Queenscliff will not find their next match so easy playing the Tigers on their home deck. For the Demons, their next match will be against Barwon Heads who have been on a roll lately.

Best
Portarlington: M. Ruiter, J. Jones, T. Benham, S. Walton, L. Hart, S. Beeston
Queenscliff: D. Gibbs, C. Durran, B. Dawson, C. Whitley, J. McIvor-Clark, S. Bowtell

Goals
Portarlington: J. Benjamin, L. Hart, S. Wiffen, J. Woodhams, N. Woodhams
Queenscliff: 4 J. Durran, 3 B. Dawson, 2 T. Dickinson, 2 C. Durran, 2 J. Hedley, S. Bowtell, J. Maher, C. Turner, C. Whitley

Final Score
Portarlington: 5.10 (40)
Queenscliff: 17.19 (121)

Anglesea vs Newcomb

A persistent fight paid off for Anglesea last Saturday as the Roos' defeated Newcomb by 14 points. Ryan Williams was the tip of the spear for Anglesea, who finished his day with five majors.

The win has pushed Anglesea further from the bottom, but can they cause an upset against teams of a higher class? The question will be answered this Saturday when they face the Coutas. For Newcomb, their losing streak is looking to be increased with Drysdale as their next opponent.

Best

Anglesea: R. Williams, B. Jaska, J. Moverley, E. Floyd, N. Collins, S. Umbers

Newcomb: P. McGinley, A. Steele, B. Rees, J. Scott, W. Farrow, J. Dumont

Goals

Anglesea: 5 R. Williams, 2 D. Elliott, 2 J. Harrison, A. Caldwell, N. Collins, S. Umbers

Newcomb: 7 A. Steele, 2 J. Duke, O. Marshall, S. Mullahy

Final Score

Anglesea: 12.13 (85)

Newcomb: 11.5 (71)

Barwon Heads vs Portarlington

I don't believe I have ever seen a deficit this big in football. A 240 point smashing from Barwon Heads has kept the Demons in hell. Portarlington still remains at the bottom of the ladder with no wins or encouraging signs.

Barwon Heads will travel to Ocean Grove this weekend. Barwon will want to put Ocean Grove away early considering their persistent nature. Portarlington will return home and the Warriors will be waiting for them.

Best

Barwon Heads: C. Hurst, O. Wiltshire, L. Mitchell, S. Baker, B. Eddy, C. Walter

Portarlington: I. Holroyd, K. Goedemoed, S. Wiffen, J. Rose, M. Spence

Goals

Barwon Heads: 10 C. Hurst, 6 S. Baker, 5 B. Eddy, 3 S. Lyle, 3 L. Potiriadis, 2 N. Aulsebrook, 2 C. Walter, 2 J. Wills, 2 O. Wiltshire, C. McKinnon, L. Mitchell, J. Pike, L. Vella, A. Walsgott

Portarlington: T. Benham, K. Goedemoed, B. Wells

Final Score

Barwon Heads: 40.24 (264)

Portarlington: 3.6 (24)

Drysdale vs Modewarre

Drysdale keeps bridging the gap with their opposition term by term. Modewarre started well, but the Hawks have this ability to play harder for longer. The final result was Drysdale winners by 19 points.

As we pass the halfway point of the BFL 2022 season next week, Drysdale will look to make a statement against Newcomb. The Warriors on the other hand will be at ease with Portarlington as their next stop.

Best

Drysdale: M. Pigott, M. Mcguire, B. Fennell, M. Gunn, F. Chisholm, James Breust

Modewarre: Tom Hornsey, Lachlan Warburton, Callan Farrell, Morgan Fenton, Oliver Butler, Joshua Finch

Goals

Drysdale: 4 M. Gunn, 3 B. Fennell, 2 J. Breust, 2 M. Hebbard, 2 M. Mcguire, 2 M. Scott, F. Chisholm, M. Clark, T. Ruggles

Modewarre: 7 T. Hornsey, 4 A. Black, 3 C. Joseph, C. Farrell, T. Worpel

Final Score

Drysdale: 18.14 (122)

Modewarre: 16.7 (103)

Geelong Amateur vs Ocean Grove

After an extremely slow start by Ocean Grove, it was an uphill battle to catch Geelong. Ocean Grove managed to get within reach of taking the lead in the third term, but the Ammos were too good in the fourth. The Ammos walked away 19 point victors.

