GFNL

2024 AFL Barwon Season Dates

AFL Barwon is excited to release to our clubs, players, officials, and supporters the dates for the 2024 season.

The traditional Easter start date for the Bellarine FNL will continue in 2024, with a great opportunity for holiday makers to the region to get along and watch some Football and Netball.

The Dow Bellarine FNL Finals Series will kick off on August 17^th, with the Grand Final being played on September 7^th.

The Geelong Football Netball League will kick off on the weekend of Saturday April 13^th next season. The 2024 season will see some regular Sunday football netball matches in the Geelong FNL. The Grand Final Day for the Geelong FNL has been pushed back from its usual Saturday prior to the AFL Grand Final date to the AFL Grand Final Public Holiday in 2024. This will be an excellent showcase opportunity for the footballers and netballers in the region.

The full competition fixture start dates, byes, and finals series dates for all our competitions can be found below.

Bellarine Football Netball League

Round 1: Weekend of Friday March 29^th

Byes: Weekend of Saturday May 11^th and Saturday July 6^th

Dow Bellarine FNL Finals Series Commences: Saturday August 17^th

Dow Bellarine FNL Grand Final Day: Saturday September 7^th

Geelong Football Netball League

Round 1: Weekend of Saturday April 13^th

Byes: Weekend of Saturday May 25^th and Saturday July 6^th

Split Round: Weekend of Saturday August 3^rd and Weekend of Saturday August 10^th

Geelong FNL Finals Commence: Saturday September 7^th

Geelong FNL Grand Final Day: Friday September 27^th

AFL Barwon Under 18’s Male

Round 1: Weekend of Saturday April 13^th

Byes: Weekend of Saturday May 25^th and Saturday July 6^th

Split Round (Div 3. Only): Saturday July 27^th and Saturday August 10^th

Finals Series Commences:

Div 1: Saturday September 7^th
Div 2: August 17^th
Div 3: August 24^th

Grand Final Day’s:

Div 1: Friday September 27^th
Div 2: Saturday September 7^th
Div 3: Saturday September 14^th

AFL Barwon Female Football (Senior & Under 19)

Round 1: Weekend of Friday April 5^th

Byes: Weekend of Friday May 3^rd and Friday July 5^th

Epworth Female Football Finals Series Commences: Weekend of Friday August 9^th

Epworth Female Football Grand Final Day: Weekend of Friday August 23^rd

AFL Barwon Female Football (All Junior excluding Under 9 Girls)

Round 1: Weekend of Sunday April 14^th

Byes: Weekend of Sunday July 7^th

Epworth Female Football Finals Series Commences: Weekend of Sunday August 11^th

Epworth Female Football Grand Final Day: Sunday August 25^th

AFL Barwon Female Football (Under 9 Girls)

Round 1: Weekend of Friday August 2^nd

Last Round: Weekend of Friday September 13^th

AFL Barwon Junior Football

Round 1: Weekend of Friday April 19^th

Byes: Weekend of Friday July 5^th

Kempe Junior Football Finals Series Commences: Weekend of Saturday August 17^th

Kempe Junior Football Grand Final Day: Weekend Saturday of August 31^st

AFL Barwon Junior Netball

Round 1: Tuesday Night Competitions April 16^th. Friday Night Competitions April 19^th

Byes: Tuesday Night Competitions July 2^nd and July 9^th. Friday Night Competitions May 10th July 5^th

Tuesday Night Competitions Last Round: Tuesday August 20^th

Kempe Junior Netball Finals Series Commences: Friday August 16^th

Kempe Junior Netball Grand Final Day: Friday September 6^th

AFL Barwon All-Abilities FNL

Round 1: TBC

Byes: TBC

Finals Series Commences: TBC

Grand Final Day: TBC

*Waiting on the confirmation of the FIDA fixture.

Colac & District FNL

Round 1: Weekend of Saturday April 6th

Byes: Weekend of Saturday July 6^th

Split Rounds:

Weekend of Saturday April 27^th and Weekend of Saturday May 4^th
Weekend of Saturday August 3^rd and Weekend of Saturday August 10^th

Colac & District FNL Finals Series Commences: Saturday of August 31^st

Colac & District FNL Grand Final Day: Saturday September 21^st

Colac Otway Junior Football

Round 1: Weekend of Friday April 26^th

Last Round: Weekend of Friday June 28^th

Latest News

2024 Under 18 Football and 19 & Under Netball Award Winners

We are thrilled to congratulate all the players who have been crowned as winners at last night's Under 18 Football and 19 & Under Netball Best and Fairest Counts.

The best and fairest awards include votes from all matches with the accumulated votes determining the winner(s) for each division.

The list of winners for competitions and overall leaderboard can be found below.

Bellarine FNL gforce 19 & Under - Netball

Best & Fairest - Keely Kinsey (Queenscliff)

Runner Up - Macie Mortlock (Barwon Heads)

Leading Goal Scorer (Hot shot) - Lily Mills (Drysdale) - 479

Full Leaderboard

Geelong FNL gforce 19 & Under - Netball

Best & Fairest - Sofia Martino (Leopold)

Runner Up - Hannah Cohen (Bell Park)

Leading Goal Scorer (Hot shot) - Miranda Budde (Newtown & Chilwell) - 279

Full Leaderboard

Under 18 Division 1 gforce Cup

Best & Fairest - Jett Modola (Newtown & Chilwell)

Runner Up - Brady Smigowski (Geelong West Giants)

Leading Goal Kickers - Oliver Maddalena (Torquay) & Key Smith (St Joseph's) - 44 Goals

Full Leaderboard

Under 18 Division 2 Rookie Me Cup

Best & Fairest - Oliver Bekker (Grovedale)

Runner Up - Tyson Stephens (Werribee Centrals)

Leading Goal Kicker - Levi King - 50 Goals

Full Leaderboard

Under 18 Division 3 Rookie Me Cup

Best & Fairest - Kalani Brown (Anglesea)

Runner Up - Matt Brennan (Ocean Grove)

Runner Up - Joey Red (Torquay)

Leading Goal Kicker - Jay Todd (Anglesea) - 53 Goals

Full Leaderboard

Under 18 Division 4 The Athlete's Foot Cup

Best & Fairest - Riley Cotter (Surf Coast Suns)

Runner Up - Reece Smiljanic (Newcomb)

Leading Goal Kickers - Jack Talbot (Grovedale) & Jack Sommerville (Newcomb) - 34 Goals

Full Leaderboard

Ray Ettridge Medal - Tyson Stephens (Werribee Centrals)

*Ray Ettridge Medal The player from a GDFNL club that polls the most votes in the Under 18 Competition.

