The Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) will return to the Barwon region’s best Football & Netball facility with the 2024 Blood Toyota Grand Finals to be held at Kardinia Park, on Friday 27^th September (AFL Grand Final Public Holiday).

In developing this plan for 2024, significant discussions have transpired between AFL Barwon, the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) and the Geelong Football Club (GFC). The three parties share a collective approach that community Football & Netball Grand Finals deserve to be played at the best regional sporting precinct in Australia.

KPST last hosted the Geelong FNL Finals in 2019, and AFL Barwon has shared a mutually beneficial and community-focused approach to exploring a return to Kardinia Park in 2024. The AFL Barwon & Geelong FC Strategic Partnership launched in May 2023, has spring boarded collaboration between the three organisations and has produced several strategic outcomes, for the benefit of the region, community stakeholders and Clubs alike.

This strategic decision between AFLB, KPST & GFC is aimed to enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators alike, setting the stage for an exciting and memorable event.

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin was quoted, 

“The Trust is thrilled to again host the local 2024 Geelong Football Netball League Grand Final at GMHBA Stadium.”

“With the collaboration of our three organisations, we can have this aspect of community sport, both football and netball back into the precinct where they rightfully belong”.

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson was quoted, 

““AFL Barwon shares incredibly strong partnerships with both the Geelong Football Club as well as Kardinia Park Stadium Trust. This announcement secures a future that promotes and elevates our region, to the platform it deserves. We’re grateful for the continued support of both GFC & KPST, and their community-focused mindsets to support the growth of both Football & Netball within the Barwon region. This tri-parity partnership is uniquely Barwon, and we look forward to collectively working together in years to come”. “

Geelong Football Club’s Chief Strategy & Growth Officer and General Counsel, Marcus King was quoted,

“We’re pleased to support AFL Barwon in having the biggest day on the GFNL calendar return to Kardinia Park and to see community football Grand Finals played on the hallowed turf of GMHBA Stadium again.

 “We see GMHBA Stadium, and the Kardinia Park precinct, as the home of sporting and special events for the region, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and AFL Barwon to ensure a highly successful day for our community and all involved.

Leisure Networks and AFL Barwon are pleased to announce a new partnership, with Leisure Networks recognised as “The Official Inclusion Partner” to AFL Barwon. As well as continuing to lead development of inclusive opportunities in AFL and Netball, the partnership will strengthen delivery of mental health support to local clubs through the Tackle Your Feelings Program.

“We are excited by the possibilities this partnership will open up, not just for Leisure Networks, but for the community we support,” said David Meade, CEO Leisure Networks. “Our whole purpose at Leisure Networks is to connect people with community and sport is such an important vehicle to make this happen. As well as the physical and mental rewards we get from playing sport, there’s also all the social benefits. Nothing beats the feeling of comradery and belonging you get from being part of a sporting club.

“The all abilities footy and netball competitions we support under the AFL Barwon banner have given more people living with disability a lifetime first experience of actively participating in their local club, playing as part of a team,” continued Mr. Meade. “Games are played in a friendly safe environment, which means people of all skill level, all ages and all genders are accepted. It’s all about providing opportunities for people to play sport, people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to without these All-Abilities competitions.

“And as I’ve said, it’s not just about playing sport,” Mr. Meade explained. “Take Sean ‘the Bossman’ for instance. Sean’s been the waterboy at Geelong West Giants for more than a decade. Then last year, thanks to the AFL Barwon Inclusion League, he’s now a team captain at his favourite club.”

“To be able to put on the Giants jumper, on the footy field,” said Sean. “Is something I’ve wanted to be able to do for a long time.” 

“AFL Barwon is proud to have delivered several key community initiatives and engagement opportunities over a long period,” said Edward Wilson, Regional General Manager, AFL Barwon, “and the recent establishment of the first-of-its-kind, multi-sport All Abilities League, is testament to the collaborative partnership between the two organisations.

 “AFL Barwon is extremely pleased with the establishment of this new era in partnership with Leisure Networks, and we’re excited as to what this will deliver for the local community”.

“The AFL Barwon All Abilities Football Netball League season will kick off with the Netball season starting on April 23, followed by a Football double header at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday April 27, thanks to the support of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.”

About Leisure Networks

Leisure Networks is a not-for-profit organisation based in Geelong, having provided services for people with a disability for more than 30 years. The organisation provides opportunities for people to connect with their community in a variety of ways including participation in sport and recreation, skill-building, and array of social and leisure activities.

www.leisurenetworks.org

In partnership with and supported by Read the Play and the Committee for Geelong, AFL Barwon is proud to present the Mentally Healthy Sporting Clubs Framework.

