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AFL Barwon is proud to announce the shortlisted Coach, Trainer & Club Award nominees for the upcoming Community Awards Night 2023.  

The AFL Barwon Community Awards are designed to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who make our Club communities thrive. We are not only celebrating the dedication and passion of our coaches but also extending our gratitude to the tireless trainers, administrators, umpires & volunteers who are at the backbone of our community.

Purchase tickets to the 2023 AFL Barwon Community Awards Night HERE.

This year saw plenty of nominations which highlighted the remarkable achievements and admired skills of various individuals within the Club community, and the shortlisted nominees are listed below. 

Please be aware that not all awards have shortlisted candidates and consequently, we will be presenting awards for administration, umpiring, and other community categories at the Awards Night that are not listed in this article. 

Trainer Awards

Coaching Awards

 Club Awards

This coming weekend is a celebration and recognition of the connection to our local First Nations communities with the Indigenous Round faceoff between Portarlington Football Netball Club and Anglesea Football Netball Club.

Portarlington FNC is an influential leader in supporting Indigenous communities and being an advocate for inclusivity through embracing and acknowledging the importance of First Nations culture. Their participation in the Indigenous Round is integral to their commitment to creating a connection between the Portarlington and First Nations communities.

Portarlington’s U18s co-coach and senior runner Ryan Shaw, explains how the club puts the community and the centre of everything they do. As they celebrate the club’s history, they feel it is important to reflect on, recognise and embrace the culture of the local Wudawurrung people, past, present, and emerging. “We identify as a community club, not just a football netball club and therefore it’s our policy of inclusivity that led us to welcome everyone in our community,” says Shaw.

In addition to their Indigenous Day, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies, Portarlington FNC senior netballers will wear Indigenous bibs and the U18s, Seniors, and Reserves Football teams will proudly don a custom-designed jumper for this coming Indigenous Round.

This jumper was designed by local artist Chris Delamont, a proud Wiradjuri/Nari Nari man and Portarlington FNC’s Indigenous Advocate. Delamont uses his art to keep his culture, language, and storytelling alive. He says, “Reconciliation is a journey of truth-telling and acknowledgment and the practice of art is an opportunity to educate through cultural symbolism and storytelling”.  

The story of the Indigenous jumper starts with “Bunjil the Wedge-tailed Eagle and his place as the creator spirit for the local Wudawurrung people and that he is looking over the Portarlington Demons FNC and its work in creating an inclusive, welcoming club. The centre circle represents the club creating a meeting place and inviting all to join them no matter where you are from or the journey you have taken that all will be welcome,” Delamont describes.

Accompanying this jumper, Shaw, along with several footballers, will wear boots specially decorated in cultural paintings done by local students Kasey (Year 12) and Jess (Year 11) Tattersall. These sisters are proud Yorta Yorta women who, like Delamont, use art to “keep a strong connection to [their] land and [their] people”.

Both Kasey and Jess are talented artists. Kasey designed the cover of their school’s dairy with ‘I Belong with Family’, a piece inspired by “the importance of feeling a sense of belonging within your family”. Jess owns her own local Indigenous Artwork company, @OgArtistryStudio, where she sells both textured and Aboriginal artwork, helping Jess “feel more connected to [her] culture and learn so much at the same time”.

Kasey and Jess strongly believe in the importance of sharing their culture and educating others to help further understanding to work towards a better future for First Nations peoples. The sisters revealed “We are able to present ourselves in a way that could be influential to some people and have a positive impact on others. We get to showcase our amazing culture that is the longest living culture in the world. That is something for any Indigenous person to be proud of. We think it is important because we are helping create a better future, it is important to help educate non-Indigenous people on Indigenous culture so they can have a better understanding. But it's also important so we don’t forget about the incredible history of Australia.”

It is clear the Indigenous round this weekend holds great significance for the community of Portarlington and beyond and is much more than different jumpers and painted boots. “It acknowledges our commitment to the Wudawurrung community and celebrates the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Portarlington FNC and its community,” tells Shaw.