Jim Vivian Medal - Jett Modola (Newtown & Chilwell)

Latest News

2025 BFNL, GFNL, CDFNL & Female Football Fixtures Released

AFL Barwon is excited to announce the release of the 2025 fixtures for the Bellarine Football Netball League, Geelong Football Netball League, Colac & District Football Netball League & Senior Female Football.

These fixtures set the stage for another exciting season of community football and netball, highlighting key dates across the region.

Full Fixtures can be found at the below.

Bellarine Football Netball League

Geelong Football Netball League

Colac & District Football Netball League

Senior Female Division 1 Fixture

Senior Female Division 2 Fixture

Latest News

AFLB Community Awards Finalists Revealed

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

Corio Bay Health Group Trainer of the Year Finalists -

Phil Hay | Leopold Football Netball Club
Callum Davey | Barwon Heads Football Netball Club
Kim Petterwood | Ocean Grove Football Netball Club

Coaching Awards

Junior Football Coach of the Year Finalists -

Ben Gellie | East Geelong Football Netball Club
Luke Matthews | Grovedale Football Netball Club
Luke McNamara | Armstrong Creek Football Netball Club

Junior Netball Coach of the Year Finalists -

Karen Pole | Geelong Amateur Football Netball Club
Nicole Sadler | Ocean Grove Football Netball Club
Tyra Fallon | South Barwon Football Netball Club

Rookie Me Youth Football Coach of the Year Finalists -

Shaun Cotter | Surf Coast Suns Football Netball Club
Wayne Walsh | Ocean Grove Football Netball Club
Arthur Hodgson | Inverleigh Football Netball Club

Youth Netball Coach of the Year Finalists -

Claire Deretic | Drysdale Football Netball Club
Elise David | Newtown & Chilwell Football Netball Club
Stacey Benney | Anglesea Football Netball Club

Peter Burke Award / Senior Male Football Coach of the Year Finalists -

Mark Neeld | South Barwon Football Netball Club
Jai Smith | St Joseph’s Football Netball Club (All-Abilities)
Paul Liistro | Colac Imperials Football Netball Club

Rookie Me Female Football Coach of the Year Finalists -

Daniel Reed-Sharry | Geelong West Football Netball Club
Matt Qoon | North Geelong Football Netball Club
Nicholas Allison | Modewarre Football Netball Club

Senior Netball Coach of the Year Finalists -

Jodi Patterson | Lara Football Netball Club
Shania Ritchie | Newcomb Football Netball Club (All-Abilities)
Meg Badrock & Jesse Sutton (Co-Coaches) | Ocean Grove Football Netball Club

Club Awards

Social Media / Communications Club of the Year Finalists -

Bell Park Football Netball Club
Ocean Grove Cobras Junior Football Club
Queenscliff Football Netball Club
South Barwon Football Netball Club

Read The Play’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Club of the Year Finalists -

Queenscliff Football Netball Club | Sherryn Ross – Player Wellbeing Officer
ColacFootball Netball Club | Jeremy Barren – Player Wellbeing Officer
St Joseph’s Football Netball Club | Scott Smith – Club Wellbeing Committee Chair

Augustini continues to lead Coaches Votes | Round 7 - 10 GFNL Netball Geelong Advertiser Coaches Votes

Vanessa Augustini has extended her lead in the Geelong Advertiser Coaches Votes after 10 rounds. Augustini has a 5-vote lead over South Barwon veteran Olivia Cameron with 2022 A-Grade Best and Fairest winner Ellen Doyle, 1 vote behind her teammate.

The round by round votes and leaderboard after round 10 can be found below.

Round 7

Bell Park v Leopold

6 Darcy Wilson (Leopold)

2 Olivia Richardson (Bell Park)

2 Maggie Leahy (Leopold)

1 Molly Jozwik (Bell Park)

1 Bridgette Furphy (Bell Park)

Geelong West v Newtown & Chilwell

4 Julia Woolley (Newtown & Chilwell)

4 Ruby Pekin-Schlicht (Newtown & Chilwell)

3 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Hannah Buchanan (Geelong West Giants)

Grovedale v St Albans

3 Morgan Byrne (Grovedale)

3 Emily Kermeen (St Albans)

2 Chloe Blunt (Grovedale)

2 Ellen Brown (Grovedale)

1 Esther Kidmas (Grovedale)

1 Zoe Saunders (St Albans)

Lara v Colac

6 Michelle Winch (Colac)

3 Emily Murfitt (Colac)

2 Sharni Van Doren (Lara)

1 Eliza Cahill (Colac)

St Joseph's v St Mary's

4 Tori Honner (St Joseph's)

4 Georgette Paatsch (St Joseph's)

3 Emily Kingston (St Joseph's)

1 Ellie Kennedy (St Mary's)

Round 8

Bell Park v Grovedale

5 Rebecca Trenerry (Bell Park)

3 Makeely Rogers (Bell Park)

2 Emma Hawker (Bell Park)

1 Makaela Connelly (Bell Park)

1 Tahlia McConachy (Grovedale)

Colac v Geelong West

5 Michelle Winch (Colac)

4 Bec Winch (Colac)

2 Emily Murfitt (Colac)

1 Alahria Smith (Geelong West Giants)

Newtown & Chilwell v South Barwon

6 Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

2 Michelle Svetnik (South Barwon)

2 Olivia Cameron (South Barwon)

1 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Eloise Maddox (South Barwon)