Ocean Grove will be set a task this week against Barwon Heads, but at least the match will be on home soil. The Ammos move on to take a real test in Torquay who have a habit of steamrolling their opposition.

Best

Geelong Amateur: D. McNeel, J. Williams, J. Jans, G. Hardiman, L. Devine, B. Barnett

Ocean Grove: J. Paterson, J. Horton, J. Kneebone, M. Taylor, K. Annand, H. Pearce

Goals

Geelong Amateur: 2 E. Farley, B. Barnett, K. Bucovaz, S. Bucovaz, L. Crichton, G. Hardiman, D. McNeel, L. Reilly, H. Scott

Ocean Grove: 3 J. Paterson, K. Annand, E. Dayman, H. Pearce, J. Rawlings, A. Todorov

Final Score

Geelong Amateur: 10.15 (75)

Ocean Grove: 8.8 (56)

Torquay vs Queenscliff

The Tigers went fishing last Saturday, and for four quarters, they were eating Coutas. Queenscliff was overwhelmed from the start of the first siren. Torquay easily took home the four points after crushing the Coutas by 82 points.

Torquay has been nothing short of perfect since their defeat by Drysdale. Geelong Ammos have put themselves up as a contender for the flag this year, the Tigers will want to silence their claims this weekend. As for the Coutas, they may find a challenge with Anglesea this weekend.

Best

Torquay: B. Raidme, B. Henderson, B. McNamara, J. Heathcote, J. Darke, C. Loftus

Queenscliff: I. McCabe, L. Kidd, Z. Henderson, A. Davie, D. Gibbs, J. Hedley

Goals

Torquay: 6 B. Raidme, 4 W. Doyle, 4 C. Heard, 3 J. Darke, 2 C. Currie, D. Gleeson, N. Mifsud, J. Ireland

Queenscliff: 2 J. McIvor-Clark, B. Anwyl, W. Baker, S. Bowtell, A. Davie, B. Dawson, T. Dickinson, J. Hedley            

Final Score

Torquay: 22.14 (146)

Queenscliff: 9.10 (64)

Barwon Heads vs Modewarre Seniors

It was a dominant display from Barwon Heads as Modewarre didn’t even come close to Barwon. The final result was a 50-point smashing by Barwon led by Nathan Brown with six goals to his name. The Warriors will need to regroup next week when they face Newbcomb at Mount Moriac Reserve. For Barwon Heads, their next challenger is Queenscliff.

Best

Barwon Heads: M. Dyer, K. Polley, R. Harvey, N. Aulsebrook, S. Lyle, J. Mclauchlan

Modewarre: N. Matthews, D. Beames, J. Finch, O. Butler, M. Fenton, M. Kasparian

Goals

Barwon Heads: 6 N. Brown, 3 B. Harvey, 2 L. Wilson, S. Baker, S. Lyle, N. McGregor-Dawson, M. Phelps

Modewarre: 2 T. Hornsey, A. Black, C. Joseph, M. Overman, M. Harper

Final Score

Barwon Heads: 15.14 (104)

Modewarre: 7.12 (54)

Geelong vs Newcomb

Geelong is starting to regain their momentum after smashing Newcomb by 66 points. Newcomb had no answers for Harry Kershaw who kicked six majors in a dominant display. Anglesea is the next stop for Geelong while Newcomb will want a better effort when they meet Modewarre.

