The Bellarine Football Netball League season will kick off on the weekend of April 2nd in a bumper weekend of football and netball with two twilight matches between Geelong Amateur v Portarlington and Modewarre v Anglesea. The league will take a bye on July 2nd, and the finals series will commence at yet to be confirmed venues on August 13. The Grand Finals will be held on Saturday, September 3.

Other fixture highlights are:

• Easter Friday matches – Portarlington v Torquay at Port and Geelong Amateur v Modewarre at KFC Oval for a twilight match.
• Easter Saturday sees a twilight match at Ocean Grove against Newcomb.
• The annual Anzac Day clash between Drysdale and Portarlington, will be contested at Portarlington in 2021.
• Two ‘Battle of the Bridge’ matches between Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove in Round 9 and 17.

Read the full fixture in the link below!

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, both meetings will be held electronically with the meeting login codes detailed below.

Colac & District Football Netball League Annual General Meeting – Inc A0008171S

Wednesday November 17^th at 7.00pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81887108046?pwd=V1JpQXB5QkpQSXlrQ3UraXFGRmpaZz09

Meeting ID: 818 8710 8046
Passcode: 468179

AFL Barwon Annual General Meeting – A.C.N 160 417 845

Wednesday November 24^th at 7.00pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81563457706?pwd=cTZDK2NodWhnMGZpb3pIWXR2UDRyZz09

Meeting ID: 815 6345 7706

Passcode: 047854

After unparalleled service to the AFL Barwon Commission and the region at a whole Ian McTaggart resigned from the commission last week. McTaggart was an inaugural AFL Barwon Commission member when it was formed in 2012. His service reigns back to the Football Geelong Commission in 2000, he continued his service as the name changed to Football and Netball Geelong Commission and then AFL Barwon Commission.

The AFL Barwon constitution allows for a commissioner to serve for a maximum of three consecutive terms, having served three terms on the AFL Barwon Commission McTaggart resigned his position leaving a casual vacancy.

McTaggart is a life member of the Ocean Grove Football & Netball Club and the Bellarine Football and Netball League, filling numerous roles within the club for over 25 years.

He has been involved in significant projects during his 21 years tenure, notably strategic plan development, policy development, financial benchmarking for clubs, VCFL and AFL Victoria reference groups and played a key role in development and management of football and netball databases. Another invaluable legacy is his mentorship of current and past AFL Barwon staff members.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager Bruce Harwood congratulated Ian for his service.

“Ian McTaggart has been a stalwart within the local Geelong football and netball community for many years. His service and dedication have been unsurpassed as he has been involved in the many changes and developments of the AFL Barwon organisation we see today. His willingness to help and mentor around his beloved Ocean Grove FNC and at AFL Barwon has been of immense benefit to all.” Harwood said.

AFL Barwon Chairman Craig Keating thanked Ian on behalf of the AFL Barwon Commissioners.

“Ian has provided great guidance to me as Chairman of AFL Barwon over the past 10 years for which I am very grateful. He understands the role of the Commission and has made a significant contribution to Community Football and Netball in the Barwon region. I am sure his wise counsel and friendship will continue to be welcomed by all stakeholders.” Keating said.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, both meetings will be held electronically with the meeting login codes detailed below.

Bellarine Football Netball League Annual General Meeting – Inc A0008493U

Wednesday November 24^th at 6.30pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89034259294?pwd=M0NMN2JYR1hsSkN4SlFMdk5velVMdz09

Meeting ID: 890 3425 9294
Passcode: 325781

Geelong Football Netball League Annual General Meeting – Inc A0006014H

Wednesday November 24^th at 6.30pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84432642496?pwd=aENvZlJVK0xpK09rUXE1VGlKajhlZz09

Meeting ID: 844 3264 2496

Passcode: 586525

AFL Barwon Annual General Meeting – A.C.N 160 417 845

Wednesday November 24^th at 7.00pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81563457706?pwd=cTZDK2NodWhnMGZpb3pIWXR2UDRyZz09

Meeting ID: 815 6345 7706

Passcode: 047854

The AFL has announced a major $8 million extra investment to help bring community football back and ensure the grassroots game thrives, following two years disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community football is the foundation of the game and the AFL has made supporting community leagues, clubs, players, umpires, coaches, volunteers and administrators across the country a priority in 2022.