St Albans v St Mary's

3 Amy Cook (St Albans)

3 Mia Aitken (St Mary's)

2 Zoe Quick (St Albans)

2 Emily Kermeen (St Albans)

1 Eliza Brown (St Mary's)

1 Ellie Kennedy (St Mary's)

St Joseph's v Lara

3 Emily Post (St Joseph's)

3 Tori Honner (St Joseph's)

2 Claire Newcombe (Lara)

2 Charlotte Todd (St Joseph's)

1 Bridget Kelly (Lara)

1 Claudia Plange (St Joseph's)

Round 9

Grovedale v St Joseph's

6 Elli Leydin (St Josephs)

2 Emily Post (St Josephs)

2 Victoria Honner (St Josephs)

1 Brooke Allan (St Josephs)

1 Charlotte Todd (St Josephs)

Lara v Geelong West

5 Rachel Palmer-Brennan (Geelong West Giants)

4 Meg Matthews (Geelong West Giants)

2 Alahria Smith (Geelong West Giants)

1 Keah Tonkin (Lara)

Leopold v St Albans

4 Maggie Leahy (Leopold)

3 Natalie Heagney (Leopold)

2 Amelia Holland (Leopold)

2 Zoe Saunders (St Albans)

1 Zoe Bussell (Leopold)

South Barwon v Bell Park

3 Rebecca Trenerry (Bell Park)

3 Olivia Cameron (South Barwon)

2 Michelle Svetnik (South Barwon)

2 Caitie Kennedy (South Barwon)

1 Makeely Rogers (Bell Park)

1 Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

St Mary's v Colac

3 Bec Winch (Colac)

3 Ava Cuolahan (Colac)

2 Mia Aitken (St Marys)

2 Eliza Cahill (Colac)

2 Eliza Brown (St Marys)

Round 10

Bell Park v Lara

6 Rebecca Trenerry (Bell Park)

2 Makeely Rogers (Bell Park)

2 Rikki Van Gemert (Lara)

1 Emma Hawker (Bell Park)

1 Olivia Richards (Bell Park)

Colac v St Albans

6 Amy Hammond (Colac)

4 Emily Murfitt (Colac)

1 Eliza Cahill (Colac)

1 Amy Cook (St Albans)

Grovedale v Newtown & Chilwell

5 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

5 Ruby Pekin-Schlicht (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Danielle Mather (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Julia Woolley (Newtown & Chilwell)

South Barwon v Leopold

4 Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

3 Maggie Leahy (Leopold)

2 Natalie Heagney (Leopold)

2 Georgia Corbett (South Barwon)

1 Olivia Cameron (South Barwon)

Geelong West v St Joseph's

5 Tori Honner (St Josephs)

3 Emily Post (St Josephs)

2 Georgette Paatsch (St Josephs)

1 Claudia Plange (St Josephs)

1 Mimi Lockwood (Geelong West Giants)

Round 10 Leaderboard

28 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

23 Olivia Cameron (South Barwon)

22 Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

22 Ruby Pekin-Schlicht (Newtown & Chilwell)

20 Michelle Winch (Colac)

19 Eloise Maddox (South Barwon)

19 Rebecca Trenerry (Bell Park)

The Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year is an award voted by each A-Grade netball coach on a 3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.

There are individual awards for the Bellarine FNL A-Grade & Geelong FNL A-Grade Netball competitions.

Latest News

Augustini polls early to lead coaches votes | ROUND 1 - 6 GFNL Netball Geelong Advertiser Coaches Votes

Newtown & Chilwell's Vanessa Augustini has started the year in impressive style, taking an early lead in the inaugural GFNL Netball Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year Award.

South Barwon duo, Eloise Maddox and Olivia Cameron and 1 and 2 votes respectively behind. Augustini has received votes from the coaches in 5 of the 6 matches.

The Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year is an award voted by each A-Grade netball coach on a 3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.

There are individual awards for the Bellarine FNL A-Grade & Geelong FNL A-Grade Netball competitions.

The round by round votes and leaderboard after round 6 can be found below.

*Votes from Round 7 onwards will be completed upon all club coaches submitting votes.