This framework contains information, tips and resources to help you, your club and your members both on and off the field and court to navigate mental health in 2022.

You may find some of the resources helpful and informative, but if you or anyone you know requires any urgent support, you should contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659
467. If it’s an emergency, then call 000.

Download the Mentally Healthy Sporting Clubs Framework via the button below. The framework is also permanently available on aflbarwon.com.au under Club Resources.

Vision Requests

Portarlington v Queenscliff

• At the request of the officiating umpires the MRP viewed vision of an incident in the second quarter of the Portarlington v Queenscliff Senior match on Saturday 14^th May 2022 of an alleged dangerous tackle by Will Foott #9 Portarlington against Justin Maher #1 Queenscliff.

It was determined that Will Foott be reported for engaging in rough conduct on Justin Maher with what was considered a dangerous tackle and have offered a 2 match Set Penalty in this instance.

• At the request of the officiating umpires the MRP were asked to review an incident that occurred in the third quarter, of a possible strike that may have occurred off the play. No incident was captured on vision.

South Barwon v Leopold

• At the request of the officiating umpires the MRP viewed vision of an incident in the fourth quarter of the South Barwon v Leopold Senior match on Saturday 14^th May 2022. After reviewing the incident, the MRP deemed that their was no reportable incident and the correct free kick was paid.

Geelong West Giants v St Josephs

• At the request of the Geelong West Giants the MRP viewed vision of a possible strike in an incident that occurred during the 2nd quarter of the Geelong West Giants v St Josephs Senior match on Saturday 14^th May 2022.

The MRP deemed that Riley Ferguson #31 St Josephs be reported for carelessly striking Angus Codd #24 Geelong West Giants and have offered a 1 match Penalty in this instance.

Inverleigh v East Geelong

• At the request of the officiating umpires the MRP viewed vision of an incident in the second quarter of the Inverleigh v East Geelong Senior match on Saturday 14^th May 2022. No incident was captured on vision.

Reports

Colac v St Albans

• MRP viewed vision of a report that occurred during the second quarter of the Senior match Colac v St Albans where Darcy Lang #25 Colac was reported for intentionally striking Brock McDonald # 32 St Albans. After reviewing vision, it was determined that a 1 match penalty was appropriate in this instance.

Werribee Centrals v Anakie

• MRP viewed vision of a report that occurred during the second quarter of the Senior match Werribee Centrals v Anakie where Cameron Keena #59 Werribee Centrals was reported for engaging in rough conduct on Hayden Leech #38 Anakie. It was determined that the 2 match set penalty as offered was appropriate.

• MRP viewed vision of a report that occurred during the third quarter of the Senior match Werribee Centrals v Anakie where Jordan Baumgartner #9 Anakie was reported for engaging in rough conduct on Kai Gomes-Pattiyago Werribee Centrals #17. It was determined that the 2 match set penalty as offered was appropriate.

Where a Set Penalty has been offered, both clubs involved have until 10.00am Tuesday 17^th May  to request the matter be heard at Tribunal, or the Set Penalty will apply as offered.

Anglesea v Newcomb

• At the request of Anglesea FNC the MRP viewed vision of a possible strike in an incident that occurred after the half time siren of the Anglesea v Newcomb Senior match on Saturday 21^st May 2022.

The MRP deemed that whilst it was unnecessary and had the potential to escalate, the action of #33 Newcomb on #50 Anglesea was not deemed reportable.

Torquay v Queenscliff

• At the request of Torquay FNC the MRP viewed vision of potential rough conduct by #8 Queenscliff and a potential striking incident by #1 Queenscliff on #49 Torquay that were alleged to have occurred during a melee at the end of the 2^nd Whilst the official vision did not show the incidents or the melee, unofficial vision provided by Torquay was viewed by the MRP. No striking offences were noted and the action of #8 Queenscliff was not deemed reportable by the MRP.
• Both clubs have been issued fines of $500 of which $250 will be suspended for the remainder of the 2022 season for their respective involvement in the melee.

Geelong West Giants v Bell Post Hill

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a melee that occurred during the 2^nd quarter of the Geelong West Giants v Bell Post Hill senior match. No reportable offences were noted and the Melee was not deemed sufficient for any penalties to be applied in this instance.