The package significantly increases the AFL’s commitment to community football and game development compared to the COVID-affected years of 2020 and 2021.

While the past two years have seen financial pressure placed on many parts of the game, the funding commitment directs funds to where they’re most needed and has been made in acknowledgement of the importance of community football and the people involved. The package will go towards getting kids active in schools, helping households return to their community clubs and bolstering support for volunteers, coaches and umpires.

Additionally, four-time Hawthorn Football Club premiership coach Alastair Clarkson will be a community coaching ambassador, giving coaches at all levels access to insights from one of the game’s all-time greats.

“There is no greater priority for our game in 2022 than ensuring community football bounces back and thrives,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.

“Footy means so much to so many people, towns and communities right across the country and we have an important role to play in helping everyone come back together, reconnecting families and friends and getting everyone back, engaged and active.

“Many have done it tough, and we don’t take for granted that community football has been affected. In some markets, particularly Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT, the community game has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to support the thousands of volunteers around the country who keep community clubs going and play our role in reconnecting communities, particularly where so much footy has been missed.

“It’s fantastic that someone of Alastair Clarkson’s calibre and experience has come on board to help community coaches across the country. Alastair is passionate about working with those involved at grassroots level and I’m sure the community football coaching network will benefit from what he has to offer.”

Below are some of the key components of the AFL’s $8 million extra support package for community football nationally:

• $1.6 million towards volunteer support – more resources on the ground in all markets to benefit volunteers
• $1.5 million investment into schools – consolidate AFL schools program offerings nationally and help schools/teachers get kids active
• $1.4 million to remove coaching and umpiring registration fees across Australia
• $1 million COVID fighting fund to benefit Victoria and New South Wales
• $800,000 commitment to Victorian clubs for the 2022 season, such as covering certain administrative and insurance costs
• Four-time Hawthorn Football Club premiership coach Alastair Clarkson will come on board as a community football coaching ambassador

AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld, said: “Despite the challenges and disruptions community sport has faced, our game rebounded strongly this year with grassroots participation back around record levels from 2019. More than 820,000 people were registered to participate in the game from NAB AFL Auskick through to junior and senior club football, women’s and men’s.

“But there have been considerable added responsibilities placed on volunteers and coaches to manage clubs and teams through uncertain periods. We must continue to provide opportunities and remove barriers for everyone involved in the game.

“Covid-related protocols and breaks in seasons have placed a significant burden on those leading and administering the community game, while many players and coaches have missed large chunks of football. Volunteers are a massive part of community football and they need greater support.

“This is why the AFL is prioritising support for community football in 2022 and making this extra investment, to bring people, clubs and communities back and get the game going in the way that makes it such an important and special part of so many lives.”

Further details about the AFL’s commitment to investing in community football in 2022 will follow.

Experience AFL Barwon on the go on your mobile device today! Full access to news, information and match vision conveniently in your pocket.

Thanks to the TAC Stat Tracker and Premier Data, season 2019 has seen spectators, coaches and players an unprecedented look at each GFNL game thanks to the TAC Stat Tracker. Every game was monitored by the stat tracker, giving a wide range of statistics beyond just rudimentary kicks and handballs. AFL Barwon was pleased to be a pioneer of what is believed to be a nationwide first for country football. See below the 2019 GFNL team of the year, with exclusive numbers from the TAC Stat Tracker.

BACKLINE

Back Pocket- Scott Frangos (Geelong West Giants)

435 disposals, ave 24.1 per game. 20 spoils, 32 one percenters, 2 goals, 1481 Fantasy Points

Full Back- Ryley Hall (St Mary’s)

139 disposals, ave 9.3 per game. 32 contested marks, 40 spoils, 47 one percenters, 694 Fantasy Points

Back Pocket- Cam Tudor (St Joseph’s)

242 disposals, ave 16.1 per game. 16 contested marks, 22 spoils, 26 one percenters, 92 hit-outs, 6 goals, 1169 Fantasy Points

HALF-BACKLINE

Half-Back- Alex Cincotta (Newtown & Chilwell)

245 disposals, ave 18.8 per game. 20 one percenters, 21 clearances, 60 marks, 6 goals, 14 spoils, 961 Fantasy Points