Round 1

Bell Park v Colac

3 Makeely Rogers (Bell Park)

3 Bec Winch (Colac)

2 Bridget Furphy (Bell Park)

2 Eliza Cahill (Colac)

1 Molly Jozwik (Bell Park)

1 Rebecca Trennery (Bell Park)

Grovedale v South Barwon

4 Eloise Maddox(South Barwon)

3 Olivia Cameron (South Barwon)

2 Michelle Svetnik (South Barwon)

2 Kiahna Fallon (South Barwon)

1 Caitie Kennedy (South Barwon)

Leopold v Geelong West Giants

4 Alahria Smith (Geelong West)

4 Karina Martin (Geelong West)

3 Aleisha McDonald (Geelong West)

1 Hannah Buchanan (Geelong West)

Newtown & Chilwell v St Mary's

5 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

3 Alex Booker (Newtown & Chilwell)

3 Ruby Pekin-Schlicht (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Joselyn Bennetts (Newtown & Chilwell)

St Albans v St Joseph's

5 Charlotte Todd (St Joseph's)

3 Claudia Plange (St Joseph's)

2 Laura Bell (St Joseph's)

1 Amy Cook (St Albans)

1 Brooke Allan (St Joseph's)

Round 2

St Albans v Bell Park

3 Makeely Rogers (Bell Park)

3 Zoe Saunders (St Albans)

2 Rebecca Trennery (Bell Park)

2 Bridgette Furphy (Bell Park)

1 Sade Stafford (St Albans)

1 Emily Kermeen (St Albans)

Colac v Newtown & Chilwell

6 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

4 Danielle Mather (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Michelle Winch (Colac)

1 Indya Forde (Colac)

Geelong West Giants v Grovedale

3 Alex Matheson (Geelong West)

3 Karina Martin (Geelong West)

3 Alahria Smith (Geelong West)

2 Meg Matthews (Geelong West)

1 Tahlia McConaghy (Grovedale)

South Barwon v Lara

5 Olivia Cameron (South Barwon)

3 Eloise Maddox (South Barwon)

2 Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

2 Lani Burston (Lara)

St Mary's v Leopold

6 Amelia Holland (Leopold)

3 Maggie Leahy (Leopold)

2 Mia Aitken (St Mary's)

1 Isabelle Graspas (St Mary's)

Round 3

St Joseph's v South Barwon

5 Eloise Maddox (South Barwon)

3 Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

2 Kiahna Fallon (South Barwon)

1 Charlotte Todd (St Joseph's)

1 Laura Bell (St Joseph's)

Leopold v Colac

5 Eliza Cahill (Colac)

3 Michelle Winch (Colac)

2 Amy Hammond (Colac)

2 Natalie Heagney (Leopold)

Newtown & Chilwell v St Albans

5 Julia Wooley (Newtown & Chilwell)

4 Mia Van Wyk (Newtown & Chilwell)

2 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Amy Wirth (Newtown & Chilwell)

St Mary's v Geelong West Giants

6 Aleisha McDonald (Geelong West)

2 Ellie Kennedy (St Mary's)

2 Eliza Brown (St Mary's)

1 Karina Martin (Geelong West)

1 Hannah Buchanan (Geelong West)

Lara v Grovedale

5 Ellen Brown (Grovedale)

3 Morgan Byrne (Grovedale)

2 Claire Newcombe (Lara)

1 Esther Kidmas (Grovedale)

1 Tiana Galea (Lara)

Round 4

Geelong West Giants v Bell Park

4 Karina Martin (Geelong West)

3 Makeely Rogers (Bell Park)

3 Alahria Smith (Geelong West)

1 Bridgette Furphy (Bell Parlk)

1 Hannah Buchanan(Geelong West)

Grovedale v St Mary's

3 Demi Grant (St Mary's)

3 Ellie Kennedy (St Mary's)

2 Morgan Byrne (Grovedale)

2 Ava Pierce (St Mary's)

1 Ellen Brown (Grovedale)

1 Eliza Brown (St Mary's)

Lara v Leopold

3 Bridget Kelly (Lara)

3 Tori Tonkin (Lara)

2 Claire Newcombe (Lara)

2 Olivia Muldoon (Leopold)

1 Keah Tonkin (Lara)

1 Brigette Murray (Leopold)

South Barwon v Colac

5 Olivia Cameron (South Barwon)

5 Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

1 Bec Winch (Colac)

1 Emily Murfitt (Colac)

Newtown & Chilwell v St Joseph's

6 Brooke Allan (St Joseph's)

2 Emily Post (St Joseph's)

2 Emily Kingston (St Joseph's)

1 Elli Leydin (St Joseph's)

1 Maya Pearce (St Joseph's)

Round 5

Bell Park v St Joseph's

3 Elli Leydin (St Joseph's)

3 Charlotte Todd (St Joseph's)

2 Rebecca Trennery (Bell Park)

2 Georgette Paatsch (St Joseph's)

1 Makeely Rogers (Bell Park)

1 Tori Honner (St Joseph's)

Leopold v Grovedale

3 Amelia Holland (Leopold)

3 Darcy Wilson (Leopold)

2 Charlotte Murray (Leopold)

2 Maggie Leahy (Leopold)

2 Esther Kidmas (Grovedale)

Newtown & Chilwell v Lara

6 Ruby Pekin-Schlicht (Newtown & Chilwell)

3 Alex Booker (Newtown & Chilwell)

2 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Keah Tonkin (Lara)

St Albans v Geelong West Giants

6 Aleisha McDonald (Geelong West)

3 Hannah Buchanan (Geelong West)

2 Alahria Smith (Geelong West)

1 Emily Kermeen (St Albans)

St Mary's v South Barwon

4 Olivia Cameron (South Barwon)

3 Charlotte Morey (South Barwon)

2 Ava Pierce (St Mary's)

2 Eloise Maddox (South Barwon)

1 Caitie Kennedy (South Barwon)

Round 6

Colac v Grovedale

5 Michelle Winch (Colac)

3 Emily Murfitt (Colac)

2 Amy Hammond (Colac)

2 Eliza Cahill (Colac)

Leopold v St Joseph's

5 Elli Leydin (St Joseph's)

3 Laura Bell (St Joseph's)

2 Georgette Paatsch (St Joseph's)

1 Zoe Bussell (Leopold)

1 Tori Honner (St Joseph's)

Newtown & Chilwell v Bell Park

4 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

4 Mikaela Vaughan (Newtown & Chilwell)

4 Ruby Pekin-Schlicht (Newtown & Chilwell)

St Albans v South Barwon

4 Eloise Maddox (South Barwon)

3 Tyra Fallon (South Barwon)

3 Michelle Svetnik (South Barwon)

1 Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

1 Emily Kermeen (St Albans)

Round 6 Leaderboard

19 Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

18 Eloise Maddox (South Barwon)

17 Olivia Cameron (South Barwon)

15 Aleisha McDonald 15 (Geelong West Giants)

13 Ruby Pekin-Schlicht 13 (Newtown & Chilwell)

12 Alahria Smith (Geelong West Giants)

12 Karina Martin(Geelong West Giants)

11 Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

10 Makeely Rogers (Bell Park)

Latest News

Be Part of the Region's Premier Representative Program

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.

Benson & McLachlan Star | GFNL Geelong Advertiser Vote

The Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year is an award voted by each Senior coach on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.

There are individual awards for the Bellarine FNL Seniors, Geelong FNL Seniors, and the Division 1 Senior Female Football competitions.