St Albans v North Shore

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a melee that occurred during the 1^st quarter of the St Albans v North Shore senior match. No reportable offences were noted and the Melee was not deemed sufficient for any penalties to be applied in this instance.

Newtown & Chilwell v South Barwon

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of an incident in the second quarter of the Newtown & Chilwell v South Barwon Senior match on Saturday 21^st May 2022 involving Lachlan Bond #15 Newtown & Chilwell and Todd Smith #28 South Barwon.

It was determined that Lachlan Bond be reported for striking Todd White and have offered a 2 match Set Penalty in this instance.

Inverleigh v Thomson

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of an incident that occurred during the 3^rd quarter of the Senior match Inverleigh v Thomson involving #24 Inverleigh and #43 Thomson. The incident was not deemed reportable. No charge laid.

• At the request of Inverleigh FNC, the MRP viewed vision of an incident that occurred during the 3^rd quarter of the Senior match Inverleigh v Thomson involving #7 Thomson Daniel Freeman and  #8 Inverleigh Lachlan Buyel. The MRP have reported Daniel Freeman for Rough Conduct through a dangerous tackle. A 2 match set penalty has been offered.

Bannockburn v North Geelong

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of an incident in the fourth quarter of the Bannockburn v North Geelong Senior match on Saturday 21^st May 2022 involving Brett Harding #19 Bannockburn and Dylan Fisher #18 North Geelong.

It was determined that Brett Harding be reported for carelessly striking Dylan Fisher and have offered a 1 match Set Penalty in this instance.

Geelong Amateur v Ocean Grove

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of 3 separate melees that occurred during and at the end of the 3^rd The vision as viewed by the MRP indicated a large number of players from both sides involved, which was unnecessarily prolonged through further actions from both sides.

Both clubs have been issued fines of $1250 of which $750 will be suspended for the remainder of the 2022 season for their respective involvement in the melee.

Where reports have been laid, both clubs involved have until 10.00am Tuesday 24^th May  to request the matter be heard at Tribunal, or the Set Penalty will apply as offered.

Reports

St Mary’s v St Joseph’s

• The MRP viewed vision of a report that was laid by the officiating umpire against #16 St Joseph’s Joel O’Dwyer for Carelessly Striking #22 St Mary’s Darcy Chirgwin. They deemed that the vision reflected the action was not reportable by nature and in consultation with the umpire, the charge has been withdrawn.

Torquay v Queenscliff

• The MRP viewed vision of a report that was laid by the officiating umpires against #15 Queenscliff Lachlan Cohen for Rough Conduct on #25 Torquay Chase Loftus. They deemed that the vision reflected the action was not reportable by nature and in consultation with the umpires, the charge has been withdrawn.

Geelong West Giants v Bell Post Hill

• The MRP viewed vision of a report that was laid by the officiating umpire against #16 Bell Post Hill Dylan Witney for Carelessly Striking #1 Geelong West Giants Blake Dye. They deemed that the vision reflected the action was not reportable by nature and in consultation with the umpire, the charge has been withdrawn.

Queenscliff v Anglesea

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a potentially dangerous tackle by Dylan Blizzard #50 Anglesea on Brod Dawson #24 Queenscliff in the 2^nd quarter of the Queenscliff v Anglesea Senior match on Saturday 28^th May 2022.

The MRP deemed that the tackle applied wasn’t reportable and no charge was laid.

Werribee Centrals v Bannockburn

• At the request of Werribee Centrals FNC, the MRP viewed vision of potential rough conduct by #23 Bannockburn on #32 Werribee Centrals. The MRP deemed the bump was fair and a legitimate shepherd in the circumstances. No charge was laid.

Grovedale v Newtown & Chilwell

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a potentially dangerous tackle by Michael Condy #10 Newtown & Chilwell on Jack Tute #21 Grovedale in the 3^rd quarter of the Grovedale v Newtown & Chilwell Senior match on Saturday 28^th May 2022.

The MRP deemed that the tackle applied wasn’t reportable, but the free kick paid was appropriate and no charge was laid.

South Barwon v St Albans

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of 3 separate melees that occurred during the 3^rd quarter of the South Barwon v St Albans senior match. No reportable offences were noted and the Melees were not deemed sufficient for any penalties to be applied in this instance.

East Geelong v Geelong West Giants

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a potentially dangerous tackle by #43 Joseph Bangura GWG on Jacob Ozolins #16 East Geelong during the 4^th quarter of the East Geelong v Geelong West Giants senior match on Saturday 28^th May 2022. The MRP deemed the tackle was dangerous and reported Joseph Bangura for rough conduct on Jacob Ozolins. A 2 match set penalty has been offered.

