The much anticipated Grand Final rematch in the Dow Bellarine Football Netball League between Anglesea and Torquay has been moved to Saturday April 26th following consultation between both clubs.

Matches are scheduled to commence at the standard start times for all competitions.

There has been an amendment to the start times of the Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League matches in the Round 0 game between Newtown & Chilwell and St Joseph's. The Senior Men's Football Match will now start at 1:40pm.

The full 2025 fixtures can be found at aflbarwon.com.au

On Saturday, May 18th, the Elderslie Reserve will once again be the venue for an event that blends community spirit, sportsmanship, and a heartfelt cause. The third annual Zoe Kennedy Tribute Match, featuring Newtown & Chilwell vs. Bell Park, will not only showcase thrilling netball and football matches but also serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of asthma management and destigmatisation within the sporting community.

A Tribute to Zoe Kennedy

The Zoe Kennedy Tribute Match commemorates Zoe Kennedy, a passionate netball and football player whose life was tragically cut short by an asthma attack in 2020. By bringing together Zoe's netball team and her father Lach Kennedy's football team, the event honours her spirit while raising crucial funds to support young people with asthma.

"Zoe loved her sport and would be proud to see the sporting community come together to ensure that other kids with asthma don't miss out," says her father, Lach Kennedy. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing asthma, highlighting the Foundation's efforts to normalize the use of preventers and relievers, and to encourage open discussions about asthma.

Community Support and Awareness

Local sporting clubs and stadiums will be adorned with posters designed by Geelong artist Georgia Naughton, featuring brightly coloured artworks with asthma-themed phrases to raise awareness. Attendees can purchase purple 'Inhale Exhale' beanies and scarves, symbolising unity and contributing to the Zoe Kennedy Foundation.

Achievements of the Zoe Kennedy Foundation

Founded in 2020 by the Kennedy family and Figurehead Group, the Zoe Kennedy Foundation specifically focuses on improving the lives of young people with asthma. In the three years since Zoe's passing, the Foundation has raised nearly $300,000. These funds have supported a Virtual Care PhD with Asthma Australia and product trials for Puff-ah, an integrated, collapsible, smart inhaler system designed to improve adherence to asthma medications. Additionally, the Foundation has collaborated with Dr. Ben McKenzie of the Royal Melbourne Hospital to provide AMAX4 training devices, enhancing the standard of care for asthma and anaphylaxis.

Event Schedule

The day kicks off with netball matches starting at 8 am, followed by football matches for the 16s, 18s, and Reserves at 10 am. The main event begins at 1 pm, featuring activities such as face painting, balloon twisting, and a silent auction. A ceremony and netball presentations will take place at 1:30 pm, leading up to the Seniors' football match at 2:30 pm. The event concludes with a trophy presentation, live entertainment, and a raffle draw from 6 pm to late.

"We're humbled by the support of the Geelong community, particularly the Newtown and Bell Park Football Netball Clubs. There is genuine care for players, and we're proud of what this is generating in terms of asthma awareness in sport," says Lach Kennedy.

Join Us

Join us on Saturday, May 18th, at Elderslie Reserve, Newtown, to honour Zoe Kennedy's memory and contribute to raising awareness and funds for young people with asthma. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this chronic condition.

For more information, visit http://www.zoekennedy.com.au or follow @zoekennedyfoundation on Instagram.

Event Schedule at a Glance

- Netball from 8:00 am

- 10:00 am – 16s, 18s, Reserves Football

- 1:00 pm – Activities (Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Silent Auction)

- 1:30 pm – Netball Presentations and Ceremony

- 2:30 pm – Seniors Football (Newtown vs. Bell Park)

- 6:00 pm – Entertainment (Live Band + DJ) and Raffle Draw

Three-time Mathieson Medallist, Club Captain, Geelong Football Netball League Interleague Representative, Club Best and Fairest winner, the list of accolades could go on when you discuss the career of Newtown & Chilwell star Matt McMahon.

This weekend Matt clocks up the outstanding achievement of playing his 250 Senior match after starting his career as a 17 years ago.

AFL Barwon spoke to Matt earlier this week about this weekend’s milestone with Newtown & Chilwell hosting Lara.

AFL Barwon: 250 games is an incredible effort. Congratulations! How have you been able to get to this milestone and stayed playing at such a high level? How is the body feeling?

Matt McMahon: Looking back now it feels like a long time ago when I was making my debut as a 17-year-old, but I guess the desire to compete and my love for the club, coaches, teammates, past and present, has been the main factor in continually showing up and has now got me to this milestone.

No doubt the body has seen better days, and it takes longer to recovery from games, even training at times, but that doesn’t outweigh the enjoyment I get from being around the club and running out with the boys each week.

AFL Barwon: You have remained a one club player throughout your senior career, what has kept you at Newtown & Chilwell? What is so special about the club?

Matt McMahon:It’s something I am proud of being is a one club player. It has been an easy decision for me along the way. I just feel fortunate for the support the club has shown me over the years, the relationships I’ve formed, best mates I’ve made, all those things make it such a special place for me and a reason why I feel I owe the club so much.

AFL Barwon: You are a three-time Mathieson Medallist which an incredible achievement in its own. Is there one of these seasons you credit as your best?

Matt McMahon:It’s hard to compare your individual years but my favourite years are those when you are competing at a high level against the best teams in the competition. As a player and teammate, I felt I had a big contribution to that standard which makes those years more memorable.

AFL Barwon: it must be tougher to keep playing and finding the time to train when you have younger kids. You must have a very supportive family.

Matt McMahon:Yes, obviously the combination of kids and footy has its challenges but if anything, it puts football into perspective. It made me look at it in a whole new way.

Seeing the enjoyment our kids get out of it, for me, is probably one of the best parts of playing. I know on reflection in years to come it will be something we all look back on with great memories. 

I’m proud watching my whole family embrace being a part of the club.

Mads (Wife Madaleine McMahon) and the kids and also my parents, have all been incredible and I feel extremely lucky to have their support over the years.

AFL Barwon: You’re giving back to the club by coaching junior teams, how are you as a coach and is coaching where you think you’ll end up post career? 

Matt McMahon:I get so much joy watching our kids play footy but also just growing up within the club. The coaching side of it is great fun and something that’s hard to stay away from as you feel like you have a fair bit to give, but to be honest I haven’t thought too much more about coaching post career. When the playing days are done, I look forward to helping out and giving back to the club wherever I can.

The AFL Barwon community congratulates Matt on wonderful achievement and all the best for the weekend’s celebration.

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.

Reporting to the Region General Manager this role has three key focus areas:

1. To oversee the conduct of all football and netball competitions in the AFL Barwon region
2. To oversee the Operational staff of football, netball and umpiring at AFL Barwon
3. To oversee the management of the Community Club Sustainability Program for football and netball in the AFL Barwon region.

Please see full PD below and please submit applications to Bruce Harwood – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.