Duel Mathieson Medalist Harry Benson, and St Joseph's Max McLachlan have started their seasons with 10 votes in the Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year award.

Find out all the coaches votes from Opening Round the Geelong Football Netball League.

Bell Park v Colac

5 Stephen Benstead (Bell Park)

5 Jonathan Simpkin (Colac)

5 Aaron Hawker (Colac)

4 Ollie Bridgewater (Bell Park)

4 Jarryn McCormack (Colac)

3 Kane Smartt (Colac)

2 Ben Worme (Bell Park)

1 Ryan Monaghan (Colac)

1 Dustin Walters (Colac)

Grovedale v South Barwon

7 Jack Driver (South Barwon)

6 Patrick Kelly (South Barwon)

5 Taylor Mulraney (South Barwon)

5 Blair Huggins (South Barwon)

5 Doyle Madigan (South Barwon)

1 Thomas Peirce (South Barwon)

1 Ben Kellett (South Barwon)

Leopold v Geelong West Giants

8 Connor Giddings (Leopold)

7 Logan Wagener (Leopold)

6 Marcus Thompson (Leopold)

3 Tate Porter (Leopold)

3 Tom Feely (Leopold)

3 Lachie Horniblow (Geelong West Giants)

Newtown & Chilwell v St Mary's

10 Harry Benson (St Marys)

6 Braden Hocking (Newtown & Chilwell)

4 Brayden Ham (St Marys)

4 Damian McMahon (St Marys)

4 Sam Bourke (St Marys)

2 Ned Harris (Newtown & Chilwell)

North Shore v Lara

5 Nathan Arbon (North Shore)

5 Mahli King (North Shore)

4 Aaron Seller (North Shore)

4 Connor Linehan-Cunningham (Lara)

3 Cameron Primmer (North Shore)

3 Kobe Annand (North Shore)

2 James Chadwick (North Shore)

2 Brad Gerrard (North Shore)

Round 1 Leaderboard

10 Harry Benson (St Marys)

10 Max McLachlan (St Joseph's)

8 Connor Giddings (Leopold)

8 James Gow (St Joseph's)

7 Jack Driver (South Barwon)

7 Logan Wagener (Leopold)

6 Patrick Kelly (South Barwon)

6 Marcus Thompson (Leopold)

6 Braden Hocking (Newtown & Chilwell)

6 Oscar Morrison (St Joseph's)

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Benson takes the lead in Coaches Award | Round 7 & 8 GFNL Football Geelong Advertiser Coaches Votes

St Mary's midfielder Hary Benson has surged into the lead of the GFNL Geelong Advertiser Coaches Award, after the votes from Round 7 and 8 have been tallied.

There were four maximum vote games in Round 7 which saw Bell Park's Ben Worme, Grovedale's nathan Deans, Colac's Aaron Hawker and St Joseph's Alex Hickey all get the 10 votes from the coaches.

Emerging talls in St Mary's Lachlan Peck and St Joseph's Oscar Morrison both recieved perfect games in Round 10 from the coaches.

The match votes and leaderboard after Round 8 can be found below.

