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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 27th 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.

Latest News

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 18th & 25th – 5:00pm – 6:30pm

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

17/U: Wednesday October 19th & 26th – 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 10th of October 2022.

Kempe Junior Netball Representative Program Coaching Applications

Applications are now open for our 2023 Kempe Junior Representative Coaching Positions.

 

Positions Available:

BFNL - 15/U reserves

GFNL - 15/U reserves & 17/U

 

Successful applicants will be responsible for the following commitments:

  • Weekly training starting no later than February 2023
  • Barwon Junior Champs: 5 or 10 week competition (plus finals) on Monday nights starting in February
  • Central West Association Champs: Sunday 4 June 2023 (Altona Netball Association)
  • Association Champs Finals Day (if successful): Sunday 18 June (State Netball Centre)

 

Requirements and responsibilities of the role are as follows:

  1. Adhere to all league policies and guidelines.
  2. Develop the team training program including skill development sessions, in line with player workloads and availability
  3. Provide coaching instruction to team members in the areas of technique, specialist positional skills and team skills.
  4. Identify and maximise underlying potential to deliver long term growth in individual athletes.
  5. Evaluate and assess individual and team performance, ensuring individuals are appropriately challenged, and provided with constructive feedback.
  6. Take appropriate action to ensure that underperformance is effectively dealt with.
  7. Develop, implement, and adapt match play strategies.
  8. Team coaches will supervise and mentor assistant coaches in both the training and competition environment.
  9. Communicate clearly, concisely and with a high level of integrity to both the player and parent group.
  10. Current Working with Children’s Check required.
  11. Minimum Development Level coaching accreditation required (must be obtained prior to June 2023). 

 

Please submit your application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. detailing your experience, coaching ideology, and anything else you think we should know, along with a nomination of which age groups/league you would be willing to coach:

i.e. BFNL  15/U 

Coaches will receive an honorarium for their contribution.

Click here for the full position description

Madigan crowned Mathieson Medalist

South Barwon Midfielder Doyle Madigan has capped off a remarkable season by being named the 2024 Mathieson Medallist.

It is the second consecutive year that the Swans having taken home the Mathieson Medal, with Madigan's teammates Fraser Fort & Matt Caldow sharing the award in 2023. 

Madigan was named best afield in 5 games and averaged 23 disposals, 12 contested, 5 clearances and 6 score involvements for the year.

Geelong West Giants midfielder Tanner Lovell was 2 votes behind with Lachlan Patten and Marcus Thompson 4 votes behind Madigan.

St Mary's star and former Mathieson Medallist, Harry Benson was named the inaugural Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year.

The full list of award winners and leaderboards can be found below.

  

Blood Toyota Seniors Cup

Best & Fairest – Doyle Madigan (South Barwon)

Runner Up Best & Fairest – Tanner Lovell (Geelong West Giants)

Leading Goal Kicker – Adam Garner (Colac) – 62 Goals

Full Leaderboard

                

Buckleys Reserves Cup

Best & Fairest – Hamish Dawson (Bell Park)

Runner Up Best & Fairest – Francesco Posterino (Newtown & Chilwell)

Runner Up Best & Fairest – Tanner Sadler (South Barwon)

Leading Goal Kicker Ayden Gras (St Joseph’s) – 60 Goals

Full Leaderboard

 

Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year Award – Harry Benson (St Mary’s)

Rookie of The Year – Tobyn Murray (Colac)

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Match Review Findings | April 28 2025

The Match Review Panel's findings are in for the weekend's matches. 

Please note the following tribunal details for April 30th:

6.30pm -Rhyce Prismall  (Werribee Centrals)

Can't view the MRP findings?

View Here

Latest News

Match Review Findings | May 12 2025

The Match Review Panel's findings are in for the weekend's matches. 

Please note the following tribunal details for May 14th:

7.00pm -Josh Dwyer (Geelong West)

The tribunal cases will be held at the AFL Barwon Offices in Highton.

Can't view the MRP findings?

View Here

Latest News

Match Review Findings | May 5 2025

The Match Review Panel's findings are in for the weekend's matches. 

Please note the following tribunal details for May 7th:

7.00pm -Brock Cervenka (Corio)

8:00pm - Jarrod Love (Inverleigh)

 

The tribunal cases will be held at the AFL Barwon Offices in Highton.

Can't view the MRP findings?

View Here

Latest News

Mathieson Medalist lines up for match 250

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

Latest News

MEDIA RELEASE - 2023 Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League Fixture Released

AFL Barwon is excited to announce the Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League fixture for the 2023 season.

Round 1 kicks off on April 15th with reigning 2022 Senior Football Premiers St Mary’s, hosting St Joseph’s in a night fixture at Anthony Costa Oval.

South Barwon and Grovedale start their season playing for the John Nankervis Shield at McDonald Reserve.

The remaining round 1 fixture has Newtown & Chilwell hosting Geelong West Giants, Colac travel to Windsor Park to take on North Shore, Bell Park host St Albans, and Lara play away against Leopold.

