AFL Barwon welcomes two new directors

The AFL Barwon Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Naylor and Kim Cummins as Directors.

Sarah and Kim will fill the vacancies created by the resignations of Commissioners Michael Overman (in January) and Lachlan Young (in March). Kim will assume the remainder of Michael’s term, which continues beyond this year, while Sarah will complete Lachlan’s current term, concluding at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. As such, Sarah will be eligible for election later this year, while Kim will not be up for election at this time

Kim is a CPA-qualified professional with 20 years’ experience in the sports, venues, and major events industry. He has held senior roles with some of Australia’s most recognised organisations, including the MCG, Marvel Stadium, the AFL and Visit Victoria, where he led the development of major event partnerships and funding strategies. He brings deep expertise in financial management, governance, and strategic planning, and has advised boards and executive teams on major projects, commercial growth strategies, and stakeholder engagement across both government and community sectors.

Sarah Naylor adds a unique blend of financial acumen and deep community involvement to the Commission. She has spent the past eight years in finance and analyst roles at local wheel manufacturing company Carbon Revolution, developing a strong foundation in financial strategy, analysis, and operational support within a high-performance, innovation-driven environment.

Outside of her professional career, Sarah has contributed 14 years of volunteer service to the Geelong West Giants (and previously Geelong West Cheetahs Football & Cricket Club). Most notably, she served as Executive Chair from 2019 through to the end of 2024, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to leadership, teamwork, and community development.

The AFL Barwon Commission extends its sincere gratitude to Lachlan Young for his valuable contribution during his time as a Commissioner, after being formally elected at the 2022 AFL Barwon Annual General Meeting and was serving the final year of his three-year term.

AFL Barwon Chair Michelle Gerdtz welcomed the new appointments and acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Commissioners:

“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah and Kim to the Commission. Sarah’s financial expertise and strong community involvement, alongside Kim’s extensive experience in the finance, sports and major events sector, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our efforts to enhance grassroots football and netball across the region.

We extend a massive thanks to outgoing Commissioners Michael Overman and Lachlan Young for their dedicated service and valuable contributions to AFL Barwon.”

Lachlan made the difficult decision to step away from his role in March to focus on family commitments. The Commission fully supports and respects this decision.

Lachlan shared the following reflection:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past two-and-a-half years working with clubs, stakeholders, commissioners, and the incredible AFL Barwon staff, and will miss the opportunity to give back to grassroots football and netball in our region.

However, family will always come first, and I know this is the right decision for myself, those closest to me, and AFL Barwon as the organisation heads into a busy and exciting new phase.”