Anakie v Bell Post Hill

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a melee in the fourth quarter of the Anakie v Bell Post Hill Senior match on Saturday 28^th May 2022.

It was determined that prior to the melee an incident occurred whereby William Ford #17 Bell Post Hill struck Billy Goodwin #13 Anakie high with his elbow/forearm in a matter which constituted striking.

William Ford has been reported for Intentionally striking Billy Goodwin and has been offered a 2 match Set Penalty in this instance.

• No action was taken regarding the 3 separate melees that were viewed, but both clubs are strongly advised to refrain from future involvement in these to avoid potential sanctions being applied.

Reports

Anakie v Bell Post Hill

• The MRP viewed the incident where Luke Daffy #14 Bell Post Hill was reported for intentionally striking Josh Warrington #34 Bell Post Hill and found there was insufficient evidence from the vision for them to amend the charge as reported on the day.

South Barwon v St Albans

• The MRP viewed the incident where Jackson Carrick #73 South Barwon was reported for rough conduct on Ashton Percy #24 St Albans and found there was insufficient evidence from the vision for them to amend the charge as reported on the day.

Where reports have been laid, both clubs involved have until 10.00am Tuesday 31^st May to request the matter be heard at Tribunal, or the Set Penalty will apply as offered.

AFL Victoria and Coach AFL is launching a new three-part coaching series that aims to provide opportunities for women to easily transition from a playing capacity into a coach.

The new program aims to utilise resources and community connections to easily educate and develop female players and ensure that females continue to contribute and thrive within the football community.

Part one of the program commences with the first of two webinars on the 18th of October and will feature several esteemed panellists.

• Host: Natalie Wood (Western Bulldogs AFLW Assistant Coach)
• Host: Eliza Straford (AFL Victoria Participation Coordinator & Williamstown VFLW player)
• Guest 1: Ellie Blackburn (Western Bulldogs AFLW)
• Guest 2: Emma Grant (former Collingwood AFLW player and & Richmond AFLW development coach).

The panel will look deeply into the female ‘player to coach’ topic and make connections with themes during the session that assists players to commence coaching in the community.

Richmond AFLW development coach, Emma Grant will be a guest panellist for the webinar

Part 1

1. State webinar series to explain the purpose of the program and generate interest. Guest panels will deliver sessions to identified female candidates

• Webinar 1: Monday October 18th, 7pm
• Webinar 2: TBC (confirmed post session 1)

The program will continue with parts two and three in early 2022.

You can register for the program at the registration link here: https://form.jotform.com/212611505197047

For full details on the program and further information such as player and club incentives and coaching opportunities and recruiting tips, click here.

For any enquiries, please contact AFL Victoria Coaching Development and Education Lead, Ricky Coburn (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

AFL Barwon is excited to announce the appointment of Edward Wilson as its new Region Manager

effective Monday 20 June 2022.

Edward comes with a wealth of experience in sports management and has held positions as

Executive Officer at Athletics ACT and General Manager – Franchises, Business Development & Events at Touch Rugby League Australia in recent years.

AFL Barwon Chair Craig Keating said Wilson had been impressive in demonstrating his sports

management skills and leadership attributes during the interview process and discussions with AFL

Victoria and the Commission.

“We are really excited to have Edward join our team. He has been very impressive during the

interview process, and we think that he’ll be a fantastic fit in this Region.

“Edward has the skills and experience to help us navigate out of what has been a pretty difficult two

and a half years. We know there is work to do and we want to get started right now.”

Wilson, recently relocated from Canberra and is very excited by the opportunity to lead football and netball in the Region.

“The opportunity to lead AFL Barwon during this period of pivotal change and immense opportunity, is incredibly humbling and is a region I am proud to be a part of”.

“AFL Barwon has a significant standing within the wider AFL community, both in Victoria and across Australia. This is due to the tireless commitment and drive for success the region has always demonstrated, especially in the last two years”. 

“The support and guidance throughout the onboarding period from the AFL Barwon Commission & AFL Victoria, gives me great confidence to execute our strategic vision for the future and to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, in the years to come”.

END

All enquiries should be directed to:

Craig Keating

0409 424 986

More than 150 grassroots football and netball clubs across Victoria will share in more than $1 million as a reward for helping prevent death and serious injury on our roads.  

Successful clubs will receive up to $10,000 from the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Club Rewards Program aimed at rewarding clubs that have promoted road safety throughout the season.  

