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All Abilities

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 17th, with the Grand Final being played on September 7th.

The Geelong Football Netball League will kick off on the weekend of Saturday April 13th 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 29th

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

Dow Bellarine FNL Finals Series Commences: Saturday August 17th

Dow Bellarine FNL Grand Final Day: Saturday September 7th

 

Geelong Football Netball League

Round 1: Weekend of Saturday April 13th

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

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

Geelong FNL Finals Commence: Saturday September 7th

Geelong FNL Grand Final Day: Friday September 27th

 

AFL Barwon Under 18’s Male

Round 1: Weekend of Saturday April 13th

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

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

Finals Series Commences:

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

Grand Final Day’s:

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

 

AFL Barwon Female Football (Senior & Under 19)

Round 1: Weekend of Friday April 5th

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

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

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

 

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

Round 1: Weekend of Sunday April 14th

Byes: Weekend of Sunday July 7th

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

Epworth Female Football Grand Final Day: Sunday August 25th

 

AFL Barwon Female Football (Under 9 Girls)

Round 1: Weekend of Friday August 2nd

Last Round: Weekend of Friday September 13th

 

AFL Barwon Junior Football

Round 1: Weekend of Friday April 19th  

Byes: Weekend of Friday July 5th

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

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

 

AFL Barwon Junior Netball

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

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

Tuesday Night Competitions Last Round: Tuesday August 20th

Kempe Junior Netball Finals Series Commences: Friday August 16th

Kempe Junior Netball Grand Final Day: Friday September 6th

 

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 6th

Split Rounds:

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

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

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

 

Colac Otway Junior Football

Round 1: Weekend of Friday April 26th

Last Round: Weekend of Friday June 28th

Latest News

Leisure Networks and AFL Barwon partnership announced

Leisure Networks and AFL Barwon are pleased to announce a new partnership, with Leisure Networks recognised as “The Official Inclusion Partner” to AFL Barwon. As well as continuing to lead development of inclusive opportunities in AFL and Netball, the partnership will strengthen delivery of mental health support to local clubs through the Tackle Your Feelings Program.

“We are excited by the possibilities this partnership will open up, not just for Leisure Networks, but for the community we support,” said David Meade, CEO Leisure Networks. “Our whole purpose at Leisure Networks is to connect people with community and sport is such an important vehicle to make this happen. As well as the physical and mental rewards we get from playing sport, there’s also all the social benefits. Nothing beats the feeling of comradery and belonging you get from being part of a sporting club.

“The all abilities footy and netball competitions we support under the AFL Barwon banner have given more people living with disability a lifetime first experience of actively participating in their local club, playing as part of a team,” continued Mr. Meade. “Games are played in a friendly safe environment, which means people of all skill level, all ages and all genders are accepted. It’s all about providing opportunities for people to play sport, people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to without these All-Abilities competitions.

“And as I’ve said, it’s not just about playing sport,” Mr. Meade explained. “Take Sean ‘the Bossman’ for instance. Sean’s been the waterboy at Geelong West Giants for more than a decade. Then last year, thanks to the AFL Barwon Inclusion League, he’s now a team captain at his favourite club.”

“To be able to put on the Giants jumper, on the footy field,” said Sean. “Is something I’ve wanted to be able to do for a long time.” 

“AFL Barwon is proud to have delivered several key community initiatives and engagement opportunities over a long period,” said Edward Wilson, Regional General Manager, AFL Barwon, “and the recent establishment of the first-of-its-kind, multi-sport All Abilities League, is testament to the collaborative partnership between the two organisations.

 “AFL Barwon is extremely pleased with the establishment of this new era in partnership with Leisure Networks, and we’re excited as to what this will deliver for the local community”.

“The AFL Barwon All Abilities Football Netball League season will kick off with the Netball season starting on April 23, followed by a Football double header at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday April 27, thanks to the support of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.”

About Leisure Networks

Leisure Networks is a not-for-profit organisation based in Geelong, having provided services for people with a disability for more than 30 years. The organisation provides opportunities for people to connect with their community in a variety of ways including participation in sport and recreation, skill-building, and array of social and leisure activities.

www.leisurenetworks.org

Latest News

Netball star forging the pathway for others

Emma Daffy is an enthusiastic and competitive netballer whose love for the sport has given her wonderful opportunities with fantastic success. Emma is a star goal attack for Newcomb in the AFL Barwon All-Abilities League but also plays for Lara in the mainstream Saturday Geelong FNL E Grade Competition.