Round 7

Bell Park v Leopold

10 Ben Worme (Bell Park)

8 Hamish Lucas (Bell Park)

4 Matthew Jones (Bell Park)

3 Issac Wareham (Bell Park)

3 Tevan Nofi (Leopold)

2 Marcus Thompson (Leopold)

Geelong West v Newtown & Chilwell

7 Braden Hocking (Newtown & Chilwell)

7 Tanner Lewis (Geelong West)

6 Ned Harris (Newtown & Chilwell)

4 Matthew McMahon (Newtown & Chilwell)

3 Lachlan Taylor (Geelong West)

3 David Handley (Geelong West)

Grovedale v St Albans

10 Nathan Deans (Grovedale)

8 Nicholas Hau (Grovedale)

3 Brock McDonald (St Albans)

3 Nathan McHugh (Grovedale)

2 Ryan Abbott (Grovedale)

2 Brady Ferguson (Grovedale)

1 Ethan Guida (St Albans)

1 Samuel Radcliffe (Grovedale)

Lara v Colac

10 Aaron Hawker (Colac)

8 Chaise Murray (Colac)

5 Josh Garner (Colac)

3 Mitchell Day (Lara)

2 Zach Zdybel (Colac)

1 Aaron Stone (Lara)

1 Tobyn Murray (Colac)

South Barwon v North Shore

8 Patrick Kelly (South Barwon)

7 Ben Kellett (South Barwon)

6 Doyle Madigan (South Barwon)

4 Taylor Mulraney (South Barwon)

2 Lachie Noble (South Barwon)

2 Cam Anderson (North Shore)

1 Todd White (South Barwon)

St Joseph's v St Mary's

10 Alex Hickey (St Joseph's)

8 Harry Benson (St Mary's)

3 Lachlan Peck (St Mary's)

3 Josh Nurnaitis (St Joseph's)

3 Harrison Smith (St Joseph's)

2 Sam Dobson (St Mary's)

1 Oliver Northam (St Joseph's)

Round 8

Bell Park v Grovedale

8 Issac Wareham (Bell Park)

6 Mitch Chafer (Grovedale)

5 Tyler Pidgeon (Bell Park)

5 Ben Worme (Bell Park)

3 Ryan Abbott (Grovedale)

2 Harley McCarthy (Grovedale)

1 Tom Gillett (Grovedale)

Colac v Geelong West

9 Tobyn Murray (Colac)

5 Dustin Walters (Colac)

4 Zachary Zdybel (Colac)

4 Chaise Murray (Colac)

4 Adam Garner (Colac)

2 Ryan Monaghan (Colac)

2 Jonathon Simpkin (Colac)

Newtown & Chilwell v South Barwon

8 Harry Cunningham (South Barwon)

8 Jonty Broughton (South Barwon)

5 Max Mawson (South Barwon)

3 Braden Hocking (Newtown & Chilwell)

2 Rowan Gough (South Barwon)

2 Ned Harris (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Lachie Noble (South Barwon)

1 Matt Caldow (South Barwon)

North Shore v Leopold

8 Connor Giddings (Leopold)

7 Tevan Nofi (Leopold)

5 Brock Williamson (Leopold)

4 Nathan Arbon (North Shore)

4 Marcus Thompson (Leopold)

2 Billy Ritchie (Leopold)

St Albans v St Mary's

10 Lachlan Peck (St Mary's)

8 Jarryd Garner (St Mary's)

6 Harry Benson (St Mary's)

3 Brayden Ham (St Mary's)

2 Christopher Jansen (St Mary's)

2 Jack Blood (St Mary's)

St Joseph's v Lara

10 Oscar Morrison (St Joseph's)

5 Paddy DeGrandi (St Joseph's)

4 Hunter Lewis (St Joseph's)

3 Oliver Northam (St Joseph's)

3 Ben Clark (St Joseph's)

2 Connor Linehan-Cunningham (Lara)

2 Liam Betson (St Joseph's)

1 James Gow (St Joseph's)

Round 8 Leaderboard

43 Harry Benson (St Mary's)

39 Zachary Zdybel (Colac)

30 Ned Harris (Newtown & Chilwell)

30 Jack Sarcevic (Bell Park)

26 Oscar Morrison (St Joseph's)

26 Ben Kellett (South Barwon)

23 Braden Hocking (Newtown & Chilwell)

22 Tanner Lovell (Geelong West Giants)

21 Oliver Northam (St Joseph's)

21 Jarryd Garner (St Mary's)

The Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year is an award voted by each Senior coach on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.

There are individual awards for the Bellarine FNL Seniors, Geelong FNL Seniors, and the Division 1 Senior Female Football competitions.

Latest News

Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League Finals Venues

AFL Barwon is thrilled to announce that the Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League Grand Finals will be held at the Leopold Football Netball Club in 2023.

Leopold will also host the Geelong FNL Preliminary Finals, with the first two weeks of the finals to be hosted at West Oval.

The decision to host the Geelong FNL Grand Finals at the Leopold Football Netball Club reflects the venue's excellent facilities, rich history, and will provide an excellent showcase of community sport. Both finals venues will provide an exceptional experience for players, officials, and Club Supporters.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson was quoted.

“AFL Barwon is proud to announce two outstanding Clubs within the Barwon region as hosts of the GFNL Finals Series. Geelong West & Leopold exhibit operational excellence as Clubs both on-and-off the field and court, and as such, are worthy hosts for these marquee weeks on the calendar. I thank both Clubs for their tireless support and enthusiasm in partnership with AFL Barwon”.

Leopold Football Netball Club President Richard Hockley on behalf of the committee stated that,

“The Committee of Management at Leopold Football Netball Club would like to thank AFL Barwon for the opportunity to showcase our facility to the region. We are very proud of our facility, in particular its strong connection between netball and football. We now look forward to working with AFL Barwon and all other Geelong FNL clubs to deliver a first-class finals series”.

Geelong West Giants Football Netball Club Chair Sarah Naylor was pleased to have the opportunity to showcase their club again this final’s series.

“Geelong West is very excited to be hosting the first two weeks of 2023 Geelong FNL Finals and we thank AFL Barwon for the opportunity to showcase our Club to the Barwon region once again. Following the success of the 2022 Finals Series, we look forward to building on this foundation across the Qualifying, Elimination & Semi Finals weekends in September”.

The full schedule for the Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League Finals Series is as follows:

Week 1 – West Oval

Saturday, September 2

Qualifying Finals

Sunday, September 3

Elimination Finals

Week 2 – West Oval

Saturday, September 9

Second Semi Finals

Sunday, September 10

First Semi Finals

Week 3 - Leopold Memorial Park

Saturday, September 16

Preliminary Finals

Week 4 - Leopold Memorial Park

Saturday, September 23

Grand Finals

Central West Association Championships teams

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

Concussion Protocols | AFL Barwon

In-line with the recent announcement of the AFL’s updated 2024 Concussion Protocols, AFL Barwon has announced updated Football & Netball Concussion Protocols.

The most significant announcement detailed within the 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols was:

All Australian rules football competitions at all ages (i.e. adult/open competitions and all junior competitions outside AFL/AFLW), will adopt a mandatory minimum 21-day return to play protocol. This new protocol will apply for State Football competitions (including the VFL and VFLW), elite pathway competitions (including the Coates Talent League for boys and girls) and all community football competitions; and
Under the new community guidelines, the earliest that a player can return to play after a concussion is on the 21^st day after the day on which the concussion was sustained and provided that the player has safely progressed through each phase of the return-to-play program.

In-line with this announcement, AFL Barwon has adopted:

The 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Australian rules football competitions at all ages; and
Has also adopted this policy for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Netball competitions at all ages.

This adoption extends to practice matches, interleague and other games of any kind, of Australian Rules Football and Netball, in all forms.

In-line with AFL Barwon’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, to be community sport leaders in the safe and sustainable delivery of Football and Netball, we will continue work regionally on further resourcing and support for all affiliated Clubs, competitions and Leagues.

Clubs, stakeholders and community members alike are encouraged to contact AFL Barwon if they require further detail or clarification on these guidelines.

Latest News

Fopiani honoured with best on ground medal

AFL Barwon has honoured local football champion Frank Fopiani, with the player adjudged best-on-ground in the Geelong Football League Grand Final to receive the Frank Fopiani Medal.

The inaugural medal will be awarded at the conclusion of Friday’s Grand Final between Leopold and South Barwon.

Fopiani, who passed away in August, played in seven premierships at North Shore and one at St Mary’s.

He was named best-on-ground in a record three GFL Grand Finals in 1993, 1995 and 2004, the latter coming in the same year he coached St Mary’s to the premiership.