Shaw sends a warm invitation and encourages all to attend the Smoking Ceremony at 9:45am this Saturday 8^th July at Portarlington Recreation Reserve.

Author: Nina Hyde (AFL Barwon Communications Intern)

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Are you ready to take your netball skills to the next level and be part of something truly special? The 2024 AFL Barwon Representative Netball Program is your golden ticket to an exhilarating journey filled with passion, determination, and boundless opportunities.

At AFL Barwon, we are committed to nurturing and showcasing the finest netball talent in the region. Our Representative Netball Program has a rich history of excellence, providing aspiring athletes with a platform to shine on both regional and national stages. With a strong focus on skill development, sportsmanship, and teamwork, we've set the stage for you to reach new heights in your netball journey.

The premier representative netball program for Barwon region will provide:

• Elite Coaching: Our program is led by experienced and accredited coaches who are passionate about helping you reach your full potential. You'll receive top-tier coaching tailored to your needs, ensuring that you become the best player you can be.
• High-Level Competition: Joining our program means competing against the best of the best. You'll face challenging opponents, pushing your skills to the limit and helping you grow as a player.
• Exposure: As a part of the AFL Barwon Representative Netball Program, you'll have opportunities to showcase your talents to scouts and talent spotters from across the netball community. This could be your ticket to higher-level opportunities.
• Team Camaraderie: Beyond the court, you'll forge lifelong friendships with like-minded athletes who share your passion for netball. Together, you'll create unforgettable memories and experiences.

The upcoming season promises to be the most exciting yet! We have a jam-packed schedule of training sessions, friendly matches, and competitive tournaments, all designed to push your boundaries and help you evolve as a netball player.

Whether you're an emerging star or a seasoned player, the 2024 AFL Barwon Representative Netball Program welcomes talent from all levels. We believe in your potential, and we're here to help you write your success story. 

Registrations Details:

We are thrilled to announce that registrations are now open for the upcoming trials of the GFNL (Geelong Football Netball League) and BFNL (Bellarine Football Netball League) Junior Representative Netball Teams. If you're a young and talented netball player looking to take your skills to the next level, this is your opportunity to shine.

Location
St Albans FNC Netball Courts (St Albans Reserve)

Trial Dates
Mark your calendars for the following trial dates:

• Sunday 15th October 2023
• Sunday 22nd October 2023
• Sunday 29th October 2023

Trial Times
Prepare for an action-packed morning of netball:

• 13 & Under: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
• 15 & Under: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
• 17 & Under: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Registration
Don't miss your chance to join these prestigious teams. Register now by clicking the link below:

Registration Link

Important Information

• Registration Deadline: Wednesday 4th October 2023
• Dress Code: All participants are required to wear white T-shirts and dark shorts/skirts for all trial sessions. Please note that any player in a club or representative uniform will not be able to trial.

This is your chance to showcase your skills, passion, and dedication to the sport of netball. Join us at the St Albans FNC Netball Courts and take the first step towards becoming a part of the GFNL and BFNL Junior Representative Netball Teams.

For any inquiries or additional information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We look forward to seeing you at the trials!

Be part of something truly special.

Apply now and set your sights on becoming a standout netball player in the 2024 season. Seize your chance to wear your league colours with pride and represent our region on the netball court.

Click here for further information. 

Coaching Opportunities

Elevate Your Coaching Career in 2024 with GFNL and BFNL Junior Representative Netball Teams!

Are you a passionate netball coach looking to take your coaching career to the next level? Here's your chance to shine! Join the prestigious Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) and Bellarine Football Netball League (BFNL) Junior Representative Netball Teams for an extraordinary coaching experience.

Premium Coaching Opportunity: Our Junior Representative Netball Teams offer an unparalleled platform for coaches to enhance their resumes. Be a part of an elite coaching fraternity and watch your coaching career soar.

Unrivalled Development: Work with promising young talent and help them reach their full potential. Our programs are designed to nurture talent and provide a platform for players to excel.

Networking: Connect with fellow coaches, mentors, and industry professionals. Expand your network and gain insights that will benefit your coaching journey.