Best

Geelong: T. Stephen, H. Kershaw, J. Scarlett, L. Devine, S. Darley, D. McNeel

Newcomb: J. Scott, R. Jackman, E. Taylor, J. Duke, F. Anscombe, B. Berry

Goals

Geelong: 6 H. Kershaw, 3 B. Barnett, 3 T. Stephen, 2 E. Farley, K. Bucovaz, S. Bucovaz, S. Darley, L. Devine, J. Edwards, S. Hosking, D. McNeel, L. Reilly

Newcomb: 4 J. Duke, 2 A. Steele, 2 E. Taylor, B. Berry, B. Ritchie

Final Score

Geelong: 22.8 (140)

Newcomb: 10.14 (74)

Queenscliff vs Ocean Grove

Another strong effort from Ocean Grove, saw them slip away again just finding victory out of reach. In the end, it was Queenscliff that snatched the win by 13 points. Ocean Grove has been pushing their opponents lately, perhaps it will be the next match against Portarlington that finally gives them the win they need. Queenscliff will have an even greater challenge on their hands at home when they face Barwon Heads.

Best

Queenscliff: N. Maishman, N. Fenby, D. Whitley, J. Rush, L. Cohen, A. Hogan

Ocean Grove: M. Taylor, J. McHenry, J. Paterson, C. Snookes, K. Annand, J. McDonald

Goals

Queenscliff: 2 N. Maishman, 2 J. Rush, S. Bowtell, B. Dawson, L. Kidd, J. McIvor-Clark, A. Naylor, C. Turner, C. Whitley, D. Whitley

Ocean Grove: 3 J. McHenry, 3 J. Paterson, J. Brew, J. Horton, J. McDonald

Final Score

Queenscliff: 12.7 (79)

Ocean Grove: 9.12 (66)

Torquay vs Anglesea

The Tigers continue to maul through the competition, this time, their prey was the Kangaroos who were completely destroyed by 132 points. Callum Currie and Lucas Anderson ran rampart kicking over a big of six majors each. Torquay is yet to find a true challenge, but with Drysdale undefeated they yet find one in the Hawks. Anglesea will have to their focus to Geelong when they return home next Saturday.

Best

Torquay: C. Currie, N. Mifsud, W. Tamassy, Sh. Ham, L. Anderson, S. Caruso

Anglesea: A Caldwell, S. Umbers, R. Williams, K. Iversen-Smith, B. Jaska, J. Keras

Goals

Torquay: 6 L. Anderson, 6 C. Currie, 3 T. Grace, 2 J. Darke, 2 B. Henderson, 2 N. Mifsud, 2 B. Raidme, 2 H. Darke, W. Doyle, W. Tamassy, T. Yensch, S. Caruso

Anglesea: 2 B. Jaska, 2 J. Keras, O. Balderas, J. Elliott, J. Harrison, M. Mauderer, D. Pettingill

Final Score

Torquay: 29.18 (192)

Anglesea: 9.6 (60)

Portarlington vs Drysdale

It was another day of hell for the Demons, while the Hawks are flying high. 127 points was the deficit as Portarlington take another pounding. Drysdale is up and about, but the celebrations will have to be cut short. Torquay is the only thing standing between them, and the top of the ladder. This is the real test come next Saturday.

Best

Portarlington: M. Ruiter, T. Benham, J. Cummins, S. Walton, S. Wiffen, J. Woodhams

Drysdale: B. Beardsell, J. Watson, L. Dalgleish, M. Hebbard, B. Fennell, J. Breust

Goals

Portarlington: 2 J. Woodhams, J. Benjamin, L. Hart

Drysdale: 7 M. Hebbard, 6 B. Beardsell, 4 J. Breust, 2 J. Hargreaves, F. Chisholm, M. Clark, N. Egan, B. Ryan

Final Score

Portarlington: 4.4 (28)

Drysdale: 22.23 (155)

Buckleys Entertainment Centre has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community sports in the region by extending its partnership with AFL Barwon until 2025.

The renewed agreement will mark 30 years of collaboration between Buckleys and AFL Barwon in 2024.

Throughout challenging times for the region, Buckleys has consistently provided financial support to AFL Barwon and its clubs, notably making a $500,000 donation in 2020 to assist clubs affected by COVID-19 shutdowns.

As part of the extended partnership, Buckleys will maintain its naming rights for the Reserves and B-Grade competitions in the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues.

In the extended partnership, new club runner’s outfits will be provided for all Senior, Reserves, Under 18's Male Competitions, and Senior & Under 19's Female Clubs in the upcoming season.