AFL Barwon chair, Michelle Gerdtz, said Fopiani’s record stood alone among a host of players, coaches and officials who have contributed to the history of the GFL competition across 45 years.

“Everyone in local football was shocked and saddened by Frank’s recent passing,” Gerdtz said.

“Frank was an amazing footballer but more importantly he was a wonderful person, and his standing in the football community across our region speaks for itself.

“His record as a player in GFL Grand Finals is unrivalled and it is fitting that we recognise the enormous contribution Frank made to our competition.”

In addition to his record in grand finals, Fopiani won five best-and-fairest awards at North Shore through its era of dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s and was a GFL interleague representative player on multiple occasions.

In 2015 he was named by the Geelong Advertiser as the best Geelong Football League player of all time.

Fopiani’s wife, Sylvia, said her husband would have been humbled by the honour.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the thoughts, messages and prayers of everyone in the Geelong football community since Frank passed,” Sylvia said.

“He was a loving husband, father and friend, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

“This award speaks to the legacy Frank leaves behind, and we thank AFL Barwon for the gesture. You can’t stop the Fop.”

The inaugural Frank Fopiani Medal will be presented by Frank's son, Connor.

Latest News

Free Netball Victoria Coaching: Junior Coach Training sessions

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

Date	Venue	Time
Tuesday 14 February	Kardinia Park, Geelong	6pm-7:30pm
Sunday 19 March	Banyul Warri Fields, Torquay	9:30am-11am
Tuesday 28 March	Eastern Reserve, Colac	6pm-7:30pm

Geelong FNL Preliminary Finals Match Times

We are excited to announce that there have been some minor adjustments to the Football start times for the Geelong Football Netball League Preliminary Finals at West Oval.

In a bid to allow our community the opportunity to watch the Geelong Cats take on Brisbane in the AFL Preliminary Finals on Saturday afternoon, the Football game times have been brought forward in the GFNL Senior, Reserves, and Under 18 matches.

The change of game times is only relevant for Football matches on Saturday the 21st of September, Netball match times will remain unchanged.

The updated football game times can be found below.

Football Match Details

Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Seniors - St Joseph's FNC vs South Barwon FNC - 1:00pm

Buckleys Geelong FNL Reserves - St Joseph's FNC vs South Barwon FNC - 10:45am

gforce Under 18’s – St Joseph's FNC vs Torquay FNC - 8:45am

Latest News

GFNL Netball final 5 - How will it finish?

This weekend, the final round of the 2023 Geelong Football Netball League season takes place. In the A Grade division of netball, the final five teams that will advance to finals are already set, however their standings on the ladder could change depending on the results on the weekend.

Here are some of the possibilities that could occur:

LEOPOLD vs NEWTOWN & CHILWELL

If Leopold win:
-They would finish their season on a high note. The highest they could finish is seventh, provided Bell Park defeat St Mary’s, and the lowest they could finish is eighth.
-They would snuff out any chance Newtown & Chilwell had of finishing the season in top spot (Newtown & Chilwell would need to beat Leopold and would also need South Barwon to beat Colac).

If Newtown & Chilwell win:
-They would finish the season on top of the ladder if Colac lost to South Barwon. If Colac beat South Barwon, they would finish second. Regardless of the result in their game against Leopold, they cannot drop lower than second.
-If they finish first, they will have next week off and then play in the second qualifying final, and if they finish second, they will play either St Joseph’s, Geelong West, or South Barwon in the first qualifying final.

GEELONG WEST vs ST JOSEPH’S

If Geelong West win:
-They would overtake St Joseph’s on the ladder and take third spot. They would only be at threat of losing third spot if South Barwon beat Colac comprehensively.
-The highest they could finish is third, meaning they would play either Newtown & Chilwell or Colac next week in the first qualifying final. The lowest they could finish is fourth, meaning they would play St Joseph’s once again in an elimination final.

If St Joseph’s win:
-They would secure third spot going into finals, meaning they would play in the first qualifying final next week against either Colac or Newtown & Chilwell. They can’t finish higher than third.

SOUTH BARWON vs COLAC

If South Barwon win:
-They would put Colac’s place atop the ladder at jeopardy if Newtown & Chilwell beats Leopold.
-If they beat Colac comprehensively and Geelong West defeated St Joseph’s, they would be a chance to finish third.
-Third is the highest they could possibly finish, meaning they would play Newtown & Chilwell or Colac in next week’s qualifying final. The lowest they could finish is fourth, and in that situation, they would face off against either St Joseph’s or Geelong West in an elimination final.

If Colac win:
-They would be unable to concede top spot due to their percentage.
-Win or lose, they cannot drop out of the top two. They would play in either the first qualifying final next week against St Joseph’s, Geelong West, or South Barwon, or in the second qualifying final the week after.

GFNL Senior A Grade Netball - Race to Finals

With six rounds left of the GFNL A Grade Netball competition, we take a look at the race toward finals. Every game is critical, and for those that are far up on form, it’s about securing that top spot. This piece looks at the 2022 finals contenders.

Newtown & Chilwell

They have only lost one game in three years. Their unbeaten record finally came to an end this year by a determined St Albans. Since their defeat, they haven’t missed a step. They currently hold the top spot on the ladder, but there are still five matches to play including the bye and they are only ahead of Colac and St Albans by four points. They vs St Albans in Round 15 and Colac in Round 18. These games will shape the top spot.

The Run Home: Leopold, Geelong West, St Albans, Bye, St Mary’s, Colac

Colac

Currently in second place on percentage, the Tigers have had a consistent season all year. Their biggest win was against St Albans. It was the round after the Supersaints defeated the Eagles. Colac’s losses have come from a formidable South Barwon in Round 9, and Newtown & Chilwell in Round 5. The Tigers’ run home is tough, but that minor premiership is well within reach. However, they will have to beat the Swans in Round 16 and knock off the ladder leaders in Round 18 if they want the week off come finals time.

