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."

Mark Neeld, 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

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.

AFL Victoria has launched its Female Coaching Academy, in partnership with BHP, aimed at attracting more female coaches into community football. 

• The BHP AFL Women's Coaching Academy
• BHP Community Coach of the Year Award
• AFLW Player to Coach Programs
• She Can Coach National Program, presented by BHP
• Women's Coaching Month, presented by BHP

South Barwon big men, Fraser Fort and Matt Caldow have tied in a Mathieson Medal coup for the Grand Finalists. It is second time in Mathieson Medal history that two players had tied for the award, with the other being in 1995 with North Shore Jason McGowan and Glenn Keast sharing a 4-way tie.

Fort held a two-vote lead over his teammate coming into the last round, with Caldow polling the two votes he required to tie the award.

In the A Grade Netball, St Joseph's goaler, Emma Buwalda held off last year's winner Ellen Doyle to win her first medal. Buwalda stormed home in the count to win by 7 votes. The count was a role reversal to 2022 where Doyle took out the medal with Buwalda finishing runner up.

The Jim and Bill Allthorpe medal was also a tie with Newtown & Chilwell's Archie Lazzaro and Leopold's Kyle Bumpstead taking home the medal.

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

Football

Blood Toyota Senior Cup

Mathieson Medal - Fraser Fort (South Barwon)

Mathieson Medal - Matt Caldow (South Barwon)

Geelong Advertiser Player of the Year Award - Ryan Abbott (Grovedale)

Leading Goal Kicker - Sam Dobson (St Mary's)

Rookie of The Year - Hunter Lewis (St Josephs)

K rock Player of the year - Paddy De Grandi (St Josephs)

Full Leaderboards

Buckley's Reserves Cup

Allthorpe Medal - Archie Lazzaro (Newtown & Chilwell)

Allthorpe Medal - Kyle Bumpstead (Leopold)

Leading Goal Kicker - Sam Hosking (St Mary's)

Full Leaderboards

Club Awards

Football Club Champion - St Marys

Overall Club Champion - Newtown & Chilwell

K rock Team of the Year

Backs

Jack Driver (South Barwon)

Jack Melican (Colac)

Tevan Nofi (Leopold)

Half Backs

Daniel Weigl (Lara)

Jarryn McCormack (Colac)

Alex Hickey (St Joseph's)

Centre

Bailey Scott (Colac)

Marcus Thompson (Leopold)

Darcy Lang (Colac)

Half Forwards

Mitch Chafer (Grovedale)

Matt Caldow (South Barwon)

Phillip Moimoi (GWG)

Forwards

Adam Garner (Colac)

Sam Dobson (St Mary's)

Paddy De Grandi (St Joseph's)

Rucks

Zachary Zdybel (Colac)

Jarryd Garner (St Marys)

Lachlan Patten (Bell Park)

Interchange

Fraser Fort (South Barwon)

Tanner Lovell (GWG)

Logan Wagener (Leopold)

Ryan Abbott (Grovedale)

Netball

GFNL A Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Emma Buwalda (St Joseph's)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

Hotshots - Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

Full Leaderboards

Buckley's B Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Ebony Coppock (Bell Park)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Monika Hammond (Colac)

Hotshots - Yolande Miller (South Barwon)

Full Leaderboards

Blood Toyota C Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Abbey Chapman (GWG)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Candice Bull (Leopold)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Cassidy Moore (Newtown & Chilwell)

Hotshots - Candice Bull (Leopold)

Full Leaderboards

Epworth D Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Sophie King (St Joseph's)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Jessica Geary (Newtown & Chilwell)

Hotshots - Tracey Hall (Lara)

Full Leaderboards

gforce E Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Joanne Greagan (Lara)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Elsa Rauter (St Mary’s)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Peta Nicholls (Grovedale)

Hotshots - Peta Nicholls (Grovedale)

Full Leaderboards

Club Awards

Rookie of the Year - Chantelle Brundall (St Albans)

Netball Club Champion - South Barwon

Team of the Year

Goalers

Emma Buwalda (St Joseph's)

Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

Uneeq Palavi (Newtown & Chilwell)

Mid Court

Elli Leydin (St Joseph's)

Zara Walters (Colac)

Alahria Smith (Geelong West Giants)

Kiahna Fallon (South Barwon)

Defenders

Brooke Allan (Colac)

Tori Honner (St Joseph's)

Indya Forde (Colac)

Coach

Courtney Cuolahan (Colac)