The rewards are a welcome boost to grassroots football following the second season in a row severely impacted by the COVID pandemic, which has meant clubs have had fewer opportunities than normal to raise funds.  

The program is part of the TAC’s 30-year partnership with AFL Victoria and provides a platform to speak directly to Victorians travelling hundreds of kilometres on the state’s roads every year for training and games. 

Brad Scott, Head of AFL Victoria, thanked TAC for its commitment to community football.  

“TAC has been an incredible supporter of community football in Victoria over many years and the Club Rewards Program is yet another major show of support. 

“Clubs, participants and volunteers will benefit tremendously, with the financial boost made all-the-more important given the challenges so many clubs and communities have faced in the past 18 months.” 

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the challenges and the loss of key fundraising events. 

“This program is an opportunity to support clubs and reward them for their dedication to promoting road safety and keeping their members and the community safe on our roads.” Carroll said.  

Clubs will use the money initiatives including safety improvements; launching a women’s team; updating equipment and facilities; upskilling members, coaches and providing medical training; and providing information sessions on topics such as mental health. 

AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs from across the state were able to apply for the program by showing their support to road safety throughout the season, including taking part in the TAC’s Band Together campaign.

Successful clubs from AFL Barwon 

11 clubs from AFL Barwon are among the TAC Club Rewards Program recipients. These clubs are: 

• North Shore Football Club
• Corio Community Sports Club 
• Geelong West Giants 
• East Geelong Football and Netball Club
• Leopold Football and Netball Club 
• St Mary’s Sporting Club 
• South Colac Sports Club 
• Colac Football and Netball Club 
• Armstrong Creek Football and Netball Club 
• Drysdale Football and Netball Club 
• Torquay Football and Netball Club

We are excited to announce the appointment of Paris Rowe in the position of AFL Barwon Female Football Coordinator.

Paris comes to AFL Barwon having career employment experiences working in a variety of sporting roles across both Football and Cricket in South Australia.

After successfully completing her Bachelor Sport Health and Physical Activity at Flinders University, Paris commenced an internship at SANFL Club South Adelaide where she eventually moved into a full-time role in the high-performance department. Following this, Paris worked for the South Australia Cricket Association in both participation and events roles.

Paris will take a lead role in the current Female Football Review, and we are excited to have her experiences and ideas to lead female football into the future.

Rachael Kirtley, previously in the role will move into a full-time position as Netball Umpiring Coordinator. We congratulate Rachael on the fantastic job she did in the in the role over the past 12 months and the platform she has laid for the future.

AFL Barwon has announced the introduction of an innovative White Card Policy aimed at enhancing the match day experience for all stakeholders. This comprehensive policy, developed in alignment with Rule 8 "Coaches" and 17.3 "Officials" of the AFL Barwon Handbook, is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering a safer, more inclusive, and positive environment within the sport.

The primary objective of the AFL Barwon White Card Policy is to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone involved in the game through the implementation of a structured approach to address unacceptable behaviour directed at umpires from the coaching box area.

At the heart of the policy lies a three-phase system designed to address instances of unacceptable behaviour promptly and effectively. This system provides field umpires with the necessary tools to intervene in real-time, with warnings (white cards) issued to offending coaches during the first two phases and escalating penalties for repeated infractions. The ultimate sanction, a red card resulting in ejection from the match, underscores the seriousness of any breaches of conduct.

Field umpires are empowered to implement the appropriate phase of the policy upon observing or hearing unacceptable behaviour from the coaching box area. Importantly, the process is characterised by clarity and decisiveness, with umpires instructed not to engage in conversation or debate during card issuance. By adhering to these procedures, AFL Barwon aims to maintain order and always uphold the integrity of the game.

Instances of white and red card issuance are recorded by timekeepers and documented in umpire match reports for further review if necessary. Cases involving breaches of the policy are subject to scrutiny by the Match Review Panel (MRP), ensuring that any disciplinary action taken is fair and consistent with the values of the organisation.

The AFL Barwon White Card Policy represents a significant step forward in promoting a culture of respect toward players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and spectators of community football. In addition to addressing behaviour within the coaching box area, the policy also emphasises the responsibility of clubs to address spectator conduct. By holding clubs accountable for the actions of their supporters, AFL Barwon seeks to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all attendees.

As AFL Barwon prepares to roll out the policy for the 2024 season and beyond, stakeholders can anticipate a renewed focus on ensuring that every match is conducted in a manner that reflects the values of fairness, integrity, and camaraderie that define the sport.