The Run Home: St Mary’s, Bell Park, Leopold, South Barwon, Lara, Newtown & Chilwell

St Albans

The Supersaints stunned the GFNL A Grade Senior Netball competition when the Eagles fell to them in Round 4. The convincing win saw St Albans as the new team beat, but they then suffered losses two weeks in a row. Their first shock loss came from Geelong West in Round 5, followed by Colac in Round 6. These losses have seemed to humble St Albans as they have been solid ever since. They have a few challenges in the following weeks, but much like Colac, that top spot is still up for grabs.

The Run Home: Bell Park, Leopold, Newtown & Chilwell, Lara, Bye, Geelong West

South Barwon

One game separates the Swans from Colac and St Albans. South Barwon is another flag contender, but they will want to remain vigilant as teams become more desperate each round. In Round 3, the Swans had their first loss against a convincing St Joseph’s. Like many, they were also unable to rise to the challenge of Newtown and Chilwell. The following week they fell to St Albans but bounced back in Round 9 to beat Colac. The Swans have already had the bye and being six points ahead of Geelong West, they have a good run home with Colac being the hardest of the bunch. Still, no wins are guaranteed.

The Run Home: Lara, St Joseph’s, St Mary’s, Colac, Leopold, Bell Park

Geelong West

It’s been an interesting season for Geelong West. They managed to collect a huge scalp early this season with a win over St Albans but haven’t beaten any other team higher than their current ladder position. So far, the Giants have fallen to Colac, Newtown & Chilwell, St Joseph’s, South Barwon, and drew with Bell Park. They have a mixed run home of games they should win but the pressure will be on to maintain their fifth spot. With upcoming games of having to face St Alban and Newtown & Chilwell, their resolve will be tested.

The Run Home: Grovedale, Newtown & Chilwell, Lara, Bell Park, St Joseph’s, St Albans

St Joseph’s

With defeats over South Barwon and Geelong West, Joey’s are every chance to sneak into the fifth position. However, St Joseph’s has not had a good run in recent games. If they have a sudden change in luck next weekend, they are every chance to play in the Finals. Another win over South Barwon would make the perfect start. Their run home also looks easier than most.

The Run Home: Bye, South Barwon, Grovedale, St Mary’s, Geelong West, Lara

Bell Park

After a tough road through the beginning of the season, Bell Park managed to pinch some decent wins in the second act. They just got over St Joseph’s by one goal, a draw against Geelong West, and two very convincing wins over Leopold and St Mary’s. They do have an extremely difficult run home. They will have St Albans, Colac, Geelong West, and South Barwon to contend with. If the Dragons make Finals, they deserve to be there.

The Run Home: St Albans, Colac, Bye, Geelong West, Grovedale, South Barwon

Latest News

Grovedale to host all 2025 Netball fixtures indoors

AFL Barwon in consultation with Grovedale Football Netball Club and Netball Victoria, have determined that all fixtured home games at Burdoo Reserve will now be played inside the Grovedale Secondary College Stadium for the 2025 season.

During the course of the 2024 season, it has been identified that following the implementation of rolling substitutions and in conjunction with the current court profile, the Burdoo Reserve Netball Courts have experienced higher levels of congestion on the team-bench sideline, leading to an increased risk profile.

Grovedale FNC has identified this increased risk profile, and proactively sought support from AFL Barwon and Netball Victoria about alternatives to mitigate this factor moving forward.

The Club has been proactive in their discussions and have been actively working with Local Government to improve the conditions of their outdoor courts, and both AFL Barwon and Netball Victoria are supportive of these actions.

While permission to use the indoor courts has been granted for season 2025, Grovedale FNC are aware that they must continue to work towards the redevelopment of the Burdoo Reserve courts as a high priority.

All parties will continue to monitor and review the status of both court arrangements, responding to any issues that arise throughout the season.

AFL Barwon would like to acknowledge the work Grovedale FNC has completed to date, to ensure a more permanent solution to the issues their courts face can be found. The Club has been working proactively in this space, and we support their endeavours to have their netball facility redeveloped.

We thank the Geelong Football Netball League Clubs in advance for their support of Grovedale FNC for 2025 season, and look forward to the ongoing improvements at the outdoor site.

Latest News

Kardinia Park to host the 2024 Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Grand Finals

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.

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Kempe Junior Netball Representative Program

Registrations are now open for both GFNL and BFNL Kempe Junior Representative Netball Teams.

Trials will be held as below:

13/U: Tuesday October 18^th & 25^th – 5:00pm – 6:30pm

15/U: Tuesday October 18^th & 25^th – 6:30pm – 8:00pm

17/U: Wednesday October 19^th & 26^th – 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Trials will be held at St Joseph's Netball Courts.

Dress Code: White T-Shirts and dark shorts/skirt are to be worn for all trials (Any player in club or representative uniform will be asked to go home and change)

Please ensure lower leg is not covered so that a number may be written for selection

Those successful will represent their respective league at the Central West Region Association Championships Day on Sunday 21 & 28 May and 4 June 2023 (one day only – date TBC).

If successful at the Central West day, teams will then take part in the Association Championships Finals Day in July 2023 (date TBC).

Representative teams may also participate in the return of Barwon Junior Netball Championships. This is a weekly tournament between other league and association representative teams and would run as a 6-10 week competition in February – May 2023.

TALENT IDENTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

Players in the 13 & Under group are observed by the Victorian Regional Academy of Sport (VRAS), in partnership with Netball Victoria, to link Regional Academies of sport with high performance pathways.
Players in the 15 & Under group are observed by Netball Victoria Talent scouts for potential TID invitation to selection for the Zone academy and 17 & Under state teams for the next year.
Players in the 17 & under group are observed by Netball Victoria Talent scouts for potential invitation to state selection in the 17 & Under or 19 & Under for the next year.

To register your interest, please complete the registration form, Click Here:

Further player information can be found here:

Registrations close Monday 10^th of October 2022.