Other key fixture highlights include:

  • Round 2 – Traditional ANZAC Day fixture between South Barwon & St Joseph’s.
  • Round 2 – Spirit of ANZAC fixture between Lara & Grovedale on ANZAC Eve.
  • Round 3 – St Mary’s host Leopold at night in a replay of the 2022 Senior Football Grand Final.
  • Round 8 – St Joseph’s taking on Newtown & Chilwell in King’s Birthday Sunday clash.
  • Round 9 – 2022 A-grade Premiers Colac, host runner up Newtown & Chilwell.

The full 2023 Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League season fixture can be found here.

Netball Victoria Umpire Workshops and Development Opportunities

Please see below the list of upcoming umpire workshops and development opportunities that Netball Victoria are running in our region.

 

MENTOR WORKSHOP

Focuses on the mentor/mentee relationship and responsibilities, constructive feedback skills, the do’s and don’ts of mentoring, and expectations of beginner umpires.

Sunday 29 January

Kardinia Park, Geelong

5:00pm-7:00pm

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

YOUR DECISION COUNTS

Covers topics such as Contact vs Contest, Obstruction and Advantage, bio-mechanics, and how positioning and vision effect decision making.

Friday 3 February

5:15pm-7:15pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

INTRODUCTION TO UMPIRING

Learn the basic characteristics of becoming an umpire, using your whistle and hand signals effectively, infringements and sanctions, and positioning on the court.

Wednesday 1 March

4:45pm-6:45pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

MENTOR WORKSHOP

Focuses on the mentor/mentee relationship and responsibilities, constructive feedback skills, the do’s and don’ts of mentoring, and expectations of beginner umpires.

Wednesday 8 March

6:00pm-8:00pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

MENTOR WORKSHOP

Focuses on the mentor/mentee relationship and responsibilities, constructive feedback skills, the do’s and don’ts of mentoring, and expectations of beginner umpires.

Friday 31 March

6:00pm-8:00pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here: https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

INTRODUCTION TO UMPIRING

Learn the basic characteristics of becoming an umpire, using your whistle and hand signals effectively, infringements and sanctions, and positioning on the court.

Wednesday 5 April

4:45pm-6:45pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

Save the dates – confirmation and registration links available soon.

Game and Match Management - Geelong, Friday 5 May

Game and Match Management - Colac, Tuesday 9 May

Netball Victoria Upcoming Development Coaching Course

Please see below upcoming date for Development Coaching Course being ran in our region. 

DEVELOPMENT COACHING ACCREDITATION COURSE – Practical Component

Saturday 18 February

Wurdi Baierr Stadium, Torquay
12:30pm-5pm

Register here: https://vic.netball.com.au/events#148

 

This course has pre-requisites and more detail can be found https://vic.netball.com.au/how-become-coach-accreditation

Use this link to assist in finding the course to register: https://support.netball.com.au/hc/en-au/articles/4408375692825-Enrolling-in-a-Course-or-Accreditation

Newtown & Chilwell stars to take on Netball's biggest stage

Tonga Netball made an exciting announcement on June 14, revealing the composition of Tonga’s National Netball Team, Tala, for the World Cup 2023 in South Africa. This marks a historic moment for Tonga as they embark on their first ever World Cup Campaign. The team boasts a lineup of remarkable players, including renowned names like Mo’onia Gerrard (former Australian Diamond player), Catherine Tuivaiti (former Silver Fern player), and Jessyka Ngauamo (former Australian Olympian).

Among these exceptional athletes are Uneeq and Beyonce Palavi, hailing from Newtown and Chilwell Football Netball Club. Having secured their spots in the Tongan squad, Beyonce and Uneeq’s selection not only highlights the talent and dedication of these two players, but also emphasises the depth of sporting excellence found within the Barwon region. Their journey from the grassroots level to being selected to represent their country at a global level stands as a testament to their unwavering determination, perseverance, and exceptional abilities.

Newtown and Chilwell’s Coaching Mentor, Jason Woolley explains that everyone at the club is “excited and proud to see both Uneeq and Beyonce named as part of the Tongan National team.” Beyonce initially joined Newtown and Chilwell as a junior in the under 17 category and has since worked continuously hard to improve her game as part of the B grade. Uneeq has emerged as a dominant goal-shooter in the A grade team.

Beyonce and Uneeq both hold tremendous pride in representing Tonga, and Woolley describes this selection as a “great recognition of the work the girls have put into their netball.” Newtown and Chilwell Football Netball Club fully shares in their excitement and eagerly anticipates cheering them on as they compete on netball’s biggest stage.

The inclusion of Beyonce and Uneeq in the Tongan National team exemplifies the outstanding talent and commitment nurtured within the Barwon region. The AFL Barwon community stands behind these exceptional athletes, applauding their achievements and supporting their journey. Uneeq and Beyonce are poised to make a significant impact in the World Cup 2023, representing both Tonga and the Barwon region with pride. 