Beginning in 2017, Emma initially started her All Abilities netball journey at her local Football and Netball Club, Lara. Emma found she wanted to test and expand her netball skills even further, leading her to join the mainstream competition. Emma states, “I just wanted to challenge myself. Get my intensity up, get my cardio up, make sure I get a good old challenge out there!”

It is impossible for Emma to decide what competition she likes more but finds the level of intensity and competitiveness to be the primary difference between the two. Her sense of enthusiasm and pride for both leagues is undeniable. Emma explains, “Both sides bring up a good, energetic, fun game.”

Lara Football Netball Club Netball Director, Di Van Doren always knew Emma would have the skillset and ability to be able to play both netball competitions. “Emma has always been a willing participant in all our club combined training sessions. We wanted Emma to decide when the time was right for her and have the confidence to give it a go. She has amazing skills, and her knowledge of the game is astonishing.” Di acknowledged that Emma is a much-loved member of Lara’s E-Grade team and provided valuable input into group sessions and regularly attended Club social events.

The Newcomb Power Football and Netball Club is a strong leader for the All-Abilities league, having both inclusion Netball and Football sides. Scott Smith, Newcomb’s All-Abilities Coordinator, explains inclusivity is central to the club’s values and the All-Abilities program is a valuable and vital part of the club’s DNA. Smith says, “Our inclusion programs sit alongside our mainstream and all members have embraced the programs. Providing the opportunities is very rewarding.”

Emma believes in encouraging other players of the All-Abilities League to get involved in mainstream competitions as a way of breaking down barriers between the two competitions. She suggests, “Just give it a crack! Have a go and do your best out there!”. Di Van Doren supported this by encouraging clubs to keep an open mind when considering providing opportunities for All Abilities players in mainstream Netball.

Smith agrees the biggest barrier to blending All-Abilities players into the mainstream competitions is player confidence. He says, “Once they [All-Abilities players] feel comfortable, there are no issues.”

Emma’s passion and dedication to netball have led to some great achievements through selection for the Marie Little OAM Shield. Emma represented Victoria back in 2019 in Brisbane, bringing home a silver medal. She represented Victoria a second time in Sydney last year, bringing home not only another silver medal, but was also awarded Most Valuable Player overall for the competition. She says, “It was exciting and a bit of a shock”. 

However, the challenge doesn’t end there. Emma’s competitive spirit prevails as she set her sights on achieving more this year. Emma states, “I am wanting to bring back the gold instead of the silver!”.

If there are any players looking to play in any of the AFL Barwon All Abilities Netball Competitions, please contact AFL Barwon Head of Netball, Sophie Allison (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Author: Nina Hyde

The Diary of an All-Abilities Player

The AFL Barwon All-Abilities League played their inaugural match on the 29th April 2023. Players from 4 teams battled it out at GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park. Among these players was Newcomb Power’s Nick English, who sent us a diary that was written in the lead up to this exciting debut game. 

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Nick has not stopped talking about playing since October last year when Scott Smith invited him to join the team, he loves to train with his team mates. 

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Last week Nick attended the Newcomb game against Queenscliff. He was lucky enough to warm up with the senior team alongside his favourite player Ollie Marshall. Nick ran out with the team with a smile from ear to ear.  

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On Sunday Nick saw the Saints have a good win against Carlton, but this didn't take his focus off the big game under the lights at Kardina Park. 

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On Tuesday Nick had got his mouth guard and is now set for the weekend. 

Resting up before the school term starting on Wednesday, Nick messaged all his friends and family asking them to come along to watch. 

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There was a little scare for Nick on Wednesday when he hurt his little finger playing footy at school. After icing it all night he was good to go before the last training session on Thursday. 

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Nick had a smile from ear to ear at training, and afterwards was presented with his playing jumper from the Geelong Cats players along with the rest of the team. 

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On Friday Nick went to the Saints v Port Adelaide game with with his Mum, Pa and cousin Tess. Although the Saints lost, Nick was still only focused on the big game. 

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It’s now game day and Nick is relaxing at home getting ready to run out for Newcomb Power later that evening. 

He was ready to go at 12 noon.