Portarlington

Female Football Grand Finals

Entry:

Free Entry

Getting to the Ground:

Can enter the ground via Norwood Street, Finchaven Street or Edinburgh Avenue, Herne Hill.

Limit parking around the ground, street parking is highly recommended.

Broadcast Guide

If you are unable to attend on the day you can watch all Senior Female Divisions Live on AFL Barwon's Facebook page.

Live streams include:

Senior Division 3 Epworth Cup – Anglesea vs South Barwon 12:40pm

Senior Division 2 Epworth Cup – St Joseph's vs Torquay 12:25pm

Senior Division 1 Epworth Cup – Geelong Amateur vs St Mary's 2:45pm

Selected Teams

U15 Division 1 Epworth Cup – https://bit.ly/3JSiCOc

U15 Division 2 Corio Bay Health Group Cup – https://bit.ly/3JQkwij

U15 Division 3 Corio Bay Health Group Cup – https://bit.ly/3peZ254

U18 Epworth Cup – https://bit.ly/3C3bXyM

Senior Division 3 Epworth Cup – https://bit.ly/3PoxMvn

Senior Division 2 Epworth Cup – https://bit.ly/3QHjTtE

Senior Division 1 Epworth Cup –https://bit.ly/3C1tt6u

Activities

Geelong Cats AFLW Membership Tent. Check out the following link for further info: https://bit.ly/3QAjfxO

AFL Victoria Football Activities and Fun for Kids

A decade after facing major challenges, Portarlington now finds itself with a thriving junior program.

By Ben Andonoudis

The picturesque surrounds of Portarlington have been the backdrop for an inspiring story.

The town’s football netball club, the Portarlington Demons has experienced a remarkable transformation in the past decade.

Once facing an uncertain future, the club has rebuilt itself into a thriving community sporting organisation.

That junior program now fields 10 junior teams every weekend in a remarkable achievement for a club in town of less than 5,000 people.

For Portarlington Senior Football Director David Burke, the club has prioritised creating a place where youngsters and families feel a part of the club.

“There has been a strong focus on rebuilding, growing participation and creating a positive environment where young players and families feel connected to the club,” Burke said.

That environment has been built by people who dedicate countless hours to ensure the junior program can thrive.

“The success of our junior program is really built on the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, coaches, team managers and parents who give countless hours behind the scenes,” Burke said.

As the club continues to grow, it is clear to them that the health of the junior program is a big indicator of where the club is overall.

“Clearly the more kids you've got, the better off the club is going forward,” Burke said.

However, while Portarlington has found itself in a stable position, that has not come without some hurdles.

The town’s demographics can make the process of finding a steady stream of juniors a hard task.

As a well-known retirement town on the Bellarine Peninsula, the average age of the residents of Portarlington is 62.

That means often the people moving to Portarlington are not those with young families.

“Portarlington’s demographic does present some challenges, particularly in maintaining a consistent pool of junior-aged participants,” Burke said.

Portarlington have managed to continue to grow their junior teams despite this obstacle.

The club has found that to keep the long-term viability of the junior program, they must look beyond just attracting new players.

“Retention is just as important as recruitment,” Burke said.

This retention of players means ensuring that youngsters who come to the club want to stay at Portarlington for many years.

That includes off-field parts of their time at the club.

“If children enjoy coming to the club, feel supported by their coaches and make friendships that last, they will stay involved,” Burke said.

For many clubs the aim is to keep players involved from the time they are juniors until they are adults playing in the higher levels of the club.

At Portarlington, this is a mindset that is integral to the club.

“We want every junior player to aspire to wear the senior jumper one day and feel they are already an important part of the wider club community,” Burke said.

While Portarlington does take pride in their successes, they have an important piece of advice for other clubs looking to increase their junior programs.

“Put people before results,” Burke said.

Portarlington’s journey is a reminder that successful clubs are not built overnight.

They are built through volunteers, families and communities willing to invest in each other.

On a day where the nation remembers the sacrifices made for us, Anzac Day football and netball across the region carries meaning far beyond the scoreboard.

By Ben Andonoudis

The silence before the start of the game says everything.

As the Last Post rings out, football fades into the background.