Competitive Environment: Challenge yourself in a competitive coaching environment. Lead your team to victory and showcase your coaching prowess.

Apply Today

This is an exceptional opportunity to be a part of the GFNL and BFNL Junior Representative Netball Teams in 2024. Elevate your coaching career to new heights!

The coaching position description can be found here.

To register, click the link below:

Apply Here

Join us in shaping the future of netball and building your coaching legacy.

For any further information please contact AFL Barwon Netball Coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Congratulations to the AFL Barwon and the Colac & District FNL Junior Netball teams and umpires who will be participating in the Central West Association Championships on Sunday June 4th.

Please click here for the tournament fixtures.

The league squads for the tournament can be found below.

Bellarine FNL

BFNL 13&U Champ

Arelya Hillier                   (Portarlington)

Emilia Evans                    (Portarlington)

Gemma Hocking             (Queenscliff)

Heidi Connor                   (Drysdale)

Lucy Jovanovic                (Portarlington)

Remy Sliwa                      (Torquay)

Scarlett Clarke                 (Geelong Amateur)

Scarlotte Benney             (Anglesea)

Sienna McGinness          (Torquay)

Sophie Taylor                  (Geelong Amateur)

Stella Peters                    (Geelong Amateur)

Coach: Karen Pole

BFNL 15&U Champ

Abhi Sanjeev                    (Ocean Grove)

Adele Mills                      (Ocean Grove)

Alexandra Whatley         (Geelong Amateur)

Annalena Hillier              (Portarlington)

Bailey Shaw                     (Geelong Amateur)

Bree Sampson                 (Ocean Grove)

Ella Brown                       (Ocean Grove)

Harriet Shaw                   (Geelong Amateur)

Hayley Toull                    (Modewarre)

Phoebe Zahl                    (Portarlington)

Tae McGillivray               (Anglesea)

Coach: Paula Birch and Taryn Laverty

BFNL 15&U Reserve

Abby Chapman               (Queenscliff)

Alice Coffey                     (Queenscliff)

Caitlin Totton                  (Geelong Amateur)

Chloe Aspinall                 (Geelong Amateur)

Coco Hayes                      (Torquay)

Macey Dow                     (Geelong Amateur)

Molly Slavinskis               (Barwon Heads)

Piper Needham               (Ocean Grove)

Skye Howard                   (Barwon Heads)

Coach: Nicole Sadler

BFNL 17&U Champ

Chelsea Gillet                  (Barwon Heads)

Ella Puttyfoot                  (Drysdale)

Emily Quinten                 (Ocean Grove)

Grace Boland                  (Ocean Grove)

Jade Wilson                     (Drysdale)

Juliet Evans                      (Portarlington)

Leni Gilbert                      (Torquay)

Louise Shaw                    (Geelong Amateur)

Lucy Sampson                 (Ocean Grove)

Madison Foot                  (Drysdale)

Poppy Hart                      (Ocean Grove)

Sienna Stewart                (Portarlington)

Coach: Leah Wilson

Geelong FNL

GFNL 13&U Champ

Addy Russell                    (Colac Tigers)

Eadie Scheelings             (St Josephs)

Georgia Marles               (St Mary’s)

Jemima Hood                  (St Josephs)

Jemma Grenfell               (St Mary’s)

Lily Sherman                    (South Barwon)

Lyola Hill                          (Newtown & Chilwell)

Macey Veitch                  (Newtown & Chilwell)

Maya Corrigan                (South Barwon)

Meg Muhor                     (Newtown & Chilwell)

Olivia Edwards                (Colac Tigers)

Stevie Hepburn               (South Barwon)

Coach: Kirsten Hood

Geelong 15&U Champ

Eliza Cullen                      (St Mary’s)

Evie McKenzie                 (Geelong West)

Georgia Hannagan          (Newtown & Chilwell)

Isabelle Gill                      (Lara)

Teliah Tkaczuk                 (Geelong West)

Melissa Allan                   (Geelong West)

Remi Butcher                  (St Mary’s)

Billi Mooney                    (Newtown & Chilwell)

Sophie Sprunt                 (St Josephs)