Centre Half-Back- Adam Garner (Colac)

276 disposals, 18.4 per game. 52 one percenters, 37 contested marks, 44 spoils, 11 goals, 1154 Fantasy Points

Half-Back- Campbell Floyd (Colac)

259 disposals, ave 19.9 disposals. 26 one percenters, 2 goals, 22 spoils, 75 marks, 45 effective tackles, 990 Fantasy Points

CENTRE

Wing- Jarryn McCormack (Colac)

277 disposals, ave 21.3 per game. 17 clearances, 42 effective tackles, 8 goals, 1106 Fantasy Points

Centre- Marcus Thompson (Leopold)

464 disposals, ave 27.2 per game. 57 clearances, 44 effective tackles, 15 goals, 118 effective handballs, 1213 Fantasy Points

Wing- Blake Sutterby (Newtown & Chilwell)

396 disposals, ave 22 per game. 46 clearances, 67 effective tackles, 170 contested possessions, 10 goals, 1274 Fantasy Points

HALF-FORWARDS

Half-forward- Jarryd Garner (St Mary’s)

389 disposals, ave 25.9 per game. 57 clearances, 51 hard ball gets, 125 contested possessions, 7 goals, 1213 Fantasy Points

Centre Half Forward- Lucas Boyd (Leopold)

252 disposals, ave 15.7 per game. 56 goals, 29 behinds, 60 contested marks, 37 deep 50 marks

Half Forward- Jackson Davis (St Joseph’s)

160 disposals, ave 13.3 per game. 12 goals, 9 behinds, 59 effective kicks, 16 clearances, 18 effective tackles, 659 fantasy points

FULL-FORWARDS

Forward Pocket- Luke Hillman (Colac)

222 disposals, ave 13 per game. 30 goals, 23 behinds, 22 deep 50 entries, 57 marks,  1213 Fantasy Points

Full Forward- Andrew Boseley (South Barwon)

183 disposals, ave 11.4 per game. 57 goals, 23 behinds, 89 marks, 33 contested marks, 1106 Fantasy Points

Forward Pocket- Riley Ferguson (St Joseph’s)

226 disposals, ave 18.8 per game. 8 goals, 5 behinds, 33 clearances, 78 effective kicks, 74 contested possession, 871 Fantasy Points

RUCKS

Ruck- Trent West (Leopold)

196 disposals, 12.2 per game. 836 hitouts, 369 hitouts to advantage, 28 clearances, 4 goals, 2264 fantasy points

Ruck Rover- Josh Saunders (South Barwon)

456 disposals, 26.8 per game. 100 clearances, 60 hard ball gets, 179 contested possessions, 5 goals, 45 effective tackles, 1580 fantasy points

Rover- Brant Haintz (St Joseph’s)

311 disposals, 17.2 per game. 67 clearances, 43 hard ball gets, 108 contested possessions, 78 effective tackles, 15 goals, 1380 Fantasy Points

INTERCHANGE

Sam Michael (St Albans)

197 disposals, 16.4 per game. 374 hitouts, 130 hitouts to advantage, 39 clearances, 31 contested marks, 3 goals, 1475 Fantasy Points 

Lachie Patten (Bell Park)

477 disposals, 26.5 per game. 57 clearances, 51 hard ball gets, 165 contested possessions, 14 goals, 55 effective tackles, 1213 fantasy points

Louis Herbert (South Barwon)

209 disposals, ave 20.9 per game, 35 clearances, 20 goals, 88 effective kicks, 53 marks, 978 Fantasy Points

Nick Dixon (North Shore)

332 disposals, ave 30.1 per game, 46 clearances, 112 contested possessions, 28 effective tackles, 5 goals, 66 uncontested marks, 1110 Fantasy Points

Female Football Coordinator

The AFL Barwon Commission provides governance and strategy development for Football and Netball across the Geelong and Colac regions. We are seeking a creative and motivated person to manage all facets of media and communications in the AFL Barwon Region.

The Female Football Coordinator is a full time position which is primarily responsible for managing all of AFL Barwon’s female football competitions. Please view the full position description below.

If this sounds like a position for you, please email a cover letter and your resume to Nathan Ervin – Operations Manager – AFL Barwon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications close Sunday February 6th.