Perfect games by James and Sarcevic | GFNL Geelong Advertiser Vote

St Joseph's Max McLachlan has gone to the outright lead of Coaches Player of the Year awards polling 7 votes in the weekends win over North Shore.

South Barwon's Sam James and Bell Park's Jack Sarcevic polled the perfect games in their respective Round 2 matches.

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

Colac v Newtown Chilwell

9 Zachery Zdybel (Colac)

5 Darcy Lang (Colac)

4 Chaise Murray (Colac)

3 Tom Rieniets (Colac)

3 Ned Harris (Newtown & Chilwell)

2 Will Parkhouse (Colac)

2 Charlie Byrne (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Kody Spokes (Colac)

1 Jonathan Simpkin (Colac)

Geelong West v Grovedale

9 Tanner Lovell (Geelong West Giants)

8 Jake Smith (Geelong West Giants)

6 Brady Ferguson (Grovedale)

4 Lachie Horniblow (Geelong West Giants)

2 Billy Ford (Grovedale)

1 Titit Nyak (Geelong West Giants)

North Shore v St Joseph's

7 Oscar Morrison (St Josephs)

7 Max McLachlan (St Josephs)

5 Luke Webb (St Josephs)

4 James Gow (St Josephs)

3 Cameron Anderson (North Shore)

2 Liam Betson (St Josephs)

1 Mahli King (North Shore)

1 Bradlee Tregenza (North Shore)

South Barwon v Lara

10 Sam James (South Barwon)

6 Matt Caldow (South Barwon)

6 Aaron Stone (Lara)

5 Chris Hughes (South Barwon)

2 Connor Thar (Lara)

1 Doyle Madigan (South Barwon)

St Albans v Bell Park

10 Jack Sarcevic (Bell Park)

8 Issac Wareham (Bell Park)

5 Lachie Patten (Bell Park)

3 Eli Pearce (Bell Park)

2 Jacob Russell (St Albans)

1 Ollie Bridgewater (Bell Park)

1 Thomas Pearson (Bell Park)

St Mary's v Leopold

6 Damian McMahon (St Mary's)

5 Jarryd Garner (St Mary's)

5 Sam Bourke (St Marys)

4 Harvey Ryan (St Marys)

3 Harry Benson (St Mary's)

3 Oliver Tate (Leopold)

2 William Sheahan (Leopold)

1 Trent Thompson (Leopold)

1 Marcus Thompson (Leopold)

Round 2 Leaderboard

17 Max McLachlan (St Joseph's)

13 Harry Benson (St Mary's)

13 Oscar Morrison (St Joseph's)

12 James Gow (St Joseph's)

10 Damian McMahon (St Mary's)

10 Jack Sarcevic (Bell Park)

10 Sam James (South Barwon)

9 Sam Bourke (St Mary's)

9 Tanner Lovell (Geelong West Giants)

9 Zachery Zdybel (Colac)

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.

Photo: Bell Park v Lara Bell Park goal left 21 Willson Mack and 5 Jack Sarcevic Picture: Mark Wilson

Latest News

South Barwon's Grand Final Return

After an eight-year hiatus, The South Barwon senior football team is gearing up for their first Grand Final appearance this weekend since 2013, and for their devoted community, it's been a long-awaited return. The President of South Barwon, Tim Sherman, and Senior coach Mark Neeld have shared some insight about the club's transformation. 

"The club has had a strong Netball program for some time now, but our senior football program has had some highs and lows over recent years. This year, all the pieces seem to be falling into place,"Sherman said. Attributing the success to the club's fantastic volunteers, strong supporter base and the positive and healthy club environment built for both the seniors and juniors. 

When asked about how the club has adapted to stay competitive and reach the Grand Final once again, Sherman explained, "We have continued to invest in our junior programs and build from within. This has long been a mantra of SBFNC, along with attracting a select sprinkling of new players to the club to assist us in progressing and remaining competitive."

MarkNeeld, the Senior Coach, elaborated, "Our aim has been to be a group that looks for continual improvement."Neeld went on to praise the senior team's exceptional attitude saying, “The entire group has been terrific in their attitude to wanting to be better and enjoying each other's company while doing so."

Reflecting on the coaching journey with South Barwon, Neeld noted, "It is the Coaching Group’s first season at SBFNC, and we are very much guided by the players, committee, and the volunteers at the club,"he said, adding, "It is these groups that drive the culture, and we feel privileged to be an integral part of this remarkable club."

As the big day approaches, there is an undeniable sense of excitement felt within the club. Tim Sherman shared, "Our young senior playing group and the coaches are very close, and their excitement coming into this weekend has spread throughout the whole club from our juniors to our life members, past players, and sponsors! It has been an amazing journey."

South Barwon and Leopold are set to go head-to-head in the Grand Final this Saturday, at 2:10 PM at Leopold Memorial Park. 

Author: Madison Old (AFL Barwon Intern)

Photo: Great Ocean Photgraphy