Coach: Kirsten Stramacchia

GFNL 15&U Reserve

Alicia McDonald              (St Josephs)

Isabella Scukovic             (South Barwon)

Izzy Spence                      (Colac Tigers)

Lexie Edwards                 (Lara)

Liana Loney                     (Geelong West)

Meyah Fursland              (Newtown & Chilwell)

Niamh Drennan               (Geelong West)

Piper Calnon                    (Geelong West)

Talulah Dunn                   (Grovedale)

Zara Kendall                    (Geelong West)

Coach: Marney McRandall

GFNL 17&U

Alexandra Reid                (Newtown & Chilwell)

Chloe Merry                    (South Barwon)

Amali Hill                         (Newtown & Chilwell)

Eliza Hannagan                (Newtown & Chilwell)

Elly Hannam                    (St Josephs)

Evie Moran                      (Geelong West)

Jorja Cookson                  (Lara)

Leni Hassett                     (Lara)

Lucy Grapsas                   (St Mary’s)

Ruby Wilson                    (St Albans)

Coach: Lisa Van Halen

Colac & District FNL

CDFNL 13&U Champ

Ashlin Tate                      (Western Eagles)

Georgia Fitzpatrick         (Birregurra)

Georgia Roberts              (Birregurra)

Kira Hollmer                    (Lorne)

Leah Kettle                      (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Livi Harris                         (Colac Imperials)

Luella Hutchinson           (Birregurra)

Milah Rodger                  (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Molly Fish                        (Western Eagles)

Coach: Deanne Cumming

CDFNL 13&U Reserve

Alexis Borch                     (Western Eagles)

Bella Parker                     (South Colac)

Chloe Hudson                  (Western Eagles)

Dakota McKenzie            (Colac Imperials)

Lila Morris                       (Alvie)

Milah Crole                      (Simpson)

Montana Theodore         (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Sascha Heaton-Harris     (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Zoe Mitchell                    (South Colac)

Coach: Tracey Tann

CDFNL 15&U Champ

Emmy Frith                      (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Georgia Oates                 (Western Eagles)

Isabel Perkins                  (Colac Imperials)

Mia Compton                  (Western Eagles)

Mia Skinner                     (Colac Imperials)

Neve Brewer                   (South Colac)

Olivia Roberts                  (Birregurra)

Ruby Hall                         (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Rylee Reid                       (Western Eagles)

Coach: Georgia Robinson

CDFNL 15&U Reserve

Camryn Smith                 (Western Eagles)

Chloe Howell                   (Apollo Bay)

Esha Crole                       (Simpson)

Georgia Egan                   (Western Eagles)

Isabella Howley               (Lorne)

Jess Dellar                       (Western Eagles)

Lani Foster                       (Colac Imperials)

Maizee Clark                   (Birregurra)

Tessah Harris                   (Colac Imperials)

Coach: Jacqui Dignan

CDFNL 17&U Champ

Briea McLachlan             (Western Eagles)

Kaitlin Chappell               (Birregurra)

Katie Dexter                    (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Maggie Hart                    (Birregurra)

Remy Duynhoven            (Western Eagles)

Sophie Richardson          (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Zara Walker                     (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Bonnie Kininmonth         (Apollo Bay)

Coach: Sandra Robinson

CDFNL 17&U Reserve

Beth Carney                    (Apollo Bay)

Ciara Downard                (South Colac)

Emme Elborough            (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Evie Vickers                     (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Krystal Blain                    (Simpson)

Lily Fountain                    (South Colac)

Lily Johnstone                  (Colac Imperials)

Paige Dorman                 (South Colac)

Ella Arndell                      (Simpson)

Coach: Courtney Garner

AFL Barwon Umpires

Amelia Stanic

Ashmeet Narula

Bridget Baxter

Emily Totton

Liv Richardson

Pippa Scutchings

Sophie Ford

Colac & District Umpires

Jenny Fish

Leah Perkins

Lily Gibson

Melissa Kettle

Sophie Morrissy

Tara Garner

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The highly valued association of Dow Australia and the Bellarine Football Netball League will extend into its 40^th year with AFL Barwon and Dow Australia agreeing to a partnership extension.

