GFNL

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.

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)

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

Please note the following tribunal details:

7pm - Jack Skinner (Colac)

7:45pm - Jack Rose (Portarlington)

Can't view the MRP findings?

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

Can't view the MRP findings?

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?

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

Can't view the MRP findings?

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

Can't view the MRP findings?

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?

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

Can't view the MRP findings?

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

Can't view the MRP findings?

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?

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

Can't view the MRP findings?

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

Can't view the MRP findings?

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.