Furthermore, Buckleys' outstanding and recently renovated facilities are set to remain the venue for all AFL Barwon end-of-season League Presentation evenings for the next two years.

Buckleys Entertainment Centre, Chair Bill Brebner expressed the organisation's pride in their ongoing financial support for AFL Barwon.

“Buckleys is proud of the continued financial support that we are able to provide to AFL Barwon through sponsorship of the Geelong FNL, Bellarine FNL & Junior Football, and the positive impacts this has on our region.”

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager Edward Wilson was thankful for the ongoing support from Buckleys,

“AFL Barwon is grateful for the continued support and engagement Buckleys continues to provide to our affiliated Clubs. We’re pleased to continue the long-term partnership that significantly supports several competitions and participation opportunities across the region, for both Football & Netball”.

To make a booking at Buckleys Entertainment Centre simply email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: (03) 5248 4866.

AFL Barwon are excited by an initiative led by AFL Vic to support and develop local club coaches in the region. This is a fantastic opportunity for clubs to upskill their coaches and provide adequate support. 

This is a FREE program that offers support to all clubs delivered by local male and female coaches Michael King and Shannon Knox who have worked in both community and elite pathways. 

AFL Victoria Coach Developers Purpose: 

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

To help us understand your clubs coaching needs and wants, please complete the survey (coaches and coordinators to complete). 

For enquiries and to grab a coffee to chat further please contact -  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In-line with the recent announcement of the AFL’s updated 2024 Concussion Protocols, AFL Barwon has announced updated Football & Netball Concussion Protocols.

The most significant announcement detailed within the 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols was:

• All Australian rules football competitions at all ages (i.e. adult/open competitions and all junior competitions outside AFL/AFLW), will adopt a mandatory minimum 21-day return to play protocol. This new protocol will apply for State Football competitions (including the VFL and VFLW), elite pathway competitions (including the Coates Talent League for boys and girls) and all community football competitions; and
• Under the new community guidelines, the earliest that a player can return to play after a concussion is on the 21^st day after the day on which the concussion was sustained and provided that the player has safely progressed through each phase of the return-to-play program. 

In-line with this announcement, AFL Barwon has adopted:

1. The 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Australian rules football competitions at all ages; and
2. Has also adopted this policy for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Netball competitions at all ages.

This adoption extends to practice matches, interleague and other games of any kind, of Australian Rules Football and Netball, in all forms.

In-line with AFL Barwon’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, to be community sport leaders in the safe and sustainable delivery of Football and Netball, we will continue work regionally on further resourcing and support for all affiliated Clubs, competitions and Leagues.

Clubs, stakeholders and community members alike are encouraged to contact AFL Barwon if they require further detail or clarification on these guidelines.

AFL Barwon, in extensive consultation with the impacted member clubs and their key stakeholders, have made changes to the AFL Barwon Female Football Day of play for the 2024 season.

The Epworth Senior Female and Under 19’s Female Football Competition’s will be played primarily on Friday nights. The fixturing of Friday night matches will be only at venues that have lighting that meet the required safety standards to host matches. There are only 5 of the current 17 Senior Female & Under 19’s clubs do not have adequate lighting facilities which will see most matches played on Friday nights. For club’s with sufficient lights to play night home games, doubleheader fixturing will be made possible. For any clubs that do not have adequate lighting, they will still play home games on Sunday's, unless alternative fixtures have been agreed upon. Clubs have been encouraged to consult and collaborate with other clubs if games need to be moved from the Friday night or Sunday timeslots for any significant reasoning.

The basis of these changes has been formulated to ensure that female participation continues to trend positively across the Barwon Region. With the implementation of the Fair Access Policy in 2025, AFL Barwon believes this modelling is a critical element in preparing for these policy changes. Female participation in the Barwon Region in 2023 had a rise of 17% across all competitions.

Throughout the consultation process, a consistent theme emerged indicating a strong desire for increased club connection among female players and officials. There was a notable interest in providing them with the opportunity to participate in club social events. The changes should also help to strengthen the connection between the Under 19 and Senior sections of the Female Football Clubs.  

