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. 

The Bellarine Football Netball League, Geelong Football Netball League, and AFL Barwon Football Commission Limited Annual General Meeting’s will be held on Wednesday 27^th November at Buckleys Entertainment Centre.

All AGMs will be held in-person, as per the event specifics below:

Bellarine Football Netball League Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 27^th November 2024

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Buckleys Entertainment Centre, 54 Fellmongers Road Breakwater VIC 3219

Geelong Football Netball League Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 27^th November 2024

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Buckleys Entertainment Centre, 54 Fellmongers Road Breakwater VIC 3219

AFL Barwon Football Commission Limited Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 27^th November 2024

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Buckleys Entertainment Centre, 54 Fellmongers Road Breakwater VIC 3219

AFL Barwon has celebrated and recognised the Football and Netball leaders for the 2024 season at tonight’s Community Awards event held at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.

The Community Awards are a true celebration of coaches, administrators, umpires, trainers and club volunteers who are the lifeblood of local sporting clubs throughout the region.

The nominations for all awards categories were exceptional, with all shortlisted nominees and award winners providing a great reflection of the strength and high-quality people that are within our community.

A very special congratulations to Ian McTaggart who was recognised for his dedication to community sport in the Barwon region. Ian’s unparalleled service led to him being honoured with naming of the AFL Barwon Club of The Year award.

The acknowledgement of local netball coaching pioneer Joy Grubb was a highlight of tonight’s event with the Senior Netball Coach of the Year named in her honour. Joy’s dedication and commitment to netball inspired generations over her decades-long career.

We would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s AFL Barwon Community Awards.

Ian McTaggart Club of the Year

St Joseph's

Mental Health & Wellbeing Club of the Year

Ocean Grove

Social Media & Communications Club of the Year

Queenscliff

Leisure Networks Inclusive Club of the Year

Geelong West Giants

John Edsall Award (Outstanding Service to Administration)

Angie Spinks (Barwon Heads)

Leon Schram Football Administrator of the Year

Andrew Hill (East Geelong)

Junior Netball Administrator of the Year

Stephanie Miles & Kirsten Clarke (South Barwon)

Senior Football Administrator of the Year

Michael O'Leary (East Geelong)

Senior Netball Administrator of the Year

Maddie Okely (Barwon Heads)

Personality of the Year

Lana Anderson (St Albans)

Peter Burke Award (Senior Football Coach of the Year)

Andy Walsgott & Brent Vermeulen (Belmont Lions)

Joy Grubb Award (Senior Netball Coach of the Year)

Lisa Robinson (Newcomb)

Rookie Me Female Football Coach of the Year

Taylah Hassett & Paul Price (Grovedale)

Rookie Me Youth Football Coach of the Year

Sean Lever (Geelong West Giants)

Youth Netball Coach of the Year

Lani Puttyfoot (Drysdale)

Inclusive Coach of the Year

Luke Marruso (Geelong West Giants)

Junior Netball Coach of the Year

Carly Hedlam (Queenscliff)

Junior Football Coach of the Year

Brent Taylor (Drysdale)

Auskick Coach of the Year

Fiona Neumann (Grovedale)

Net Set Go Coach of the Year

Edwina Lidgerwood (Birregurra)

Corio Bay Health Group Trainer of the Year

Cam Ward (Queenscliff)

Football Umpire of the Year 

Bailey Wilson

Football Best First Year Umpire

Nate Patrick

Football Rising Star Umpire

Shay Huby

Netball Umpire of the Year 

Woody Tangoora

Netball Best First Year Umpire

Leni Hassett

Netball Rising Star Umpire

Sharni Van Doren

Hamlan Hanger of the Year   

Jye Bartley (Barwon Heads)

Geelong Homes Goal of the Year

Riley Moore (Geelong West Giants)

The AFL Barwon Commission is proud to announce the that the prestigious AFL Barwon Club of the Year award has been named in honour of Ian McTaggart, in recognition of his unparalleled service to the football and netball community. McTaggart, who resigned from the AFL Barwon Commission in 2022, was a founding member of the Commission when it was formed in 2012, capping off more than two decades of dedicated leadership within the region.

Ian McTaggart's service dates back to the Football Geelong Commission in 2000, and he continued his work through the formation of the Football and Netball Geelong Commission, eventually transitioning into AFL Barwon. During his 21 years in these roles, McTaggart played a pivotal part in key projects including strategic planning, policy development, financial benchmarking for clubs, and the development and management of football and netball databases. His contributions extended to AFL Victoria and VCFL reference groups, solidifying his influence at both regional and state levels.

A life member of the Ocean Grove Football & Netball Club and the Bellarine Football and Netball League, McTaggart served his club for over 25 years before shifting focus to regional administration. His dedication to preserving the history of local football and netball is another lasting legacy. He spent years compiling historical records of premiers, goal kickers, and award recipients, ensuring that the region’s rich sporting heritage would be preserved for future generations.

In addition to his extensive list of achievements, Ian’s mentorship of current and past AFL Barwon staff has been invaluable. His perfectionism and unwavering commitment to integrity have earned him the respect of his peers and the community alike.

AFL Barwon Chair, Michelle Gerdtz, said "Ian has demonstrated a lifetime of unwavering commitment to football and netball in our region. His passion and dedication have shaped the community in countless ways, making it hard to imagine a more deserving individual to have this prestigious award named in his honour. Ian has been a tremendous colleague, mentor, and friend to so many, myself included. His influence has reached far beyond the field and the court, leaving an invaluable mark on the lives of those who have had the privilege of working with him. We are truly fortunate to have benefited from Ian’s vision, leadership, and generosity of over the years."

With over 40 years of service to football and netball, McTaggart is held at the highest of respect within the community for his dedication and integrity. It is not only his official contributions but also the countless hours of unnoticed assistance and dedication that make him a fitting namesake for the AFL Barwon Club of the Year award.