Around grounds across the region, April 25will represent not just a day for football, but a day where players become custodians of a tradition that stretches far beyond the game.

In the marquee game of the round for the GFNL, a 17-year tradition will again take centre stage as St Joseph’s and South Barwon meet in their annual ANZAC Day clash.

Last year’s contest was an 11-point tussle, adding another thrilling chapter to a fiercely contested history.

St Joseph’s president Sue Cormack knows the significance of playing on a special day for all Australians, describing it as “a privilege for both clubs”.

Cormack went on to note how Anzac Day meant a lot to people as a “day filled with gratitude to those who have served our country, for the peace that Australians enjoy, and for the opportunity to belong to a community club”.

While the two powerhouse clubs of the GFNL “enjoy a great rivalry on the field”, they also “relish the collaboration between our clubs which has kept this tradition alive”, according to Cormack.

For all the commemorations and ceremony, South Barwon will be determined to end 11 straight Anzac Day defeats to their fierce rivals St Joseph’s.

For South Barwon president Tim Sherman, the match is “always one of our most anticipated games for the season and we are very much looking forward to it again in 2026”.

While being “thrilled to continue the privilege of competing in the annual GFNL Anzac Day clash”, the game means so much more to the club.

South Barwon uses the game to “further educate our players and supporters on the importance of honouring those who have served our country” in a telling nod to the significance of the day.

The other game on Anzac Day in the GFNL sees Geelong West take on St Albans in a clash that was a 7-point thriller in ANZAC round 2025.

The BFNL sees Newcomb take on Ocean Grove with both clubs keen to honour the Anzac spirit.

Greg Mervin, president of Ocean Grove FNC, is mindful of “playing community sport on Anzac Day as it is a tremendous privilege”.

A special day on the calendar for the club, Mervin said “for the club it is a day of reflection and remembrance where we honour the sacrifice of all who have served and acknowledge values such as courage and mateship that define the ANZAC spirit”.

Drysdale will face Portarlington in the other BFNL Anzac Day match as Drysdale look to build on last year’s comprehensive 63-point win.

More than 416,000 Australians served in World War I, with close to a million following in World War II, figures that continue to give weight to the moments of silence observed before each game.

On a day where the nation pauses and reflects, local football does its part to ensure that the Anzac spirit lives on in every contest, every handshake, and every moment of silence.

Anglesea v Torquay

• At the request of the officiating umpires the MRP viewed vision of a possible striking incident by Dylan Blizzard #50 Anglesea on an unknown Torquay player in the 2^nd quarter of the Anglesea v Torquay Senior match on Saturday 4^th June 2022.

There was no vision of the incident and no charge was laid.

• At the request of the Anglesea FNC the MRP viewed vision for a possible strike by Ben Raidme #5 Torquay on Max Simpson #4 Anglesea in the 3^rd quarter, and two separate alleged striking incidents on Matthew Connell #36 Anglesea in the 4^th quarter of the Anglesea v Torquay Senior match on Saturday 4^th June 2022.

There was no vision of these alleged incidents and no charges were laid.

Colac v South Barwon

• At the request of the officiating umpires the MRP viewed vision of a potentially dangerous tackle by Kody Spokes #3  Colac on Lachlan Noble #22 South Barwon in the 4^th quarter of the Colac v South Barwon Senior match on Saturday 4^th June 2022.

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

East Geelong v Anakie

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a late bump by Ruben Vesikuru #61 East Geelong on Braydan Riddell #17 Anakie during the 4^th quarter of the East Geelong v Anakie senior match on Saturday 4^th June 2022. The MRP deemed the bump was not reportable by nature and no charge was laid.

Drysdale v Portarlington

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a melee that occurred at the end of the 2^nd quarter in the Drysdale v Portarlington Senior match on Saturday 4^th June 2022.

No reportable incidents were detected and the melee wasn’t deemed to warrant the application of any fines in this instance.

Geelong West Giants v North Shore

• At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a melee that occurred at the end of the first quarter of the Geelong West Giants v North Shore Senior match during the quarter time break. 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 $650 each of which Geelong West Giants will have $150 suspended for the remainder of the 2022 season for their involvement in the melee.

Having already received a warning in 2022 for involvement in a Melee, North Shore will not have any part of their fine suspended.