There are no changes to the scheduling or day of play for any other junior female competitions in 2024. 

All fixtures for Female Football competitions will be released in the lead up to the 2024 season.

Click here for the 2024 season dates for all Female Football competitions.

ABOUT US

As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. AFL Victoria’s vision is to be regarded as an accountable, respectful and progressive sporting organisation that is responsible for the continued growth of Australian Football in Victoria by:

• acting collaboratively in the best interests of the game;
• providing strong leadership and effective guidance;
• managing relevant and viable state league competitions that form an integral part of the talent pathway;
• supporting participation pathways and development programs.

We have multiple casual opportunities available in the below location:

• AFL Barwon – Geelong & Surrounding Areas

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

An AFL Victoria Game Development Officer is primarily responsible for conducting general Australian Football game development programs within the school and community environment. The role will include but not limited to:

• Supporting the delivery of school’s clinics,
• NAB AFL Auskick program,
• Diversity Programs,
• AFL club-based activations,
• Promotional activations,
• Coaching Initiatives and,
• Inflatable activations.

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

• Demonstrated personal initiative and ability to work effectively unsupervised and in a team environment.
• Well-developed verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Confidence and ability to deliver engaging and positive outcomes with a range of AFL programs.
• Current Victorian Driver License with access to a motor vehicle.
• Satisfactory Employee “Working with Children” check.
• First Aid certificate or to be obtained.

Desirable

• Tertiary qualifications in Teaching, Sports Coaching, Recreation, Education, Marketing or equivalent depth of experience.

• Established ability to bring together and coordinate a diverse range of project partners.

OUR CULTURE

http://www.afl.com.au/careers/experience-extraordinary

HOW TO APPLY

Simply click here to apply

Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume with the subject ‘Game Development Officer’ with your preferred region by 10 December 2021.

Geelong Cats player and Love the Game ambassador Jeremy Cameron will tonight speak about leadership and why he loves footy at an online forum for young footballers and netballers in the AFL Barwon region.

The forum will be preceded by a Sport and Life Training (SALT) session with SEDA College students that will explore the risks associated with sports betting and how young people can resist social pressures to gamble.

‘Young men in the age range of 18–24 years now make up a third of sports bettors in Victoria, and participation by young women is rising,’ Cameron said. ‘I’m not much older than this group, so it’s concerning that they are betting in such large numbers.

‘Kids should be able to enjoy the footy without thinking about the odds or being persuaded by all the gambling ads, that everyone who bets will win and have a great time. That’s not the reality.’

The Geelong Cats and AFL Barwon-hosted events are being held in the lead-up to the Cats’ first Love the Game round of the 2022 season this Saturday (30 April) at its GMHBA home ground.

Throughout May, clubs across all codes and levels in Victoria will participate in Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Love the Game rounds, during which coaches and parents will be encouraged to talk to kids about the risks of sports betting.

‘Coaches will be asked to make a game plan to talk to their teams about sports betting and to urge parents to do the same during this year’s Love the Game month,’ Foundation CEO Shane Lucas said.

‘The aim is to help young people understand the risks of gambling before they are legally able to bet so that they can make informed decisions when they reach adulthood.’

Bruce Harwood, AFL Barwon General Manager, said that young people are being strategically targeted to engage in gambling through very aggressive advertising campaigns. But through Love the Game, clubs and leagues are taking a stand and educating in the dangers and consequences of gambling.

‘Many of our league members are Love the Game partners, saying no to sports betting sponsorship and taking a proactive role in informing and equipping young people to think carefully about betting.’

AFL Barwon and the Geelong Cats, along with the other nine Victorian AFL clubs, AFL Victoria and 650+ community clubs across the state are Love the Game partners. They all love the game, not the odds.

Media contact:

Geelong Cats

Bianca Wallis, General Manager – Marketing, Digital and Communications | 0421 366 262 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Troy Daniel, Marketing Manager | 0412 724 928 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

Fiona Skivington, Manager, Media & Communication | 0428 248 931

Anyone affected by their own or someone else’s gambling can contact Gambler’s Help 24/7 on 1800 858 858 to access free, confidential advice, support and referral.