Dow Australia (formerly Rohm and Haas) have been supporting community football and netball in the AFL Barwon region since 1984 as the Major Partner of the Bellarine FNL.

The partnership extension will see Dow Australia continue with its competition naming rights, jumper, bib and football branding, along with the highly regarded industry scholarships for junior netballers in the BFNL competitions.

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson is thankful for Dow Australia’s continued support of Bellarine FNL and AFL Barwon,

“AFL Barwon is extremely proud to announce the ongoing partnership with Dow Australia, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support to community sport within the Bellarine Football Netball League community. This partnership reflects a true investment into the future, and a commitment to a sustainable competition landscape. Dow Australia embodies these values and visions, and we’re very thankful to all for their unwavering support”.

Geelong Plant Site Leader for Dow Australia, Annabel Lim expressed her pride in the partnership extension,

 “Dow Australia is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Bellarine Football Netball League (BFNL) into its 40th year. Through this extraordinary partnership, Dow champions local communities and youth in the Bellarine region. A number of our employees at the Geelong site are connected to the BFNL through their participation in the sporting league, be that as past players or through their families and children. Dow highly values its relationship with the BFNL as one of the integral and committed members of the community.”

More information about Dow Australia can be found at www.dow.com

AFL Barwon is excited to announce that Newcomb and Portarlington will be the two venues hosting the Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Finals Series in 2023.

All clubs were given the opportunity to submit applications to host finals earlier this year, with the AFL Barwon Commission deciding that after successful 2022 events at both venues, it would replicate the schedule for the 2023 Dow BFNL Finals Series.

The schedule sees Weeks 1 and 2 of the Finals being played at Portarlington Recreation Reserve with the Preliminary Finals and Grand Finals being held at Grinter Reserve.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson believed last year’s finals had laid the platform for 2023 to be a huge success. Stating that “We’re fortunate to continue our partnership with both Portarlington FNC & Newcomb FNC in hosting the final four weekends of the 2023 DOW Bellarine FNL season," Wilson believes that both clubs "showcased excellence in hosting the 2022 Finals and are deserving hosts, to build on last year’s success, with community engagement above expectation”.

Newcomb Football Netball Club President, Matt Farrow was proud that their club was given the chance to host again after last year’s successful event. Farrow explained that the club is "extremely proud to host the final two weeks of the Bellarine FNL Finals Series once again. We have worked hard as a club to create a facility that has the ability and capacity to host such events. All we now hope for is great weather to build on what we will be successful finals series for the competing clubs.”

Portarlington Football Netball Club President Steve Cogger expressed his excitement for his club to get another chance to showcase their facilities by saying that it "represents another opportunity for Portarlington FNC, and its community to promote itself in the arena of regional sport. Our town is growing and with that comes the responsibility of local sporting clubs to provide facilities, equipment, coaching and mentoring to an inclusive community." Cogger also emphasised that Portarlington FNC’s "investment in their club will be on display to demonstrate that we are a club worthwhile of any person seeking to be a part of a club that will celebrate 150 years of age in 2024”.

The full schedule for the Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Finals Series is as follows:

Week 1 – Portarlington Recreation Reserve

Saturday, August 19

Qualifying Finals

Sunday, August 20

Elimination Finals

Week 2 – Portarlington Recreation Reserve

Saturday, August 26

Second Semi Finals

Sunday, August 27

First Semi Finals

Week 3 - Grinter Reserve

Saturday, September 2

Preliminary Finals

Week 4 - Grinter Reserve

Saturday, September 9

Grand Finals

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Netball Victoria are delivering FREE practical hands-on sessions for anyone coaching/supporting NetSetGO, 9&U, 11&U, 13&U. This is a non-accredited session designed to build an understanding of teaching skills and techniques to junior players in a fun and engaging way.
Sessions will run for 1.5 hours and all participants will receive resources via email after attending the session.

Choosing from the session options below, complete details in this form to register. https://forms.gle/e6fE4ETwhBd4Cnxb9