• At the request of North Shore FNC, the MRP viewed vision of a potential dangerous tackle that occurred in the 4^th quarter of the Geelong West Giants v North Shore Senior match, by a Geelong West Giants player on #20 from North Shore. The tackle was not deemed to be reportable and no charge was laid.

• At the request of North Shore FNC, the MRP viewed vision of a potential head butt that occurred during the melee at the end of the first quarter of the Geelong West Giants v North Shore senior match during the quarter time break. The MRP deemed that #2 Geelong West Giants Tannar Stone head butted #10 North Shore Patrick Cleary in a manner which was reportable and instigated a continuation of the melee.

Tannar Stone has been offered a 3 match set penalty.

• At the request of Geelong West Giants FNC, the MRP viewed vision of a potential dangerous tackle during the Geelong West Giants v North Shore senior match, by #9 North Shore on #48 Geelong West Giants Philip Moi Moi. The tackle was not deemed to be reportable and no charge was laid

• At the request of Geelong West Giants FNC, the MRP viewed vision of a potential striking incident during the 4^th quarter of the Geelong West Giants v North Shore senior match, by #13 North Shore Bradlee Tregenza on #3 Geelong West Giants Noah Gribble. The MRP deemed that Bradlee Tregenza be reported for striking Noah Gribble.

Bradlee Tregenza has been offered a one match set penalty.

Where reports have been laid, both clubs involved have until 10.00am Tuesday 7^th June  to request the matter be heard at Tribunal, or the Set Penalty will apply as offered.

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.

Peter Nash is a proud Portarlington local who has spent the majority of his life in the coastal town. It’s where he raised his children, worked locally shearing sheep, and took up work as a fencing contractor. He’s never had much reason to leave, and to this day, still calls Portarlington home. 

However, in 1965, Peter did leave for a very different reason. He was called up for National Service and served in Vietnam for two years. Like many young Australians of his generation, Peter answered the call to serve his country during a turbulent period in history.

While Peter acknowledges that chapter of his life, he prefers to focus on the mateship that emerged from it, the lifelong friends he made, and sadly, the ones he lost. Many of his fellow servicemen now live interstate, with Peter being the only member of his battalion still residing in Victoria. Their regular reunions have become harder to organise as the group grows older, so phone calls have become their main way of staying in touch.

ANZAC Day, for Peter, is a time to remember, not only what happened, but also what never did. Like many who served, it took time for him to embrace the significance of the day. For Peter, it wasn’t until recent years that Anzac Day played a pivotal role in his life. He stayed in his “cocoon” for a fair few years, and didn't want to get involved in the day’s events. This changed around 15 years ago where Peter come out of his shell, and started to get involved, marching each year with family and others in the community. 

Peter is no stranger to the football field. A proud Portarlington Demon, he debuted in the Seniors in 1961 as a ruckman. Though he jokes that with today’s taller players, he’d probably have to line up as a half-forward flanker instead. He played for eight or nine years, though he lost two seasons to his National Service. While he never played football on Anzac Day himself, Peter has always supported matches held on the day. He believes football has played an important role in raising awareness of Anzac Day, particularly among younger generations. He credits clubs for the respectful way they honour the day, participating for the right reasons and helping raise funds for veterans who need support. 

The rivalry between Portarlington and Drysdale is one Peter knows well – it’s a long-standing one that stretches back generations. In fact, even in his own family, the rivalry ran deep: his mother was born in Portarlington and his father in Drysdale. Despite this, Peter never considered playing for anyone other than Portarlington – and certainly not pulling on the brown and gold.

To Peter, the Anzac spirit and football share common values—protecting your teammates and the camaraderie of standing together. But he’s quick to point out that football is not war and should never be compared to it. What he and his mates endured during their service is something he hopes no modern player will ever have to experience. His hope is for younger generations to enjoy the freedom to play the game without ever needing to know the hardship of war.

This Anzac Day, Drysdale will host Portarlington at Drysdale Recreation Reserve. The on-field Anzac Day Ceremony will commence at 1:40pm, followed by the Senior Men’s football match at 2:30pm and A Grade Netball at 2:45pm.

Author: Sean Atkinson